If you want to say ‘it is quarter past nine’ then that’s Es ist viertel nach neun. And half past, in German, you actually say half to. So half past nine is half to ten. Es ist halb zehn.

Supper is served in the Servants' Hall at half-past nine. The Second Footman is to lay the table, serve, and clear away afterwards. Providing you work is done, from half past nine until you are ...

It is compulsory for all members of Staff to attend Family prayers in the Main Hall at a quarter-past nine. Your duties resume at half-past nine when you should take the young Master of the house ...