At the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
Persephone (to George): Good morning, Mister Fitzroy. Want some breakfast? Mam's got some pancakes on the griddle and tea is all made.
George (to Persephone): Thank you, Miss Persephone, that would be lovely. Ms. Dvorak left for business last night & the pantry is a bit barren.
Persephone (to George): Heehee, my pleasure. I just stopped by to see the baby & of course was immediately put to work. Here you are.
A short time later:
Charles (to Persephone): Miss Persephone? Could you let Mrs. Longfellow know we almost have the chimney cleared. The oven... Excuse me! I didn't know you were... (to George) Oh! Hello, Mr. Fitzroy. I was, um, I was just assisting Mr. Longfellow. The, um, chimney is backed up on one of the ovens, you see. A bird flew into it and I was... Well, I'm sure you can gather.
Persephone (to Charles & George): I'll do that right now. I'm sure Mam will be happy to know she can bake again.
George (to Charles): Heh. So, you're a chimney sweep too, Mister Turner? Is there anything you can't do? :-)
Charles (to George): I wouldn't say I'm a sweeper. I'm not very comfortable in high places, so I was never any good at climbing the flutes... Oh. You were teasing me. Heh. Of course.
George (to Charles): Only slightly... Hold still. You missed a spot of soot on your face... Can I ask you a question, Mister Turner?
Charles (to George): ... Um, yes. Of course. What, ah, what can I do for you, missssster Fitzroy? Excuse me. Mr. Fitzroy?
George (to Charles): Did you, by any chance, send a bouquet of flowers to me the day after we went to the theatre?
Charles (to George): What? No. I didn't... Miss Persephone! I-- I am so sorry, Mr. Fitzroy! This is my fault! I... I may have said a few things after we went to the theatre, and Miss Persephone took it upon herself to... I'm very sorry! I hope I didn't cause you any trouble or embarrassment.
George (to Charles): ... Oh. I had honestly hoped they were from you. My mistake... I should go. Please tell Miss Persephone they were lovely.
Charles (to George): Wait. You did? But... You spent half the night telling me how much you hated frills and dresses and you would throttle the any gentleman foolish enough to send you flowers! I thought... You are infuriatingly confusing, are you aware of that?
George (to Charles): I'm confusing! You spent the whole time going on about the Longfellows and how much you appreciated their help. And, how Persephone has been SO nice to you since you've been with them... what else was I supposed to say?
Charles (to George): That is most certainly NOT the only thing I talked about! I-- I can't believe you... Excuse me! I have work to finish up with the blasted chimney! I... Good morning, sir.
George: Ooooo, he makes me so ruddy mad! (to Charles) Good day to you, too!
A few minutes later:
Charles: Just OPEN you great bloody pain in my arse... Blast!
Persephone (to Charles): Charles? Mam said there's still a bit of smoke coming into the kitchen. Can you get on the roof & tell Da or should I? Oh... Are you alright? Were you just swearing? You never swear.
Charles (to Persephone): Oh. Excuse me, miss. I'm sorry. I couldn't get this open. I'll go let Mr. Longfellow know there still seems to be a block.
Persephone (to Charles): ... And, now you're being overly polite. Grunt. What did I do now?
Charles (to Persephone): ... You sent those bloody flowers to George, I mean, Miss, I mean MISTER Fitzroy! And she's angry I didn't send them, because I thought she didn't WANT me to send them! And she said she only said that because I talked about the inn too much, but I didn't! I even bloody... E--excuse me. I didn't mean to shout. Please... Please forgive my behavior.
Persephone (to Charles): It's alright, Charles, you have every reason to be angry with me. I sent those flowers because I knew that's what George wanted you to do or she wouldn't have mentioned it. And, I knew you wouldn't do it yourself because you take things so bloody literal & you're much too serious for your own good, sometimes. But I didn't think she'd come and ask you about it, face to face. I'm very sorry. I'll go talk to her, if you'd like.
Charles (to Persephone): ... Thank you for the offer, Ms Persephone, but I don't think she's as interested in me as she claims. I'm going to go help your father now. Excuse me.
Persephone (to Charles): Charles, you really don't know anything about girls... teenage girls, especially. The-- We are a confusing lot. Believe me.
