"Why, Doctor, I didn't realize you were going to pay a visit! Will you be staying for supper?"
"Yes," I said, seeing a sudden opportunity to get one person at least clear of this tangle. "Yes, I think so. And if you've not already started cooking, I'd love it if you could fetch us a nice beefsteak and some oysters." I pulled two guineas from my pocket and put them in Mrs. Hudson's hand, hoping that I sounded natural.
She gave me a sharp look, and then looked to my silent companion, who nodded.
"Just let me get my bonnet."