Sharon had read all of those Jane Austen novels, and remembered how the butlers behaved.

‘We would like to leave the club as it was, Mr Mathers,’ she said, ‘but as it is a members-only club, we also felt that we should provide everything for the members. There would be you, of course, overseeing all of the arrangements. We want a good chef who can offer whatever takes the gentlemen’s fancy and, as there are a few large lounges, we think one of them could be an entertainment room. All the rest would stay exactly the same. However, we thought that maybe some of the younger gentlemen might appreciate that feminine touch.’ Sharon had cracked it. She had said just what Jake and Tony were thinking, but couldn’t find the words to express.

They could all see Mr Mathers was deep in thought. He obviously didn’t like the thought of women invading his club. ‘Of course, it’s your club, Mr Lambrianu, and it’s no secret you hire exotic dancers, that’s your business. Personally, I wouldn’t like to think of the club as some sort of brothel, with all due respect.’

‘Neither would I,’ said Tony. ‘We’re just offering entertainment, Mr Mathers. That way, if they wanted, the members could be entertained in their own private space, without having to rub shoulders with… well, just anyone.’ Tony didn’t want to say ‘commoners’, because he felt that Mr Mathers thought he was common. Brothel, indeed!

‘Well, that sort of thing would have to be left in the capable hands of Ashley. He would be good at that sort of thing. Personally, I would like to distance myself from it and tend to my gentlemen in the other lounges.’

‘Ashley? Who is Ashley?’ asked Tony. Now they were getting way ahead of themselves. This bloody butler was already organising the staff.

‘Ashley is a young gentleman, fully trained as a butler, who was an under butler at one of the large estate houses. He was always on hand to cheer the gentlemen up and see to their needs. Looking after the entertainment side of things would be his dream come true. Yes, Ashley is definitely the man for the job.’

It seemed to Tony that Mathers had already made up his mind, and now he was beginning to lose his patience with this pompous old butler. Sharon saw the look in Tony’s eye and knew she had to step in again.

‘He sounds excellent, Mr Mathers. And, of course, with that kind of recommendation from you, how could we refuse? So, do you wish to continue as butler of the club, or are you going to leave us to find a poor substitute for you?’ Sharon smiled at him and cast a sly glance over at Tony.

Then Mr Mathers took them all by surprise; he reached into his coat pocket and took out a notebook, which he handed to Tony. ‘I have contacted most of the gentlemen in the book, who were members. Some are away at the moment; many have houses abroad, you know.’