Nuala tends the tea herself, as a proper hostess; hers is quite bitter, but there's honey and cream and lumps of sugar all there if Jones would like one or the other.

"I have travelled through the United States," she says, smiling, "and I do remember the 1930s, as your kind reckon, though I confess I have had little to do with men until such time as I joined with Hellsing." It isn't the same calendar that hers keep to, but then, the calendar here is different again, too. She's willing to make these adjustments and to keep track of of the differences.

"I'm afraid I haven't met your Dr Barrett for myself," she amends, offering the cup. "But yes, I am familiar."