''Aye, just a typical day for Basil of Baker Street,'' Olivia agreed. She then walked over to the phone. ''Now that things have settled, I think it's time we called Miss Callahan, the headmistress of Mousefield College, and ask her if she can allow you on campus, William.''
Basil agreed.
Olivia dialled a number. ''Hello?' said an older female voice.
''Hello, Miss Callahan. It's Olivia Flaversham.''
''Oh, hello, Olivia. Well done on apprehending the sinister Viper, I read about it in the paper. How are you doing? Are you coming back in September?''
''Perfectly fine, thank you, and yes, I intend to come back, but depending on your answer I might not be coming back alone.''
''Are you by any chance talking about Mr Basil?'' Miss Callahan asked shrewdly, and Olivia could see her smirk. ''Are you two –?''
''We are, and William – that's his first name – wants to come to the college with me because he doesn't want to be separated from me again, for if he was he would – what was it you said?'' Olivia asked Basil.
''It would feel as if one whole side of me had disappeared,'' Basil said. ''Hello, Miss Callahan.''
Miss Callahan chuckled. ''Hello, Mr Basil. We can't have that, can we? Don't worry, I have no problem with having Mr Basil on campus.''
''Thank you so much, Miss Callahan,'' Basil said. ''Olivia and I will see you in about two weeks. Goodbye.''
Olivia also said goodbye to her headteacher and hung up. ''Well, that was easy enough.''
''Indeed, though she seemed to know about us. Have you talked to her about me, Livy?'' Basil asked with a large smile, folding his arms.
''No, but when it comes to romantic feelings Miss Callahan is extremely perceptive.''
''Yes, I had gathered that, from the tone of her voice when she guessed I would be coming with you.''
The next day, the couple decided to visit the Richmond manor, having not had the chance to see how they were doing since King Edward honoured them, or tell them of the engagement.
''Hello!'' said Victoria when she saw them. ''Do come in. My, we certainly have a houseful of guests today.''
''What do you mean?'' Basil asked when they stepped into the parlour. They made their way to the living room to find Vera, Victor, Priscilla, Emmett, Clara and Alonzo, all sitting in the velvet purple sofas drinking tea.
''Why, hello, Basil, Olivia,'' Vera said warmly. ''Please do sit down.''
''Thank you,'' Olivia said, taking a seat, as did Basil.
''I'm guessing that Clara and Alonzo have now arranged for you to see Martha,'' the detective said.
They confirmed it. ''Martha was rather eager to meet her other family, even if she knows her real father was bad,'' said Clara.
''She took to Signora Juliet and Signora Marianne immediately, and vice versa,'' Alonzo added.
''Where are they now?'' Olivia asked.
''They're upstairs playing,'' said Victor.
Right on que, as though they had heard the conversation, Juliet, Marianne and Martha appeared, Marianne giving Martha a ride on her shoulders. ''Hello, Basil, Olivia,'' said Juliet.
''I'm giving my little cousin a ride!'' Marianne said happily, and Martha giggled.
''Just don't be rough with her,'' Priscilla said sternly.
Marianne said she wouldn't. Olivia and Basil showed them the engagement ring. ''Oh my gosh!'' Marianne gushed. ''It's finally happening. Basil is still my celebrity crush but I can't wait for the big day!''
''Congratulations,'' Juliet said. ''Will we be invited?''
Olivia gave Juliet a nod meaning yes.
''Zio Basil, Zia Olivia, can I be a flower girl?'' Martha asked.
''Of course,'' Basil said. ''And Helen, Juliet and Marianne can be Livy's bridesmaids.''
Juliet and Marianne both lit up like Christmas trees.
Vera hugged them. ''I shall pick out my best dress.''
''Grandmama, do you have any paint sets?'' Martha then asked Vera.
''Of course we do,'' the old lady said. ''Victoria will show you where they are.''
The housekeeper obliged and led Vera's granddaughters away.
''She really is such a sweet girl,'' Emmett said.
''I'm glad she takes after Clara,'' Victor said with a beaming smile. ''There's not one single trace of Gideon in her, thank goodness. No offense, Mother,'' he added.
Vera shook her head to indicate there was no offense taken and that she agreed with Victor. She then took Alonzo's hands. ''My son may have given Martha life, but as far as I'm concerned, you are her real father, Alonzo. You give her the love and care that she needs, and I just want you to continue to do so.''
''I will, Signor Richmond.''
Basil and Olivia smiled.
The next two weeks flew by. Basil and Olivia made the most of spending time with their families and friends before they were due to go to Mousefield College. Spending time with his beloved siblings, it was as though they had never left, and it filled Basil's heart with joy, as though he was glowing, similar to how he had felt when Olivia first came back. Also, Bert and Rosie found a golden eagle named Caesar who had moved to London from Scotland as Bert's replacement: he was an excellent flyer, could dodge things, and most importantly, he was reliable. Basil was most satisfied with his new flier. ''I will do my best, Mr Basil,'' Caesar said, bowing respectfully. ''It is an honour to be of service to the famous mouse detective. Anything you need, just ask.''