Charles (to Persephone): ... I have no trouble believing that.
Persephone (to Charles): She likes you or she wouldn't be so upset. And, you were supposed to tell her she looked pretty in the frills, but that you think she looks just as nice in the suits. And, when she was telling you that she didn't want flowers sent that meant she wanted YOU to send some to her. She wanted to know where she stood with you, silly boy. You're terrible at coming out and telling a girl you like her, so she wanted some sort of sign. And, I know you fancy her so, don't bother to deny it. She wouldn't be the first girl you couldn't just say you liked to her face & she wouldn't anger you so much if you didn't.
Charles (to Persephone): ... I never said that I didn't fancy her. She's in hiding. I thought sending flowers to a "Miss Fitzroy" might cause trouble.
Persephone (to Charles): I hand delivered them, Charles, no one at the flower shop saw the card, I assure you.
Charles (to Persephone): Oh! Oh. Of course. I should have thought of that. I'm sorry, Miss. I... I'm a bit at sixes and sevens. I should really go see to the chimney before there's a fire. Excuse me.
Persephone (to Charles): Alright.
A short time later, at Ms. Dvorak's house; New London, Britannia:
George (to Fiona): Oh, pardon me, Ma'am. I didn't see you there... Oddly.
Fiona (to George): Well now, that's not a surprise. Way you were studying them, you must be bloody familiar with those cobblestones for them to lead you home, lass. I'm here to see the old Firebrand.
George (to Fiona): Oh, um, she's not in, at the moment. She had to take care of something... Did you have an appointment? I'm sure she'd be more than happy to see you when she returns. I can put you on the books for next week... Or are you here about something else?
Fiona (to George): I'm never in the books if I can help it. You're a bright girl. I'm sure you can work it out. When do you expect her back?
George (to Fiona): Oh... OH... I beg your pardon. I should have guessed straight away. I was a bit lost in my own thoughts. Ms. Dvorak said she would be gone for a few days, said there was something she needed to look into. She took an airship heading to Rangoon, if that means anything... She's spoken very highly of you, Miss McGillivray.
Fiona (to George): Might mean the world. Course, could also mean the old biddy's bones just needed a bit of warm weather, couldn't it? You're sharp as a spade, aren't you? Heh. Know why she keeps you about. She speaks highly of me, eh? Does that mean she's stopped calling me the great Gaelic clod and one-woman brute squad, or has she added in more colorful monikers of late?
George (to Fiona): Um... Mostly, she's been calling you the Wrecking Ball.
Fiona (to George): Ha ha ha! Well, she's not wrong about that. There's naught to be done right now, is there? Suppose I'll be off like an East Garden girl's knickers. See you about, wee bit.
George (to Fiona): Good afternoon, Miss McGillivray.
Fiona (to George): Ha! Just Fiona is fine. God forbid I ever be a Miss to anyone again. You're not in any trouble, are you, girl? You look a bit shaken.
George (to Fiona): ... Not any more than usual. I'm just having a bit of a problem with a boy. I'm sure, you don't want to hear about it. You've got big important life-threatening, world-ending sort of things to handle... I'm just kinda missing my mother, at the moment. She was always good at talking me through this sort of shite... I mean, stuff.
Fiona (to George): Awww, it's adorable when you little wee things try to be polite on my account. Call shite, shite when that's what it is. Wish I could help. I wouldn't know what to do with a boy problem that isn't solved by socking him or shagging him. Or both if you're lucky.
George (to Fiona): Heehee, I don't think he would like either of those choices, at all. Heh. He'd probably just straighten his ruddy tie & say 'Oh, I beg your pardon, was I in your way?' if I tried any of that.
Fiona (to George): Ha ha ha! Well, in my experience a lad who says he doesn't want to get himself messy shagging a bird usually doesn't go in for birds. Hell's bells, even Wilkes got himself buttered with his crumpet, and I was sure he was part automaton.
George (to Fiona): Oh? ... OH...You think he might not be into girls? That would certainly explain why he didn't pursue Miss Longfellow and she's quite a looker and seemed liked him in return. I mean, she's a good deal older than him, but that would explain a few things. I just thought it was me. I mean, because I dress like a boy... And, Miss Longfellow is so girly. I thought he liked that sort. But, if he's into blokes there's not much I can do about that.
