Bunter: Hard at work, I see!
Piers: This new research into genetics is absolutely groundbreaking, Bunter! It will change so many things in the field of criminology! You can't imagine! ...But, you had something to discuss with me?
Bunter: I'm afraid so, sir. I wish I had better news, but I know you'll understand the situation.
Bunter: Sir, the last renovations to the stable--the lodge--cost us over $30,000.
Piers: What! Good god, man! How did that happen?
Bunter: Well, M'Lord, I think the ladies just had a particular plan in mind, and so, that was that!
Piers: What are we to do, Bunter? We'll have to sell my property in London! And quickly!
Bunter: No need to go that far, sir. But we really should sell your car. Very sorry about that, M'Lord, but until I can bring in more income, we'll have to make do.
Piers: Just my car? Are you sure that will bring in enough money? What about the sailboat?
Bunter: Well, that might be a good idea as well, now you mention it. Hera and Caprice are talking about a pool bar being set up today.
Piers: Here at the house? But none of us know anything about bartending! ...Do you?
Bunter: Oh, no sir. Not bartending. My training was in nectar. But Caprice is determined to learn some basic mixology skills for the wedding.
Piers: Bunter, this is getting out of hand! Do you think I'll end up having to sell my lab equipment?
Bunter: No, M'Lord. I'd never let that happen. In fact, we'll be replacing your car with another one to restore. It shouldn't be any time at all before you have a new vehicle up and running.
Piers: Well, that doesn't sound so terrible then.
Bunter: Just a little time needed, that's all, sir. And I myself have high expectation of more funds within a day or two. They will, of course, be used towards the wedding expenses.
Piers: But see here! You can't be using your personal income to pay my debts! I won't allow it.
Bunter: But M'Lord. I live in this household as well. You took me in and gave me a proper position. Your friendship has no price tag on it!
Piers: Bunter, the regard is mutual. I do rely on you, old boy! But...
Bunter: And there's something else, sir. I feel compelled to give Caprice full artistic license, as it were, in this venture. That is my decision, not yours, M'Lord. I want to cover the unnecessary--I mean, the extra--expenses that arise.
Piers: Bunter, don't tell me you've taken a fancy to another female in this house!
Bunter: It's true that she has captured my attention. I cannot deny that. But this is different, sir. Caprice is different. I can't explain it.
Piers: I believe I understand, my friend. Say no more. ...And do what is needed with our funds. It goes without saying, I trust you implicitly.
Bunter: Thank you, M'Lord. We'll get through this week together. All will be grand. I've no doubt!
And so it was that Piers' custom car was sold and replaced with another beat up vehicle, which Hera herself took charge of.
The area around the pool was landscaped, and the desired bar installed. Caprice tried very hard to keep expenses down and concentrated just on the yard nearest the entertainment lodge.
Knowing that the sailboat had been sacrificed to pay for the bar, Caprice started at once learning drink mixes. She was actually quite excited about this. What better skill for a wedding planner to have than mixology? Well, besides music and dancing.
And if Caprice was giggling a little too much by the end of the day, it was understandable. Sampling drinks was all part of the learning process.
We won't even talk about how Bunter had to go out and fetch her into the house that night.
He lured her inside with the promise of music and dancing...and a new fairy tale.
