After calming down, Basil and his siblings stepped into the parlour. ''It's been a long time since we were last here,'' Beatrice commented.
''My, things really have changed,'' said Roger, looking around, ''and yet some things have stayed the same. I see you still have Father's old chemistry set William,'' he added, walking over to the equipment.
''Yes,'' Basil said.
''And the shield is still intact,'' Beatrice added, walking over to the large gold shield with the large letter B engraved. ''I never understood why Father wanted such a thing in the house. Then again, despite being strict, he was always a little on the eccentric side. After all,'' she added with a frown, ''he kept …'' She swallowed, shivering as though she was in the arctic, and Olivia held her in comfort, ''… our uncle's portrait on the mantle as a reminder of his betrayal and that he was still at large.''
''Just like you did, William,'' Roger agreed, smirking at his twin. ''I'm guessing that after Father died you adopted some of his traits?''
Basil nodded and introduced his siblings to Olivia. ''Ah, the famous Olivia Flaversham,'' Roger said, shaking her hand. ''We meet at least.''
''We heard all about you from Mrs Judson and Doctor Dawson,'' said Beatrice. ''They have often phoned us up throughout the years to see how we were doing; they knew William would have never rung himself. We were so pleased to hear he had finally found someone who could open up his heart. If we are reunited with our brother now, it is entirely thanks to you, Olivia. We will forever be grateful to you.''
''You're welcome.''
''Mrs Judson phoned us up from Belle's house last night and told us you two believed the time was right for William to see us again,'' Roger added, ''and you thought it would be a nice surprise for him. We got the train down from Wales almost immediately and spent the night at Belle's.''
''So that's what you two were discussing yesterday!'' Basil said, turning to Olivia with a funny smile.
Olivia looked worried. ''Are you angry?''
Instead of answering, Basil took her face into his hands and gave her a long, passionate kiss. ''Why would I be angry, when you have given me the best surprise ever, Livy?''
Beatrice made sighs. ''I don't doubt William has made a perfect choice of partner, Olivia. You obviously care about his well-being. Welcome to the family.''
Olivia smiled and showed them the engagement ring.
''Is that Mother's ring?'' Roger asked softly, staring at it.
''It really seems to suit you, Olivia,'' Beatrice added. ''Have you set a date yet?''
Basil said he proposed to her just last night so they hadn't got round to it yet. The detective then noticed the spilt tea on the floor. ''Oh, confound it! I'd better get this cleaned up. Mrs Judson won't be happy if she sees the carpet in such a mess!''
Olivia offered to do it as she wanted Basil to catch up with his siblings, but Basil firmly and very stubbornly put his foot down. ''I made the mess so it's my responsibility to clean it up, darling. Not to mention, it is housewife's work, and you have made it perfectly clear you don't wish to be that, which is one the many reasons why I love you so much.''
'If you insist,'' Olivia said, saluting him.
Roger and Beatrice chuckled.
''By the way,'' Olivia added thoughtfully as Basil began to clean up the tea, ''where are Amanda and the children?''
''They'll be on their way,'' said Roger. ''Amanda insisted that Beatrice and I get the late train down here immediately but I didn't want the wake the children so we agreed Amanda would bring them here at some point today.''
Basil smiled wistfully as he scrubbed the floor. He couldn't wait to finally meet his nephew and niece Duncan and Lucy in person after reading so many things about them in Roger's letters.
''Mr Basil!''
Everyone looked to see Mrs Judson standing in the doorway, hands on her hips, shaking her head. ''What a typical way to start your reunion with your siblings, spilling tea on the floor! But at least you are taking responsibility for it.''
''Hello, Mrs Judson,'' said Beatrice.
''Miss Beatrice!'' the housekeeper beamed, pulling her into a hug. ''It's so wonderful to see you again, and hear you talk.''
Beatrice nodded. ''I missed being able to talk, but here I am.''
Mrs Judson smiled and hugged Roger as well. ''And Mr Roger, I can't wait to finally see your little ones.''
''Duncan and Lucy are really looking forward to seeing all of you. I'm pleased you haven't changed a bit, Mrs Judson.''
