"Phryne! Dear child! But you've not got a drink! Get the girl a drink!"

Miss Fisher's lips twitched, and she approached Prudence Stanley's bed holding out both hands, muttering an aside to Dr Elizabeth Macmillan even as her smile widened. "How long has she been like this?"

"Most of the day" responded her close friend and partner in crime. "Be grateful that we've managed to keep her in bed".

"Aunt Prudence, you're looking wonderful!" said Phryne warmly as she approached the bed. "But I'm sorry you're not feeling well?"

"Nonsense. I'm feeling marvellous. Never better."

"Mac doesn't seem to agree, though."

Aunt P lifted her nose dismissively. "Dr Macmillan is no doubt very clever at some things, but she has no idea about the care of the more mature woman."

Phryne stifled a giggle and could almost feel the laser stare being directed at her back by her friend, the coroner.

"You're quite right, Aunt P," the laser stare grew bristles. "What's your secret? Have you found a new cocktail?"

Mrs Stanley bridled proudly. "No, dear. Nothing of the kind. I have some wonderful new medicine from Dr Wilhelm."

"Dr … Wilhelm?" asked Phryne. "I don't think …"

"Oh no, dear, you won't have heard of him," said Mrs Stanley in comforting tones. "He only consults with ladies who have … particular … need of his services."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. I met him at the Deaf Mute Benefit on Thursday, and he was lovely."

Lovely not being an epithet normally employed by Mrs Stanley, Phryne pressed her further.

"In what way, lovely, Aunt P?"

"Oh, the silliest thing. I had trouble getting to my feet after dinner, and as he was helping me, he asked if I had ever tried a treatment for my … general health."

"Your general health is fine," said Phryne acerbically. "What did he offer you?"

"Oh, just a mild tonic," replied Aunt P airily.

"I see," said Phryne calmly and rose to walk to the dressing table. She scanned the assembled glassware while her aunt gazed beatifically out of the bedroom windows. A tasteful pink vial caught her eye, and she lifted it, unstopped it and sniffed the contents, wrinkling her nose. Replacing the cap, she turned the bottle in her hand, reading the label with mounting cynicism.

Wilhelm's Patent Weight Loss Tincture.

Wordlessly, she handed the bottle to Mac, who gave it a cursory glance before pocketing it with a wink and leaving the room at a brisk pace. Analysis would be forthcoming and, Phryne guessed, merciless.

The easy part of the day's work completed, she started the trickier part. Returning to the bed, she replaced the rumpled covers for what must have been the umpteenth time that day.

"Now, Phryne, you don't have a drink yet. How about a lovely cocktail?"

Phryne sighed inwardly. Family.

"How about a nice cup of tea, Aunt Prudence?"