The Gentleman's Thief - Isobel Starling Page 0,4

Mrs. Twigg looked at me as if I’d said something distinctly outrageous. She appeared… confused and unconvinced.

“A friend you say, sir?”

“Yes?” I replied innocently. Flora had kept my home and cooked for me for nearly ten years and when I thought of the number of times I’d had a ‘friend’ call to the house in all of that time, it could have been counted on both hands.

“From church—” I added sheepishly.

Flora laid the tea tray down on the occasional table and unfolded the sides to make the table double the size.

“Very good, sir.” She commented. I knew we were back on level ground when she brightened and mother-henned—

“I’m so glad a friend has come to call. I do keep telling you, sir, you spend far too much time on your own. T’ain’t right! Upstandin’ gentleman like yourself.”

My relationship with my housekeeper was generally friendly and relaxed. I did not have a wife or sweetheart and so she was the matriarch in my life. I appreciated her very much, but sometimes she tended to sticky-beak and voice opinions where they were not welcome. I did not encourage comments on my private habits and lack of true friendships.

Flora directed the maid. “Put them mince pies down over here Maud love, and go and fetch another cup, saucer, and plate for our guest.” Maud did as instructed and scurried from the room.

“The pies are just out of the oven, so best let them cool for a few more minutes’ sir. Would you like me to pour or shall we wait for your…friend?”

The scent of warm, sweet, spicy mince pies was quite delectable, but I decided “I shall wait.”

“Have a name does he sir? Your friend?”

For a moment I was panic-stricken. I had no idea what name Cavell was using and I did not want to give, what I presumed was his true name to my servants. Luckily, Sebastian entered the study at that very moment. I had not heard the stairs creak as he made his way down, such was his talent as a sneak-thief. Sebastian’s eyes met mine and twinkled with mischief. The smile lit his eyes and the look made me feel winded and a little self-conscious. He was different again, and I was pleased to see that the black-eye he had sported while playing Josiah had been washed away. The beard was also gone and I was privately content to see Sebastian clean-shaven for the very first time. He looked fresh-faced, handsome, and youthful. He took on a light, cut-glass aristocratic accent, and with the exuberance of a pup, he addressed Mrs. Twigg.

“Oh, my dear lady! Those pies smell frightfully good.” He stepped forward and took Mrs. Twigg’s pudgy wrinkled hand,

“Madame, are you the talented artiste who created such delightful confections?” He asked, and then he kissed the back of Flora’s hand. I saw her blush and appear bashful. It was quite a rare occasion for my housekeeper to be speechless!

“Foxford Robins,” Cavell announced. “But my friend’s call me Birdie—I do tend to twitter on you see—and, you may have heard me singing in the bath!” He added with a wry grin.

“I did wonder….” Mrs. Twigg admitted with a girlish smile.

“Well, as you make such delicious sweetmeats, you may call me Birdie, my lovely”, Cavell charmed.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, sir…Birdie. I’m Flora Twigg.” Flora said her eyes darting to look at me as if seeking permission. I smiled and nodded in response and so she continued.

“Sorry to hear you slipped on the path outside the house. I’ll get Wilkins to spread some grit so it doesn’t happen again.” The housekeeper suggested.

Cavell sent a querulous glance to me and I winced. I’d thought it was a good enough story to cover his unexpected appearance and the fact he was wearing my garments! To my amazement, Cavell took up the threads of the story and embroidered.

“Yes, it was a frightful surprise. I went arse-over-tit in front of the Duke of Fotheringham, no less. I do hope he didn’t recognize me!”

The Duke of Fotheringham kept a townhouse four doors down from my home. Cavell must have been doing his research! Maud, who was a shy fourteen-year-old, returned with the extra crockery as Mr. Foxford Robins explained his predicament. She burst out laughing at hearing the explanation and hurriedly put the cup, saucer, and side plate on the table. It appeared that Sebastian was in his element entertaining my servants and enjoying his new persona. I was sure that, if permitted,