Having made their own breakfast, Basil and Olivia sat down as Mrs Judson insisted on making some for Roger and Beatrice, and herself. They all sat down the table and ate while swapping stories.
''It's finally happened!'' Mrs Judson gushed when Olivia showed her the engagement ring, getting a little misty eyed. ''Mr Basil is finally going to be married. I would love to give you away, Miss Olivia, but that right belongs to Hiram.''
''You could still walk down the aisle with us if you wanted, Mrs Judson,'' Olivia offered. ''I'm sure Daddy wouldn't mind.''
Mrs Judson placed her hand on top of her mistress's. ''I'll think about it.''
''You know, William,'' asked Roger, ''I might have already told you this in my letters – I wrote so many I can't remember what I wrote in them – but Duncan admires you and wants to follow in your footsteps, and Father's, when he grows up. Says he wants to carry on the tradition.''
''Really?'' Basil asked in amusement. ''Well, when the young lad gets here, I am going have a serious talk with him. After all, being a detective is no fun and games.''
Roger laughed, agreeing with his twin, adding that Duncan hated hard work.
Olivia and Beatrice, meanwhile, chatted to each other as though they had been friends forever. ''So you've been to college, have you?'' said Beatrice in voice of interest. ''I had a feeling you were smart, Olivia. By the way, that's a lovely shawl,'' she added, admiring the accessory draped around Olivia's shoulders.
''Thank you, it belonged to my mother. William told me you were also intelligent like him, and that you would always challenge each other to an intelligence test.''
''Yes we did,'' Beatrice agreed with a smile, clearly thinking about the good memories. ''William and I were always competitive, and so stubborn.''
Olivia smiled at Beatrice. She had clearly overcome what Ratigan had done to her, but given the way she had struggled to talk about him earlier she was still having some issues but wasn't letting it get to her. Olivia wanted to help her in any way she could. ''It appears that stubbornness runs in the family,'' she said.
''And from what Mrs Judson and Dawson have told us,'' said Roger, ''you are also rather stubborn yourself, Olivia, so you would fit right in.''
Basil agreed, before looking at his siblings seriously and gripped their hands. ''Speaking which, there's something you need to know,'' he said, and informed his siblings about what Inspector Newton had discovered.
''Aunt Violet …'' Beatrice whispered, her hands over her mouth.
''We'll finally get to say goodbye her,'' Roger said, and scowled darkly. ''You're right, William, Ruby can take her place and rot with that monster husband of hers!''
''I second that,'' Mrs Judson agreed.
After finishing, Basil and Olivia decided to go for a walk. They offered Roger and Beatrice to come with them, but they declined. ''You two deserve to have some time alone,'' said Roger. ''We'll see you later.''
Olivia looked at Roger. She had seen photographs but now seeing him in person, he really was Basil's twin, his doppelganger, apart from the eyes.
''Hmmm, yes,'' Beatrice said with a smirk, ''especially after last night, am I right?''
She winked.
Basil and Olivia both blushed furiously, before looking at the woman in surprise, as did Roger and Ms Judson. They were taken aback to hear Beatrice even touching on such a subject considering what Ratigan did to her, but it was clear that Beatrice was made of stern stuff and not letting her past interfere with her desire to tease her brother.
''Um – How did you – I mean, that is – '' Basil stammered, as Beatrice giggled. ''Just as perceptive as ever, dear sister.''
''Do you want to know how I deduced it?''
''I don't think that's necessary,'' Basil said, swallowing and looking at Mrs Judson, who was frowning.
'' 'Last night'?'' the housekeeper repeated, before she let out a gasp. ''MR WILLIAM MICHAEL BASIL –!''
''Olivia and I will be heading out now, so goodbye, Mrs Judson, see you later, take care of Roger and Beatrice,'' Basil said quickly with a cheerful smile, ushering Olivia out of the door. ''That was a close one,'' he sighed in relief as they walked away from the house.
''You can't hide from her forever, William,'' Olivia pointed out with a devilish grin. ''You'll have your ears boxed sooner or later.''