Fiona (to George): This isn't the Longfellow that's staying with Artemis, is it? Blonde bit of crumpet?
George (to Fiona): Oh yes, that would be the one, Persephone.
Fiona (to George): Your boy is that formal little thing that traipsed after her for a while, then.
George (to Fiona): Yes... But, he's not MY boy. Not really.
Fiona (to George): Heh. I think there might be more to the story than just him liking lads, wee bit. Wilkes said he smelled like old shoes, and unwashed chamber pots when they found him. Been hiding in the sewers before that. I'm afraid I've got no advice for you girl. Good or ill. Not that I'm the type to be passing it out in the first place.
George (to Fiona): Thank you for listening to me natter on, anyway.
Fiona (to George): Wasn't any bother. Don't waste your time worrying about the types that don't like you, whatever their reasons. The ones that are worth fretting over are the ones who do. You'll save yourself a good deal of heartache that way.
George (to Fiona): You're probably right. Thank you again.
Fiona (to George): Ha! Or I'm a smug auld lady who's been hit in her head one too many times. Cheers!
A moment later:
Persephone (to George): Mister Fitzroy, there you are! I've been looking all over for you. I should have known you'd be home.
George (to Persephone): ... Miss Longfellow, why would you be looking for me?
Persephone (to George): Wooo, give me a moment to catch my breathe... I practically ran to catch up with you & then I lost you... Took me a minute realize you were heading back here... I owe you a huge-- actually, it's more like a gigantic apology. I am so sorry for sending you the bouquet of flowers. I didn't mean to upset you. I thought I was helping... and like all my plans, it went horribly awry. Please, forgive me.
George (to Persephone): Oh. It's alright, I'm not mad at you. Well, not anymore, anyway. Besides, they were very nice flowers.
Persephone (to George): Oh, I'm glad you liked them, I didn't want to pick anything too over the top... Look, please don't be mad at Charles. He's a dumb boy who's had a rough time of it. He could really use a friend and you're the only one he's got.Could you just cut him some slack, okay?
George (to Persephone): Okay, okay... He really is dumb, isn't he?
Persephone (to George): One of the dumbest. :-P Alright, I need to get back home & help Mrs. Esterly with the chores.
George (to Persephone): Heh. Thank you for the flowers & coming to talk to me. You're alright, I take back all of the mean things I said about you.
Persephone (to George): Oooo, you know just how to sweet talk a girl. Cheers!
A couple hours later, on the street somewhere; New London, Britannia:
Carver (to Starling): We do hope this is more entertaining than your last meeting, miss. We are getting bored.
Starling (to Carver): Oh? I'm so sorry for boring you, Mister Carver. If these meetings are so dull, I will happily return you to Tin Town... I'm sure you miss your childhood home.
Carver (to Starling): No, Miss Starling. We don't really think about it. We're also not sure it's still there, miss.
Starling (to Carver): Alright, then. We need to discuss what's to be done about the Yashida situation. The younger is boring me. He and his replacement may have reached the end of their usefulness. Unless, you have some thoughts.
Carver (to Starling): Not about your plan, miss. You know we're not very good at that sort of thing, miss. We have some thoughts about what to do with the younger Mr. Yashida. We ALWAYS have ideas about that kind of thing, miss...We've seen that young man before, miss. We believe we have found a way to keep ourselves occupied for a little while.
Starling (to Carver): Oh? Well, have fun, Mister Carver. If you happen to run into the young Miss Kobayashi on your travels, please bring her to me.
Carver (to Starling): Of course, miss. If I find her, I will bring her to you immediately.
A moment later:
Carver (to Nathaniel): Hello, sir. We seem to remember seeing you before.
Nathaniel (to Carver): Huh? Who me? Heh. Maybe. I do got one of them faces.
Carver (to Nathaniel): No, sir. We remember seeing YOU before. Why is that, sir?
Nathaniel (to Carver): Can't say. I like places with cheap booze and easy people serving it. Heh. If you frequent places like that, you probably seen me. Not that it ain't been a real little slice of, uh, of something, but I gotta get going. Stay frosty, blondie.
