After their late evening, he expected her well after lunch, but it pleased him to be ready should she surprise him. As much as he hated it when she left his bed for decorum’s sake, he did enjoy the thrill of her return. “Excuse me, sir,” Escher interrupted from the doorway. “Creed’s got a man downstairs. The gentleman’s asking to come up, name of Thomas Keller.” “Keller?” Josiah laid a drop cloth aside on the floor. “He’s no threat. Have Mr. Creed let him pass and direct him here. Thank you, Escher.” “As you wish. I hope he’s fit for the stairs, sir. I swear it’s a test for all your nearest and dearest to mount five flights!” Escher shook his head. “But I’ll send him up.” He left and Josiah smiled as he could hear the unique approach of his houseman to his duties as the man walked down to his own residence only to yell down to Creed that the gentleman was free to come up to the top floor to the studio. Alas, whenever Eleanor isn’t present, we forgo the niceties.