''I know. Reunited for five minutes and my sister is already getting me in trouble with our housekeeper. I've missed that. I just hope your father doesn't want to chew me either,'' the detective added, taking his bride into his arms, placing one hand on the back of her head where he felt the stitches. After the fight with Ruby, Dawson had removed the plaster Basil had stuck to her head and stitched it up, just as he had done with Hiram's knife cut when they had first reunited. ''Now, where shall we go?''
''Why don't we go and see Daddy?'' Olivia suggested, holding up the turquoise ring, to indicate she wanted to tell him the good news.
Basil agreed and the couple began walking to the toyshop. ''By the way, William,'' Olivia said abruptly, ''I've been meaning to talk to you about something since we started this case, but I've never had the time to mention it.''
''What's that?''
''That ever since I returned, you have never once mispronounced my last name.''
Basil blushed furiously. ''Um … well, that's …'' the detective fumbled. ''I – I wasn't going to disrespect your family name in your moment of need – not that I was trying to be disrespectful all those years ago, I was just –''
''You were just trying to cheer me up, in your usual unorthodox way.''
Basil froze. ''You read the entry, didn't you?''
''I only glimpsed it,'' Olivia said, ''but I do intend to read its entirety at some point, mainly what you wrote about me.''
Basil felt as though his face was on fire. ''Well,'' he said after a moment of silence, coughing and tugging at his collar, ''that's all very well, darling ...''
They finally arrived at the Flaversham's toyshop. They stepped inside and found Hiram at the desk working on a new toy, with Fidget watching, much to their surprise.
''Oh, hello, Olivia, William!'' said Hiram.
''Morning, Father,'' said Olivia. ''Hello, Fidget.''
''Hi,'' Fidget replied, holding up a wing.
''Is that for a customer?'' Olivia asked her father, looking at the toy, which was a beautiful pony, with a flowery saddle, as tribute to her mother.
''Aye. The wee lass said she loves horses. And I'm guessing you've come here because you have something you want to tell me?'' Hiram added shrewdly with an expectant smile.
Olivia nodded and held up the ring, and Basil told her that Hiram had caught him with it yesterday. ''My little girl really is grown-up,'' the toymaker said, getting a little teary-eyed. ''She's finally engaged to be married.'' He sighed at the toy. ''Another reminder I can no longer spoil her with these, but I have to accept that my daughter is starting a new chapter of her life.''
Olivia placed a hand on her father's shoulder. ''Of which you will always be a part, Daddy.''
Hiram nodded.
''Congratulations,'' Fidget said. ''I hope you set a date soon.''
''We will,'' Basil said. ''And since you're here, Fidget, Inspector Newton decided not to give you prison sentence.''
Fidget looked uncertain and swallowed. ''Well … not yet. Papa accompanied me down to the station. It's true I betrayed the Viper and helped you guys end her reign, but it doesn't change the fact I was an accomplice to both her and Ratigan for years, so he had no choice but to charge me, but I'm allowed to be at home. I am due for a court hearing shortly that will decide my fate. I might get sent to prison; I might just get community service. Both Newton and my folks have told me to prepare for either outcome.''
''Whatever happens, Fidget, at least you are accepting responsibility for your actions,'' said Olivia, and she smiled. ''I'm sure it'll be alright.''
''I wish I had your optimism, Olivia. Mamma and Papa have said that if I do get a prison sentence, they will visit me every day, and fight for an appeal. Lavender says she will never give up on me.''
Fidget sounded as though he was on cloud nine and Basil and Olivia smirked at each other. Hiram nodded at them, indicating he would talk to the bat. ''Well, all can do is see what happens,'' said the toymaker.
''Thanks,'' Fidget said.
Hiram then looked at them with gleam in his eyes. ''Olivia, you seem … different somehow. Did something happen last night after the proposal?'
Basil and Olivia blushed and Hiram understood, a smirk ion his face. ''I see.''
Olivia coughed. ''Fidget,'' she said, desperate to change the subject, ''after the Viper kidnapped Daddy, you told William you had an idea. What was it?''