Carver (to Nathaniel): You seem to be shaking, sir. Are you nervous? We're not sure why, but we find you most interesting, sir
Delphine (to Nathaniel & Carver): Oh, pardonnez-moi... Do you know the way to the Slaughtered Lamb?
Nathaniel (to Delphine): I do indeed. How about I escort you, miss? The streets seem to be getting bit dodgy these days. (to Carver) Excuse us.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): You are such a gentleman. Merci! (to Carver) Au revoir, Monsieur.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Yeah. That's me: a damn gentleman all over.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): You know, you could at least say thank you, mon cheré. I saw the way Carver was looking at you, that was not a good look. If I had not interrupted, you'd be on the end of one of his pig-stickers.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Don't I fucking know it? I'm trying to put as much space between me and fucking Gretta and Stella as goddamn possible. Thank you, by the way. Duck through here. He's still fucking following us.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): ... OW! Merde! You just shocked me... Oh! Are you a skipper?
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Am I a what? What the hell are you talking about? Anyway... Thanks for the rescue. Here. Your next drink's on me. I think I'm gonna go the fuck home and hide under the covers for a month or two.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): Oh, thank you... you are far too kind.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Yeah... Don't mention it. Seriously. I'd like to forget ALL about it.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): Oh? That will take another drink.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): That would take more drinks than I think I'm physically capable of consuming.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): Heehee. Go on with your bad self, mon cheré.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Go on with my bad self?
Delphine (to Nathaniel): Heehee, my apologies, I thought you might get the reference.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Heh. Sorry to disappoint you then. Shiiit! What the fuck did the bartender put in here?
Delphine (to Nathaniel): That would be alcohol… And, a sedative, Nathaniel Jones. Don't worry. No one is going to hurt you. My employer simply wants to meet you.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Fuck... Shoulda... shoulda known better than to trust your bleach-job ass...
Delphine (to Nathaniel): Stick & stones, mon cheré, sticks & stones.
An hour or so later, in the middle of nowhere; Scotland:
Delphine (to Wilbur Franklin): Mister Franklin, I have a present for you.
Wilbur (to Delphine): It's about time, Delphine! So, you think he's from another timeline? Fascinating?
Delphine (to Wilbur): Yes, I believe so. (to Nathaniel) Wake up, mon cheré.
Wilbur (to Delphine): Excellent! Wonderful! We'll need brain scans and tests and OH… possibly, X-rays.
Delphine (to Wilbur): … That's not why I brought him here, mon cheré. You wanted help to find your daughter. I think he can do it, I'm not quite sure why I think that, but I remember him from somewhere.
Wilbur (to Delphine): Oh! Oh right, my daughter. She's been missing for months. I almost forgot. I've been working on the device...
Nathaniel (to Delphine & Wilbur): ... Christ. Fucking drugging a guy is a shitty way to asking for help y'know. Y'all can go to goddamn hell.
Wilbur (to Delphine): Oh my! You drugged him, Delphine? (to Nathaniel) My boy, I apologize for her behavior. That was terribly rude.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): I'm sorry, but you couldn't know where Mister Franklin is hiding. He's been in danger ever since word got out about his latest project. I was hired to keep him safe by the vice president of the company. His daughter went missing 8 months ago. We're worried that CLANNG or someone worse has her. (to Wilbur) I'm sorry, but Ms. Greymalkin paid me a lot of money to keep you hidden & if you're killed I don't get paid.
Nathaniel (to Delphine & Wilbur): No! No, no, no. Do not say any fucking more. The more you fucking tell me, the less likely you are to let me go home. Look, I don't know who the hell you think I am, but I was just out looking for a fuck and a drink.
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): Dear boy, there's a lady present, please try to curb your tongue… Are you really a skipper from another timeline? How do you see the world? Do you see time? Is it a feeling? Or are you as in the dark as the rest of us?
Nathaniel (to Wilbur & Delphine): You two are fucking insane, you know that? I have no idea what the hell you're talking about.
Delphine (to Wilbur): Mister Franklin, stay focused. We want his help to find Georgette, not for experiments. (to Nathaniel) You can play this game all you want, Nate. I'm sorry I grabbed you this way but it was for the best. Someone could have been watching & it had to look real.
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): This is my fault. (to Delphine) Delphine, leave us… Please?
