Alfred had been in the kitchen when the knock came. Straightening his sleeves as he walked, he made sure he was presentable, then pulled open the heavy oak door.
If he was surprised at the sight presented by his two visitors, it didn't register on the valet's face as his eyes moved from the rather slightly built gentleman, up to the imposing woman behind him, back down to the more prominently placed man.
"May I help you, sir? Madame?" he asked politely. Very politely.