''Oh, that. It was silly. Given the Viper was also in Hamlet, I figured she might want to lift a passage out of Romeo and Juliet and kill herself to be with Ratigan, but I knew we couldn't let her get way that easily, so I suggested we have another one of those blueberry juices and deceive Ruby into thinking it was her poison, just to have some fun with her.''
''That would've been fun to see,'' Olivia agreed, ''but unfortunately, we never got the chance for that to happen. We can always dream about it.''
''I didn't want to waste it, so I drunk it instead,'' Fidget added, pulling out an empty bottle from his wing. ''Basil, tell Mrs Judson it was the best blueberry juice I ever had, and I hope to have some more – if I'm not in prison.''
Basil promised he would inform his housekeeper of the compliment, before he and Olivia said goodbye and left the shop.
''Fidget,'' said Hiram, putting down the tool he was using, ''I want you be honest: do you like Lavender?''
Fidget's face turned as red as a tomato. ''I-I-I …'' He saw Hiram's look. ''Yes, I do. Always have done since we were children. I do want to tell her but what if she says no? I just don't think I can take that kind of rejection. Even if she did, we've only just reunited so she might think of me as being pushy.''
Hiram knelt down, pulled out a picture from his pocket and handed it to the bat. ''Do you know who this is, Fidget? My Annabel, Olivia's mother. She was the love of my life, we were so happy and when she died it felt as though I was drowning in an ocean, but I carried on for Olivia's sake. She was only a few months old so she never knew her mother, but I always told her stories about her. I never married again, because Annabel was the only one for me. Oh, not a day goes by when I don't think about her and would give anything to have her back, but I know she's in heaven watching over us. And I see so much of her in our daughter, the proof of our love.''
Fidget looked at the picture of Hiram with a woman who greatly resembled Olivia, holding a bundle in her arms, and his insides burnt with guilt. Olivia had lost her mother when she was only a baby, then several years later he had kidnapped her father for Ratigan. Because of him, a little girl was left all alone in this toyshop. How awful that must've been for her. If she hadn't gone to Basil for help, she might've been lost her father as well, and Hiram would've watched while Ratigan … did something sick to his daughter. And because of him, Hiram had been held prisoner and endured suffering treatment from Ratigan, as he had. ''I'm sorry,'' he said, ''for everything.''
Hiram smiled. ''I know you are. Which is why I'm telling you – if Annabel's death taught me anything, it's that take nothing for granted, seize your happiness while you still can, especially since you have a potential prison stint hanging over you. I saw how happy Lavender was to see you again, Fidget. If you want her, go for it.''
Fidget nodded, encouraged. ''Thanks, Mr Flaversham. But it's been 13 years so she might have married another.''
''I doubt that highly, I saw how she looked at you. But even if she has married someone else, it doesn't mean you can't still be good friends, which is better than nothing, and if you really care about her you would want her to be happy.''
''You're right. In fact,'' Fidget added, suddenly standing tall, ''I think I'll go to her house right now and tell her. She might reciprocate, she might not, but I'll never know unless we talk.''
Hiram beamed like a proud father-figure. Fidget smiled back, happy he was making a start of becoming friends with the toymaker and his family.
Meanwhile, Basil and Olivia were on a trolley that was taking them to the outskirts of London, for Basil was taking Olivia to meet Bert. ''He has always wanted to meet you, Livy, ever since Dawson and I spoke about you.''
''The feeling's mutual, William. Helen told me about the ride she had on him.''
The couple eventually arrived at their destination and walk do the nearby abandoned field with overgrown grass. ''Hmmm, the grass is taller than I remember it,'' Basil said with a smile. ''Then again, it has been a while since I was here.''
They stopped when they heard a noise, and Basil shielded Olivia with one arm, only to lower it moments later, telling her it was only Bert – but he wasn't alone. Bert could be heard, along with a female voice. They appeared to be talking and sighing. Basil and Olivia had an idea of what was going in and smirked. They made their way further into the field and saw two albatross birds, standing and holding wings.
''I love you, Rose,'' Bert was saying.
