[MaC] The Lift is Fixed!

[Mel Mason]

>> > Vangie followed her compatriot-in-the-lift,
>> laughing as she assured
>> > their hostess "Truly they were..." It was the
>> first time she had ever
>> > come close enough to Esme Fitzroy to get a really
>> good look at her face.
>> > She blinked, then quickly recovered and said, "It
>> was quite the little
>> > adventure!"
>>
>> Pamela stepped in to say the proper things, to
>> spare Esme. "And it ends
>> in the best possible way, with the princesses living
>> happily ever
>> after," she said. "May we expect your brave rescuers
>> shortly?"
>>

The brave rescuers had, in fact, now entered the lounge and were heading 
tiwards the bar - Michael and Cyril to collect drinks, and Hodges to return 
to his duties (presumably).

> "Please forgive my lateness as well, Mrs. Fitzroy,"
> said Tabitha, studying the hostess' face for slightly
> longer than necessary. "Things were rather hectic at
> the hospital, I'm afr..." she trailed off, suddenly
> realising where she had seen Esme Fitzroy before. She
> swallowed. "Now, please forgive me, but I haven't had
> anything to drink since lunch," she said quickly,
> heading over to where Marion was tending bar and
> hoping that no one had noticed her shock.
>

Esme seemed to shrink back sligghtly as they addressed her.

"Oh ... yes ... no need to apologise," she said hurriedly.  She stood up 
quickly.

"If ... you'll just excuse me," she said, and she headed towards the stairs 
down to the lower level, leaving her handbag behind.