At Bleak House; secret location:
Veronique (to Egon Rotmensen): Egon! What brings you for a visit? I hope you don't need our services. If your family can't handle it, it must be difficult.
Egon (to Veronique): ... Sssshhh, Miss Du Mal. You talk a bit too much for my taste and you say so very little. Is that an assassin thing or a family trait? No, no. Don't answer that. I need to see Liesel's belongings. She had something that belonged to me & I need it back.
Veronique (to Egon): ... Oh. All of her belongings were sent along to your family. Well, except what she may have had with her when she died. Those I believe are in the custody of the New London police department. Heh. Good luck getting to that.
Egon (to Veronique): Difficult, but not impossible. Thank you and good day.
Veronique: It's always such a DELIGHT when he comes a-callin'... ass.
Several hours later, at the airship docks; New London, Britannia:
Egon: … New London. How I had hoped to never return to this foul place.
Meanwhile, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Charles: Ooch. Bloody ankle is still... (to George) Oh! Um, hullo, George. I, uh... Heh. I wasn't expecting to run into anyone...
George (to Charles): Heh. Clearly. Mrs. Potter was giving me some instruction in swordplay... I was hoping to get something to eat. Want help?
Charles (to George): No, no. I'm… I've got... Nevermind. I would appreciate the help, thank you..I, um, I was checking on the Inn. I didn't show up there! I... I just wanted to make sure everything was alright.
George (to Charles): How were they?
Charles (to George): Well enough, I think. It doesn't sound as though anyone is asking after me. Which is a relief.
George (to Charles): Well then, perhaps you can return to your normal life soon.
Charles (to George): Maybe... I might have to wait a while. If Maladori is still interested in me, I might have to wait a while. I suppose I have to figure out what to do with myself until then.
George (to Charles): ... Well, at least you have somewhere to go. I will be stuck with this life until, well probably forever.
Charles (to George): ...What do you think you'd want to do if you had a choice?
George (to Charles): ... I'd want to own a bookshop or run a library. Don't laugh! I'm serious. I used to dream about it when I was younger. Father always said it was a ridiculous occupation for a young lady & to get my head out of that book. "Just sit there quietly until I need you, Georgie. And, don't muss your dress! It was expensive & your aunt will kill me if you ruin it." Oh... Sorry. I suppose I'm still a little upset about all that. Heh. I must admit I was probably heavily influenced by the twins. They always seemed so amazing to me. They did exactly what they liked.
Charles (to George): I don't blame you...Your father seems like a terrible bloke. Heh. Not that I'm one to talk... Anyway, I wouldn't laugh at you for wanting to run a library or a bookstore. Heh. That would be ruddy hypocritical of me.
George (to Charles): You are a whiz in the kitchen, Charles. I couldn't really see you somewhere you couldn't be cooking. You'll be back to the Inn soon, I'm sure of it.
Charles (to George): Thank you... Hopefully, they'll have me back after all this folderol. I mean, I'm sure they will. I, um, I hope they will.
George (to Charles): They're related to the Potters. Of course, they'll have you back, silly. Besides, you helped them gain their reputation.
Charles (to George): Heh. I am good in the kitchen, aren't I? ...It's true, but I did spend two years living under their roof while lying to them. Which Charlie delighted in pointing out whenever we'd argue about the Longfellows.
George (to Charles): But, Charles, the other Longfellow brothers were known to be liars, ruffians, cut-throats & thieves... Are you really that worried? Or is it more that you're not sure you want to go back?
Charles (to George): Are they, really? ... I assumed those were different Longfellows. It's not that I don't want to go back... I suppose I'm not sure how I'm going to face them.
George (to Charles): You'll apologize. Mister Longfellow will make a face, Mrs. Longfellow will smack him, she'll then scold you & give you a hug. Then, something like don't ever do that sort of thing again while wagging her finger, then more hugging. Easy, peasy.
Charles (to George): Cuz I'm valuable, aren't I? ... I'm sorry. That isn't fair. I just feel guilty, I suppose.
George (to Charles): And, you should... But, not enough to abandon the folks that obviously care about you, you dolt. I saw how upset they all were when you were first injured and they heard you were leaving for a time. Everyone was sad, even the boys. Don't let your fear, get in the way of you getting what you want, Charles. You deserve the life you want.
Charles (to George): ... Thank you. That means quite a lot. Heh. You deserve the life you want as well, you know.
George (to Charles): That's very sweet of you to say but it's my fault you got hurt. I'm not really sure it would be safe for me, anywhere but with Ms. Dvorak. I can't even begin to imagine what Maladori would want to do with me. It's probably much worse than Father.
Charles (to George): Without a doubt. She is a terrifying... You know it's not your fault, don't you? It's not as though I'm you're only friend. Maladori thought I'd be useful. The twins think it's because of my "split" personality that she wanted to use me for Carver.
George (to Charles): ... Charles, I'm not sure if you've noticed but you are my only friend. I don't make a habit of making them. If I wasn't working for Ms. Dvorak or bothering you, I was sitting in my room reading.
Charles (to George): ... Am I? Oh... Regardless, it's not your fault, George. I certainly don't blame you.
George (to Charles): I'm very grateful for that... I'd be very sad if I thought you were upset with me.
Charles (to George): Heh... The only times I can think that I've been cross with you are because you flustered or upset me, and I lost my temper.
George (to Charles): You're wonderful, Charles… Thank you for being so very kind and thoughtful.
Charles (to George): ...Wow. That kinda kissing is a pretty damn good incentive to be whatever it was you just called me, I'll tell you.