''And I love you, Bert,'' said the female albatross, batting her eyes, her eyelashes glinting like sparkles in the sun.
Basil let out a loud cough and the two literal lovebirds looked down at the detective and his fiancée.
''Basil!'' Bert said in surprise, jumping and stumbling over. ''I really need to stop doing that.''
Olivia giggled, finding Bert's clumsiness adorable.
''So …'' Bert said, looking embarrassed. ''Where do you want to go today?''
''Oh, nowhere, Bert, good chap. I just wanted to finally introduce you to the woman who both stole and opened my heart.'' Olivia stepped forward. ''Bert, meet Olivia Flaversham, soon to be my wife.''
''Olivia Flaversham,'' Bert said, taking a polite bow, doing his best not to stumble again. ''I'm so glad to finally meet you in person. Of course, I've heard all about from Dawson, Mrs Judson and your friends Helen and the Richmond sisters. You were the person who made Basil more amiable and patient, that's not something that just anyone can do. Dawson always said that Basil missed you so and –''
''I think that will do, Bert!'' Basil interrupted; his cheeks red, while Olivia laughed.
''Poor William, he's had had lots of people 'revealing' such things to me the last few weeks. And whose your lady friend?'' she added, looking at Rose.
It was Bert's turn to look embarrassed. ''Oh, yeah,'' he said, coughing. ''This is Rosie, or Rose. I met her in Cornwall when I flew Helen, Juliet and Marianne there. I hoped I would find the bird-girl of my dreams and I found her in Rose.'' He sighed blissfully. ''I guess it was love at first sight. She flew back with us the other day.''
''Funny,'' Olivia smirked, ''Helen, Juliet or Marianne never mentioned her. Did you ask them not to say anything, Bert?''
''He did indeed,'' Rose piped up. ''Because he was so embarrassed and adorable,'' she cooed, pinching his beak.
''Awe, shucks,'' Bert gushed. ''Actually, I'm glad you're here, Basil. You see, we're not rushing into anything, but … It has been an honour serving you for all these years, but going to Cornwall opened up my eyes to more opportunities, so I am retiring from aviation to look for something else up there.''
''Any ideas?'' Olivia asked.
''Don't know yet. Maybe I'll become a chimney sweep, and clean out any messy nests …. Or maybe be a painter … Birds can't paint, can they? I'm sure I'll think of something.''
Bert leaned down for Basil to shake his wing, which was bit awkward given his wing was bigger than Basil's hand. ''Well, Bert,'' Basil said, ''I wish you all the best.''
''Thank you, Basil. Don't worry, we'll make sure to find a suitable replacement before we depart. Can't leave you with no transportation at all.''
''We're actually interviewing several applicants within the next few days,'' Rose added. ''We'll do our best to find the right bird for the job.''
''I'll be looking forward to hearing about our new flyer soon,'' said Basil.
After chatting two the two birds for an hour, Basil and Oliva hopped onto on a trolley back to London. ''I don't know, Livy,'' Basil sighed, ''everyone I know seems to be leaving me – first Dawson, now Bert.''
''They are starting new chapters of their lives, William,'' Olivia said, caressing the top of his head, ''just like we are, as Daddy said earlier.''
''You're right, as always. It's just, I've been flying on Bert for a long time now so it will take time to get used to someone new. Dawson's right – change isn't easy, but we'll have to adjust to it as best we can.''
''Together,'' Olivia said, gripping his hand, and Basil squeezed it.
Fidget had arrived at Lavender's house, it was just the same as it was the night he had come here for help after being kicked out. He knocked on the door with a nervous wing, his stomach flipping as though he had the flu. What he was about to do was by far the scariest thing he had ever done in his whole life, even more so than working for the Ratigans.
The door opened and there stood Lavender's mother, who looked a bit older than she was the last time Fidget had seen her, but she had the same stern expression on her face. ''Fidget,'' she said stiffly.
''He-hello, Mrs Periwinkle,'' he said nervously, bowing. ''Is – Is Lavender in? I need to talk to her about something. It's important.''
