"Well, thank heaven for small mercies and all that. I never did much like the place." Except when it had suited him, of course. "I do need to find new headquarters, though. Eventually. Old women will insist on fussing and it can be quite stifling at times."

Joscelin straightened and fixed Coward with his most winning and angelic smile. "I do appreciate you coming out this evening. I take it Millicent has not been kept completely abreast of our little arrangement...?"

He certainly hoped she hadn't. It would be much funnier if he just showed up on her doorstep some evening, unannounced, having been fully reintegrated into Islington Nest...