A small, cheerful tavern on the Alton Green, chiefly catering to the local folk, but also taking in occasional visitors.

While the gentry of Alton are all enjoying Sir John's party, a short, dark man in rather shabby clothes appears at the pub, and says "Oi'm here to be tellin' ye that moi master Sir Richard Racjwide, a foine Irish gentleman, will be doin' ye the honor of partakin' o' yer best horspitality, and oi bein' his most trusted man am set ahead to be sure that everythin' o' the best is ready for him, food and drink and entertainment." (On this last word he casts a. leer at the serving maid)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 04:17, Sun 23 Jan 2022.

Rosie the barmaid listens with (seeming) respect and says "I'm sure we'll be happy to see that Sir Richard has everything he wants in the way or food or drink, a bed for the night or other ....entertainment."

Phineas says "Roight, and jes' ta' pass the time, ye moight gi' me a cup o'ale for mysel'f to keep me from dyim' o' thirst afore he arrives." He reluctantly lays a couple of small coins on the table.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:48, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

Rosie eyes the coins appraisingly and asks, "Would ye be wantin' a small cup of our best brew, or a great cup of our common ale?"

Phineas answers, "Make it a great cup, and be swift with it, I've a powerful thirst on me after ridin' down from Town."

Rosie brings the large cup of cheap drink with a mildly contemptuous expression. After taking a long swallow of it, Phineas says "Now this is jus' foine wi' me, lassie, but me maister'll be wantin' somethin' better. May Oi ask what ye have in the way of French wines an' brandies?"

Rosie tosses her head and says, "Oh, we've drink of the best, for those who can pay for it. This inn has ...friends...among the ...gentlemen... who keep us well supplied."

"Do your...friends... also supply the great houses hereabouts, such as Markham Hall?" Phineas presses her.

Rosie says doubtfully, "I fancy they do, but 'tis none o' my concern, mind. I'll not say for sure who might be buying from them."

Phineas asks cautiously, "D'ye think I might be able to have a word wi' one of those as supplies the goods hereabouts?"

Meanwhile, back at the pub, Phineas Fitch had made an agreement with a shady individual who supplied smuggled French wine and brandy to the local gentry. Thereafter he quietly vanished from the neighborhood for the time being.