Mrs Periwinkle raised her eyebrows. ''Yes, she is. If you must.'' She suddenly smiled. ''Perhaps she will continue to have a positive influence on you, Fidget.''
Fidget took that to mean that she was prepared to give him a chance, and entered the house. Mrs Periwinkle called her daughter down and gave them some privacy, hiding herself in the corner like a shadow.
''Hi, Fidget!'' Lavender said cheerfully. ''Is everything alright?''
Fidget swallowed. ''Uh … yes and no,'' he answered, and told her about the hearing that would decide what would happen to him.
''You must be anxious,'' Lavender said sympathetically, taking his wing-hand into hers. ''No matter what happens, I will always be there for you.''
''Thank you,'' Fidget said, feeling his body temperature rise as he got more nervous. ''Lavender, there's … something I want to talk to you about.''
''What is it?'' Lavender asked, tilting her head.
''Uh … You see, Lavender, ever since we were kids at school … I've always … I've always … liked you. Really, really liked you and –''
Fidget was cut off when Lavender kissed him. It was as though he was on a boat flowing down a stream that was splashing passionately, much like Lavender's kiss. Fidget closed his eyes in joy, scarcely daring to believe his greatest dream has come true. ''That was wonderful,'' he sighed blissfully when they finished.
''I've been waiting forever, Fidget,'' Lavender said.
''So … you never married?'''
Lavender shook her head. ''I'm not wearing a ring, silly,'' she giggled. ''I was engaged to someone a few years ago, but we drifted apart as we wanted different things. I wanted children and he didn't.''
''I'm sorry it didn't work out, Lavender.''
''Don't be,'' Mrs Periwinkle said suddenly. ''I always knew my daughter's heart lied with you, and I can see how happy she is when she's with you. I accept that you have changed for the better, Fidget, so I will give you the benefit of the doubt. However,'' she added, getting right into Fidget's face, ''if you put one foot out of line, I won't so forgiving. Understand?''
''Yes, ma'am,'' Fidget said, laughing nervously. ''That won't be hard since this,'' he lifted up the foot with the sock, ''is my only foot.''
Lavender laughed and Fidget smiled, happy that his sense of humour amused her. Mrs Periwinkle was also smiling. ''Now I wish I had sought redemption sooner …''
Basil and Olivia had just arrived back at Baker Street, having run out of options. ''I'm sure Mrs Judson has calmed down by now,'' Basil said cheerfully, the tone betraying a hint of uncertainty. ''After all, your father had no problem.''
''Maybe she won't be so hard on you if I tell her how much I'm enjoyed it,'' Olivia suggested. ''And I wouldn't be lying,'' she added seductively in her fiancé's ear. ''I very much look forward to doing it again.''
''As do I, my dear,'' Basil replied in an equally seductive tone, smiling hungrily. ''Last night was more passionate and intimate than the night I had with Camilla, my heart wasn't really in it, and I don't think hers was either. It wasn't long after that that we broke up, though we remained friends until we graduated.'' He took Olivia's hands into his. ''While it's true she was just scared of my family's link to Ratigan, we also realised that we were never compatible, despite us both being smart, and I believe our bond lacked the maturity and emotional understanding than the connection that we have, Livy.''
Olivia looked at him as though she was seeing him for the first time, but smiled. ''William, you don't have to go overboard on the details of your past with Camilla.''
''I know, I was just being honest about my feelings. I didn't want you to be jealous. Having said that, I do hope Camilla found her soulmate just as I found mine.''
''Me, too.''
The two lovebirds shared a long, passionate kiss, before Basil took a deep breath and opened the door, bracing himself for the feel of Mrs Judson's hands around his neck. Instead, however, he was greeted by small hands around his waist. The detective looked down and saw a small boy looking up at him with a big smile. ''Uncle William!'' he said, and Basil realised who he was.
''Duncan?''