Delphine (to Wilbur): Yes, sir. I'll be right outside, if you need me.
Wilbur (to Delphine): Thank you. (to Nathaniel) I really am sorry Delphine grabbed you, my boy. I'm under protective custody, hidden somewhere safe, but my daughter went missing a day before we were to leave. I haven't been able to find her & I've been distracted with my work… It's really fascinating. I'm building a-- Oh. You don't want to hear about it… Would you like some tea?
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): Uh, no thanks. I've learned my lesson about drinking shit around people I don't know. Let's say, for argument's sake, I was whatever the hell it is Delphine seems to think I am. How would *I* be able to help you find your daughter?
Wilbur (to Delphine): … My Georgette is special. If you're a skipper like Delphine seems to think you are, you'll know when you find her. I don't know how to explain but, you'll know… I just want her to be here with me. I miss her. Will you please help me?
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): Seriously, man, I'm no one. I work security at a club, fergodssake. And this--this whatever you're building, it sounds like some serious shit. Like SERIOUS shit. I don't want any trouble with the damn crown, you know? ... Delphine is sketchy as hell, man. How do I know you're not with CLANNG or someone worse?
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): Have you ever heard of Vernian Industries, my boy?
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): Like I said, I'm a door guy in a club in the East Gardens; before that, I lived in Nowhere, Mississippi in the colonies. You're gonna have to help me out here.
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): Heh. Have you ever flown in an airship or ridden in an automobile? Or been on a boat or a submarine?
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): Yeah. Couple of times. What? You work for somebody who builds those?
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): Heh. My boy, my company produces them. We own the patents on all of them. Tesla, Edison, Marconi they've all helped make my dreams come true. And now, my latest idea is to travel at the speed of thought. A gateway.
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): Wow... You ARE fucking crazy. Even I know that's impossible.
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): Look, I realize I know this is hard to believe but I have found a way to open a gateway to another world… And, there are people who can do it naturally. I don't know how they do it but I want to learn. If you are one, I can help you all stay hidden… but, I'll need to have Georgette back. Please? She's all I have.
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): Look, man, I'd be happy to ask around and see if anyone I know has seen your girl, Georgette Franklin, right? I'll see if I turn up anything. Consider it payback from Delphine getting me away from Carver, OK? We can call it even. Hidden? Why would folks like that need to stay hidden?
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): … I imagine that having that sort of power would be interesting to some people & not all of them good. With Georgette's help I could hide them from everyone… and make my gateways permanent, so no one would need look for them. They would safe to live normal lives.
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): Oh. Yeah. Guess so. Heh. Fair enough. Look, I said I'd do what I could to see if I can find your kid, and I meant it. Are you, uh, you gonna let me go home?
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): Oh yes, of course, you're not a prisoner. Just ask Delphine & she'll take you back. She's a skipper, you know. Quite a good one, too. She has the innate ability to track other skippers, it's quite marvelous. Here. Take this card. If you find Georgette, please go to this address and ask to see Sidney Greymalkin, she's the Vice president of my company. Let her know that you know where she is.
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): I ain't making any promises, you understand, but I'll look for her.
Wilbur (to Nathaniel): Thank you, my boy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to return to my work.
Nathaniel (to Wilbur): Yeah. Course. Have fucking at it. I'll just see myself out...
A minute later:
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Oh fucking shit! ...Jesus! You're likely to kill a man sneakin' up on him like that, you know that?
Delphine (to Nathaniel): And, what a way to go, mon cheré… Look, I realize you don't like me very much. But, I was just doing my job. Ready for me to bring you back?
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Listen, and listen up good, I don't know who the fuck you THINK I am, but if you ever, EVER fucking pull some shit like that--
Delphine (to Nathaniel): You'll what? Emote all over me? … I am SO scared.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): No. I will cut you the fuck open. I don't give a SHIT how little or girly you are. I will spill your damn insides. You don't fucking drug me.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): Oh? And, you say you're not the person I think you are. I remember you… Go on, get yourself home, then. I won't stop you… Or help you for that matter.
Nathaniel (to Delphine): Did you hear me fucking ask for it? Enjoy your night, cheré.
Delphine (to Nathaniel): Au revoir, Mister Jones.
