seneschal

The Seneschal leaned back, and was concerned to feel his pulses throbbing a shade too quickly.

His brows came together in a frown, from which the Seneschal argued that his suggestion was not well received.

He bowed, with a flourish of his plumed hat, and would with that have taken his departure but that the Seneschal stayed him.

At his desk sat his secretary, who had been a witness of the interview, lost in wonder almost as great as the Seneschal's own.

To the invitation to precede him she readily responded, and, with a bow to the Seneschal, she began to walk across the apartment.