The boy nodded and Basil kneeled down to hug his nephew. He looked and saw a little girl hiding behind her parents that had to be Lucy. He was finally meeting his nephew and niece in person, after having missed out on their lives. Standing there were Roger, Beatrice, Mrs Judson, Amanda and a stern-looking old woman with brown fur, glasses and grey hair tied in a bun Basil recognised as Josephine, Amanda's grandmother. Amanda looked for more or less the same when Basil last saw her, though her fair hair was shorter. Mrs Judson was looking at her master with a very tight lip; she was obviously restraining herself in front of their guests. Basil gave his housekeeper a charismatic smile, hoping to charm her, at which she scowled.
''We got here about half-an-hour ago,'' said Amanda.
''So, Duncan, Lucy, how are you finding Wales?'' Basil asked the children, not knowing what else to say. He was still awkward at socialising.
''Wales is beautiful,'' Lucy said, looking down and sounding shy. ''We love the beaches.''
''It's so different here in London, much more busier,'' Duncan added, then looked over his shoulder. ''Come on, sis, we're finally meeting our famous uncle.''
Lucy clung to her mother's dress. Amanda stoked her daughter's head and gave her a nod of encouragement. The little girl looked at her uncle. ''Don't worry, Lucy, I don't bite,'' Basil said, smiling, and Lucy uncertainly walked over to her uncle and hugged his waist. Duncan joined in, not waiting to be left out.
Basil smiled at them. Duncan was the spitting image of Roger, though his eyes were a pure chestnut brown like his paternal grandmother's. Lucy resembled Amanda, with curly fair hair tied in pigtails, and her dark blueish-green eyes.
''Uncle William,'' Duncan said, ''can you tell me about some of your past cases? I want to hear everything!''
Basil chuckled. Roger did say Duncan wanted to be a detective like his famous uncle, and was a clearly very enthusiastic young boy. ''Certainly, young man, but as I told your father earlier, detective work is not fun and games, and certainly not for the faint-hearted. You have to be strong and committed to hard work.''
Duncan pulled a face that made everyone laugh. ''You can't go through life thinking it's all play and no work, Duncan,'' Josephine said sternly. ''If you did, how would you provide for your future family?''
Olivia remembered Basil saying that Josephine had a strong personality, and she was seeing he had spoken the truth. She was clearly a strict, no-nonsense woman, and probably old-fashioned but cared about her family, even if she didn't show it much.
The children then noticed Olivia. ''Are you Uncle William's sweetheart?'' Lucy asked, still shy.
''I am,'' the woman said, and the children hugged her as they hugged Basil. Olivia felt all warm and fuzzy inside, as though she was glowing.
''Can we call you Auntie Olivia? You're very pretty,'' Lucy said.
Olivia said yes they could. Everyone sat down at the table while Mrs Judson served them tea. Duncan and Lucy loved the cheese crumpets. ''These are so good! Even better than I imagined!'' sighed Duncan.
''Mummy, can you make these sometime?'' Lucy asked Amanda.
''Of course, if Mrs Judson gives me the recipe,'' she said, and the housekeeper said he would be happy to oblige.
Amanda then turned to Olivia and they started chatting as if they had been old schoolfriends. ''How did you and Roger meet anyway?'' Olivia asked curiously.
''We met at school as teenagers. Teenage sweethearts. Grandmother was dismissive about it because she wanted me to follow the traditional ways, but my parents had wanted me having a proper education, so out of respect for their wishes she relented.''
Olivia told Amanda about persuading the headmaster of her school to let her attend the boys' classes. ''You really are as feisty as Mrs Judson said you were!''
''You know,'' Roger said suddenly, ''I'm beginning to think that we Basil men have a trait of falling in love with woman who don't follow traditions.''
Basil agreed whole-heartedly. ''Olivia's friend Helen wants to be a painter, and a few good friends of ours, Juliet and Marianne, also want to pursue careers.''
Josephine snorted. ''I don't mean to be rude to anyone, but I still don't see why young ladies want to break free from the old ways we've be abiding by for so long.''
''Because we are feisty, that's why,'' Beatrice giggled.
''I respect them wanting to follow their own paths and choices, like Miss Olivia, but I also understand where you're coming from, Josephine,'' Mrs Judson said. ''I, too, see certain things the old way,'' she added, glaring at Basil, who blushed as he knew what she was getting at.
