How to Fake It in Society

Nico arrived at Carey Street the next morning at eleven prompt, as arranged by letter. Titus was waiting in the hall to answer the door while Alma had Mr. Thorpe distracted in the kitchen. She turned out to be very efficient at covert assignations, which felt like something Titus ought not to know.

Not that this was an assignation, but it felt like one.

All such thoughts fled his mind when a soft rap sounded, knuckles rather than door-knocker, and he opened the door to see Nico. He was wearing the brown suit, and it flattered him as well as ever, but he looked tired.

“Good morning,” Titus said, feeling horribly stilted. He wondered if he would regret this. “Come into the parlour. Uh, I would offer you refreshments, but Thorpe doesn’t know you’re here.”