Bennett stepped out first, holding out her hand to assist Ruby, while Gus and Cathleen exited the other door. Bennett breathed in the cold air and waved her arm toward the house. “Shall we?”

Ruby, Cathleen, and Gus exchanged nervous glances, and collectively they took deep breaths before walking with Bennett to the front door. The two men standing by it nodded their acknowledgment to Bennett, and a moment later, Bennett and her mute companions entered Max’s home.

The foyer set the tone for the rest of the house, for it was prestigious and massive. Double staircases with iron railings curved upward and centered in the landing was an enormous tapestry depicting a hunting scene. The crystal chandelier lighting the space held nearly a hundred bulbs, and a sizable Persian rug protected most of the polished walnut floors. The walls and woodwork were white, colors added by the various paintings and sconces hanging from the walls, and off to the side was a stately grand piano. There were three double-wide pocket doors on each side, all of which were open to reveal the equally spacious rooms to the right and left.

“Good evening, Bennett,” Victor said as he approached. “You look quite debonair tonight.”

Bennett wasn’t the only one. Victor wore clothing from the Tudor period. His linen shirt was ruffled at the neck and cuffs, and his rust-colored doublet ended as his waist. Woolen hose and blousy pantaloons covered his legs, and atop his head was a flat hat under which was a gray wig cut into a bob.

“Thank you,” Bennett said, admiring Victor’s outfit. “You look quite dapper as well, although I’m a little surprised you’re answering the door. Shouldn’t you be enjoying the party?”

“I plan too, but old habits die hard,” Victor said with a sweep of his arm. “But please, join the others. The Jensens are already here, so I’ll assume this is the rest of your group.”

“It is,” Bennett said, turning to her friends. “Victor, this is Ruby Miller and Gus and Cathleen Rooney.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I do hope you enjoy the party,” Victor said, bowing at the waist. “And now I’m afraid I need to check on the staff. Bennett, you know where everything is. Feel free to show everyone around.”

Like they were connected at the hip, Gus, Cathleen, and Ruby moved closer to Bennett, and Ruby whispered, “I have a feeling I’m going to be asking this all night, but I’m thinking he was born in the sixteenth century?”

“Close,” Bennett said with a dip of her head. “Victor was born in the late 1400s. He was Max’s manservant for many years before being turned in the mid-1500s.”

“Wow. And he’s been a butler ever since?”