A short time later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel: Shit, shit, shit, shit, SHIT. Just... Fuckin' shit.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate? Are you alright? You look a bit shaken.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I... Oh, Jesus! C'mere for a minute. I gotta tell you SO much fucking shit, but just... for a minute.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … Oh. What have you been up to? You smell like a French cathouse… Actually, that is a familiar scent... Damn it. Delphine… What did she do?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ...You know fucking Delphine? Christ. Of course you do. Wait. Oh. Yeah you do. Oh, that is JUST fucking fabulous... She fucking drugged me and dragged me to some safe house in the middle of God-damn-fucking-nowhere. She's been hired to provide security for goddamn Wilbur Franklin of Vernian Industries, apparently. He's lookin' for a way to open up and stabilize the portals. They think I can find his prodigal fucking daughter for some ass-ramming reason.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): … Well, you have had quite a day… And, I know where his daughter is, in fact, you do, too. There's a very good reason why his daughter is not with him. The crown does not want him to complete his project. And, for some reason, he needs her. So, we keep her as far away from him as possible.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I kinda figured that. People like Franklin... They always think folks are gonna use their inventions for the good of all fucking humanity. They forget what horrible fucking dicks people are...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, there's that & if he completes his project, the financial catastrophe that might ensue due to the transportation infrastructure of the entire world might very well collapse. Whoever controls that sort of thing could potentially control the world.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Not to mention making skippers like me a hot fucking commodity, as we'll be the only assholes who'll be able to travel without going through the controlled and regulated fucking portals. You don't have to sell me on why it's a Bad Fucking Idea. I remember what things were like with one WAY too fucking powerful organization in control...
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Don't worry, it's not going to happen. We won't let him finish his project… I need to go.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): What?! Oh. Yeah. You probably do. I... Shit. I'll see you later.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Will you be okay?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): ... Yeah. Just ran into some people I would've rather not. You know... It's got me fucking twitchy. Go. You got shit to do.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I'll be back as soon as I can… I love you.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): I love you too. So, SO fucking much. Be careful, OK?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course. You're not going to do anything stupid while I'm gone, are you?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Stupid? Like what? I won't eat all your damn marzipan or marmalade or whatever the fuck it is. Don't worry.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): That is not what I mean and you know it. Just don't go looking for trouble. I'll be back soon.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Honestly, I never go looking for it. I just seem to have a talent for finding it. I'll be careful. Promise.
A few moments later:
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly, I'll be out for a bit. I need to go to the department. We've got trouble brewing.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Good heavens. Don't we just ALWAYS? Of course, dear. I'll mind things here. What do you need me to do?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): You may want to put Fitzroy somewhere safe & keep an eye on Nate.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Well, managing Ms. Fitzroy shouldn't be a problem. Hee hee hee. I have a few ideas that may help. What on earth has Nathaniel gotten himself embroiled in this time? With the way those Potters sniff out trouble, I would swear that they're all half terrier.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Delphine picked him up & took him to see Mr. Franklin. I should go. Just make sure Nate stays put. Please.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course, dear. I'll hogtie him and throw him in the basement if needs be. Don't worry.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you.
A couple minutes later:
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Packing dear? Were you planning on going somewhere?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh! Shit! Mrs. Esterly, you... You fucking startled me.
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Yes. So, I see. You still haven't answered my question, Nathaniel. Where are you going this time of night?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh. Um... I wasn't really... I mean, I was just... Jesus fucking hell, Mrs. Esterly! I was fucking calmer when I saw Carver! How the fuck is that even possible?
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Because, dear, Carver will merely disembowel you, whereas not only will I disembowel you, but I'll be very disappointed in you as well. Now, unpack your things and get yourself ready for bed. AND DON'T YOU DARE "BUT" ME, YOUNG MAN. I understand something happened today that will take you time to process and time for you to want to discuss, but if I wake up tomorrow and find you missing, or--God forbid, Master Aiden finds you missing--I will track you down, and extract your teeth and fingernails one by one with my bare hands. Are we clear, young man?
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): ... yes, ma'am. Crystal. Course, I don't think I'm gonna be sleeping real well tonight...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): I'm sure you'll manage to survive. Good night, dear. We'll be having scones in the morning, so do try not to sleep too late.
