By the time she got inside, she was out of breath and her shoes were soaked, but that was the worst of it. Thanks to her planning, there’d been ample canvas coverings for the boxes of delicate books, and the tents were sturdy enough to withstand even gusty winds.

Phyllida shook out her umbrella and turned to find Elton standing there in the foyer of the rectory. He was soaked from head to toe, his dark hair falling over his face.

“Shall I get you a cup of hot tea, Mrs. Bright?” he asked, pushing the dripping hair from his face.

“Why, thank you, Elton, that would be very nice,” she replied. “I don’t suppose there’s been some brewed already.”

“Mr. Dobble told Molly to see to it, for Mrs. Agatha and Miss Sayers were wanting something,” said the valet.

Phyllida nodded. Mr. Dobble was no doubt attempting to redeem himself for forgetting to tell Nancy about the faulty damper. As well he should.

“Shall I find you a blanket, too, Mrs. Bright?” asked Elton, still standing there dripping—much more generously than she was. “You’ve gotten wet.”

“You’re in far more need of a blanket than I,” she replied, to which he responded with a bashful smile.

“Yes, ma’am, I beg your pardon. I didn’t mean to drip on you. I’ll just go get your tea. Two lumps and splash of milk, is that right, ma’am?”

Phyllida paused, surprised that he should be aware of her preference. “Why, yes, thank you, Elton. Do you know where Mrs. Agatha and her guests have gone?”

More important than drying her shoes and sipping a warm brew was ensuring the Detection Club was comfortable and their needs were seen to.

At least she wouldn’t need to worry about the press invading the rectory; Elton, Stanley, and the other servants had been given strict orders that no one but the Mallowans and their guests should be allowed in the rectory should it rain. That included the Murder Club members.

“I’ll show you, ma’am,” he said. “But should I get your tea first?”

“Yes, that would be appreciated.” Phyllida changed her shoes into the second pair she’d brought along for such a circumstance, and by the time she finished, Elton had returned with her tea. Along with it was a biscuit on a small plate.

“I noticed you didn’t get to finish your pasty, ma’am,” he said with a definite blush, “so I brought that as well.”

Slightly amused, but touched by his thoughtfulness, Phyllida walked with him down the hall.

She could hear voices and realized the Detection Club was in the same room where Inspector Cork had interviewed the Murder Club members last night. She approved, for it was the most comfortable room she’d seen in the building.