"Mr. Hastings, the Duke is resting inside."
Under the guidance of the butler, Arthur crossed the foyer and gallery to reach the study on the second floor.
As soon as he opened the door, Arthur saw the old Duke lying on a campaign hammock suspended between two columns, his face covered by a hat to shield it from the sunlight.
Seeing this, Arthur pursed his lips toward the Duke and asked the butler in a low voice, "Has His Grace fallen asleep?"
"Er..." the butler replied softly, "Please forgive the intrusion. If you are not too busy, perhaps you could wait in the foyer and have a cup of tea? His Grace has been experiencing poor sleep quality lately, sleeping on and off. He should wake up soon."
No sooner had the butler finished speaking than a weary voice came from the campaign bed, "Sean, pour me some wine, my throat is a bit dry."
