Where there’s wealth and power, there’s inevitably hangers-on. Such courtiers may be nobility who don’t stand to inherit, poor nobles with no power or position, career functionaries, socialites, mistresses, wealthy merchants who can afford to hobnob with aristocrats or anybody who manages to engage the interest of the powerful. They act as a sort of “celebrity entourage,” providing support and companionship in return for reflected glory and access to powerful friends. They may deliver sensitive letters, back their patron up in a fight, make arrangements for parties or make sure rooms and carriages are ready by ordering the servants around. They do the work of flunkies, but they do it with grace and style.