[MaC] At the party - Richard, Marty, Nicola, the Skeffington-Nottles

[Mel Mason]

> "Mr. Hodges, it seems as if Mrs. Evans and Miss Mauberly are trapped in 
> the
> lift. I don't think they've been injured, but it is undoubtedly a
> disconcerting
> experience. Do you think you could find a way to release them?"
>
> "Oh bother!  Its this old machinery, and its very difficult nowadays to 
> get
> proper parts!"  Hodges exclaimed at the news.  "Excuse me, can someone
> please
> tell Mr. Fitzroy I'll have to leave off my serving duties.  This matter is
> rather more important.  Excuse me."
>
> Hodges made to leave the apartment to head downstairs to his flat, to
> retrieve his tools.
>
> This left Richard holding his glass, somewhat dumbly. He smiled, but no 
> one
> was there to be charmed by it.
>
> "Right... Suppose that's me, then..."
>
> And he wandered off to find his host...
>

Marty Fitzroy was hovering - a difficult thing for a man of his bulk to 
manage successfully.  It was clear that the focus of his attention was Miss 
Nicola Douglas, who he was watching almost greedily.  At Richard's approach 
he nodded, as though distracted by other things and then - as though struck 
by a brilliant idea - he said, "Have you met Miss Douglas yet?  Miss Nicola 
Douglas?  Would you like me to introduce you?"