Roger, Amanda and Beatrice snorted.
Basil coughed, turned his attention to his niece and nephew and told them stories about his past cases. ''Oh, wow! Those bad guys got what they deserved!'' Duncan said.
''Just like Ratigan and the Viper!'' Lucy added, now looking angry. ''They were monsters!''
Everyone agreed. ''Now I want to be detective even more,'' Duncan added. ''To help innocent rodents with the justice they need.''
''We'll see,'' Roger said, rubbing his son's head.
After they were finished Roger and his family got their coats on and headed for the door. ''Where are you going to stay?'' Olivia asked in concern. ''Still at Belle's?''
''She and her husband have plenty of room now that they have no children living there,'' said Beatrice, ''so they are happy to keep accommodating us.''
''Like her mother, Belle has had four children herself,'' Amanda added.
Mrs Judson hugged Duncan and Lucy. ''You take care now, and be sure to visit again soon,'' she said giddily, clearly happy to have little ones in the house after so long.
''When are you going to have children?'' Roger whispered to his twin, winking.
Basil felt his cheeks go red. ''After Olivia has graduated from college,'' he mouthed, and Roger nodded and picked up his daughter.
Olivia hugged everyone, especially Beatrice. ''If you ever need to talk about it, I'm here to listen,'' Olivia whispered. ''I know you're still struggling. Ratigan was planning on doing the same to me.''
Beatrice thanked Olivia and added: ''I'm glad he never got the chance. Just be sure to let us know of the wedding date.''
''We will.''
Mrs Judson waited until their guests were out the house before closing the door and turning back round to face Basil, looking as though she wanted nothing more than to bury him alive. The housekeeper sucked in a deep breath before letting rip. ''MR WILLIAM MICHAEL BASIL! I thought you knew better! I understand that you love Miss Olivia more than anything, and I know you would never prey on her like Ratigan did with Miss Beatrice and those other poor youngsters, but I thought I taught you better!'' She grabbed her master by the ear. ''As punishment, I will –''
''Mrs Judson please,'' Olivia pleaded. ''Don't be mad at William. It was mutual. We used protection, and the whole reason we did it was because we wanted to celebrate our engagement, as well as solving the case.''
Immediately, Mrs Judson let Basil go. ''I'm so sorry, my dear,'' she said to Olivia, holding her hands. ''I let old habits overcome me, as well as my grandmotherly instincts, you know I've always seen you as a granddaughter.''
''I know,'' Olivia said, hugging the housekeeper, who then turned to smile at Basil.
''I do hope you forgive me, Mr Basil.''
Basil placed his hands on Mrs Judson's shoulders, smiling. The housekeeper then excused herself to do more housework.
''Well,'' Basil said, ''this had been a rather interesting day, hasn't it? I reunite with my siblings, meet my niece and nephew, my flier is retiring, and my housekeeper almost chews my ear off.''
''Aye, just a typical day for Basil of Baker Street,'' Olivia agreed.
Right there, Olivia, just another day for the great mouse detective. Basil will never escape Mrs Judson's wrath, will he? Chuckles. This chapter was rather slow to write, been really busy, as well as due to writer's block.
We finally meet Duncan and Lucy, Basil's niece and nephew.
I had Basil give Olivia more detail about his past with Camilla because I wanted to show a contrast between Olivia and Camilla, to show why Olivia is more of a better match for Basil. In fact, Camilla might just show up soon.
Bert wanting to be chimney sweep was a reference to another character we know called Bert. Will Basil be satisfied with whoever Bert picks for his replacement?
As for Fidget, whatever happens, he has Lavender, his parents and his new friends to support him.
Time to answer some reviews:
MillenniumPrincess: Yep, Basil now has his beloved siblings back in his life and he couldn't be any happier. Olivia knows what makes him happy. Basil and Olivia will be setting a date for the wedding shortly, and poor Dawson, Toby still doesn't like him, as he said he seems to be a bad luck magnet, chuckles.
ZabuzasGirl: Glad you're still enjoying the story.
Next time, Basil and Olivia depart for Mousefield College.
See you soon!
