Férié

Butler heard one of the aides, a tall man with impressive side-whiskers, making a comment about « Various teas, Your Majesty, » then the grouping parted and a woman of less than average height was looking at them.
…
« Which of Our dominions does this tea come from? » the Queen asked her entourage, and the man with the whiskers opened his mouth to speak.
« This tea is from Ceylon, Your Majesty, » broke in Butler and the Queen stared at him.
« Do you work for one of Our companies? » she enquired.
« I own an estate there, Ma’am, » and impulsively he picked up one of the packets from the stand. « May I offer this as a gift to Your Majesty? »
The whiskered man reddened and compressed his lips but said nothing as the Queen inclined her head. An aide hurriedly stepped forward and took the packet.
« How very kind, » said the Queen. « Your name, sir? »
« John Butler, Your Majesty. »
« Thank you, Mr Butler. »
With a gracious smile the Queen nodded and moved on. Everyone on the Tondip’s stand hastily bowed or curtsied again...

Geoffrey Bird One Man’s Empire Macmillan New Writing 2008