h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*June enters the room and look around*

*Marisol stiffens at the name of Miss Somers, and moves to stand directly in line of sight of the door. She remembers not to frown.*

*June smiles at the guests*

*Leans slightly away, Simon having invaded her personal space a bit.*

Which business, Simon? There are quite a few in my portfolio now.

*Ignored, Marisol tosses down the rest of her sherry and turns to Simon with a very gracious smile.*

Another sherry I think? It has been a long time since we... I... Abel has seen you here. How are you?

Simon notices June, and heads back toward the drinks table.

"What may I get for you to drink, madam?"

*enters, absent-mindedly smoothing his jacket over the holster*

Well! Good evening ladies, Simon. So glad you could make it. *air-kissing the women and giving Simon's hand a perfunctory shake*

Jeeves? I'll have my usual. One should never go into dinner without proper fortification, eh?

Simon pours another sherry for Marisol while waiting for June's reply.

"Same as always, Marisol. Just working on these defense contracts. And how have you been?"

Rum and Coke, please Simon.

"Jeeves, old man, I still remember Abel's favourite drink!"

Simon peers into the drinks cabinet.

"My word! There's only a couple of fingers of brandy and a small bottle of seltzer water left! No one else better ask for any brandy and soda!"

Whilst mixing the other drinks, Simons pours a rum and coke for June.

*Accepts the drink gracefully*

Things are a little... difficult right now, Simon.

*She sends a poisonous glance Jane's way*

But I hope that the situation can be rearranged satisfactorily. Abel, can I have a word? Alone?

Simon places the sherry, rum and coke, and brandy soda on a tray, and set them on the table while he pours himself another whiskey.

*Approaches the drinks cabinet.*

Here, let me serve those for you, Simon.

*Takes silver tray of drinks and distributes them to the other guests. The last glass is for Mr Body.*

Hello, Abel. It's a pleasure to see you this evening. Here is your usual brandy and soda.

Thank you my dear. *takes glass and sips distractedly as he turns to Marisol* Private word? Of course, of course. Erm, private word, yes. Shall we step into the parlour?

*to the other guests* Please excuse us, shan't be long I don't think.

*half bows to Marisol* After you, m'love.

*Marisol sweeps out towards the parlor*

*Raises her eyebrows and returns the tray to the bar.*

Hello, June. Nice to see you this evening.

Simon pours another rum and coke, a martini with two olives, and another neat whiskey, and heads toward a seat next to Maria, leaving the rum and coke in front of June, with a wink and a smile.

Hello Maria, it's lovely to be here.

Actually, I just need to nip upstairs for a moment, will you excuse me?

*enters*

Ladies and gentleman, if you would care to bring your drinks through to the dining room, dinner will be served shortly.