Basil shook his wing in gratitude, as did Olivia. They then shook Bert and Rosie's wings and wished them the best of luck in Cornwall as the albatrosses departed.
Fidget meanwhile, was given a suspended sentence and community service. ''I'm glad I won't be wasting my life away, but a part of me wishes I had gone to jail, I feel I deserved it,'' he said.
But there weren't joyous times without some sad times: Nicholas Grant had been found dead at his home, having hanged himself, as had Cliff in his prison cell.
''Poor Nicholas,'' Hiram said gravely. ''The truth about what happened to his sister must've sent him over the edge, same with Cliff over Spike.''
The second sad (or not so sad in this case) occasion was Gideon Richmond's funeral. No-one in the family was particularly fussed about it, not even believing Gideon deserved a funeral, but they still thought it was the respectful thing to do. They cremated him, as they didn't want to have a grave to visit. Vera, Victor and Emmett all tried to find good things to say about him, to no avail. Olivia and Basil attended to provide Vera with emotional support, as they had promised they would, while Samuel sat stone-faced, glaring daggers at Basil the whole time, as if he thought staring at the detective long enough would disintegrate him.
On one of the last days of August, Roger announced his family would be returning to Wales before the new school year started. ''But I've only just got you back,'' Basil said, looking as though he was lost at sea.
''I know, William,'' Roger said, hugging his twin. ''You're not losing us again.''
''We will come back to visit in the holidays – or vice versa – and we can talk on the phone regularly,'' Beatrice added. ''Everyday if you want. Stop being so dramatic.''
Basil nodded and laughed, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. He cried nonetheless when he saw his siblings and the rest of their family off when they hopped on the train. ''Take care, Uncle William and Auntie Olivia!'' Duncan and Lucy said, hugging them.
''I hope you pass your tests,'' Beatrice said to Olivia, before the train departed, and she, Roger and Amanda continued to wave from the open window as the train drove away from view until they were only little specks.
''It's not forever, William,'' Olivia said, rubbing his back.
''You'll see them again soon enough,'' Dawson agreed.
The detective smiled weakly. Later on, he and Olivia began packing their bags in preparation for their own leave. ''But what about the wedding date?'' Olivia asked worriedly. ''Everyone keeps asking about it, and Inspector Newton will try to bring Violet back at some point and –''
Basil stopped his fiancée with a long, passionate kiss. ''Honestly, darling, I'm the one who is supposed to get worked up over that stuff. You know perfectly well we can sort it all out. We can decide on a date when we're there and phone our family and friends, and if Violet's body is brought back I'm sure Miss Callahan will excuse us. But in the meantime, let's just focus on getting you a passing grade.''
''You're right, William, I'm sorry, I just want everything to turn out alright for everyone, especially you. Are we rubbing off on each other?''
Basil took her into his arms and pretended to look thoughtful. ''Hmmm … perhaps. Who knows?''
On the last day of August, Basil, Olivia and Helen were all packed and ready to depart for Mousefield College, with their family and friends seeing them off. ''You take care of yourselves,'' said Mrs Judson.
''Work hard, my wee bairn,'' Hiram said, hugging his daughter. ''I'm sure Miss Callahan will give me a full report when I attend your graduation.''
''Yes, Daddy.''
''I will also work hard to become an artist,'' Helen added, and her parents hugged her, ''especially as I'm staying the third full year.''
When Helen said this, Basil looked at Olivia. Why was she graduating after only two years rather than three, as most college students did? He had wondered this ever since she told him.
After one last goodbye to their loved ones, Basil, Olivia and Helen hopped on the trolley, then caught a horse and carriage, and another trolley until they had finally reached their destination: Mousefield College. ''It looks a lot like University of Mouseford,'' Basil commented.
''Let's go and see Miss Callahan,'' Olivia said, and the trio trekked across the grounds to the main building. As they did, Basil gazed at the building complexes, curious as to which subjects were taught where, though he had a very good educational guess from his time at UoM. Also, many college students were on the grounds, hanging out, talking or studying. There weren't many female rodents. But the trio were soon noticed.
''Is that Basil of Baker Steet?''
''What's he doing here?''
Basil did his best ignore them as he and the girls arrived at the main building. ''Where's Miss Callahan?'' he asked.
''Right here.''
The three mice looked to see a tall woman with brown fur and dirty-blonde hair, the same shade as Dawsons's, that was slightly greying. ''Olivia Flaversham, Helen Baker,'' she said in a smart and formidable yet warm tone, ''it's good to see you both back. I do hope you will continue to do well in your classes.''
''We will,'' the girls said together.
Miss Calhan looked at the ring on Olivia's finger and smiled. She then turned to Basil. ''Ah, Mr Basil, welcome to Mousefield College.''
''Thank you, Miss Callahan, for allowing me on your grounds. I couldn't bear the thought of being separated from Olivia again because she –''
''She's the light of your life, you can't live without her, you're addicted to her, etc, am I right?''
''Yes!''
Miss Callahan placed her hands on her hips. ''At least you admit it, and you needn't worry. Now, unfortunately, since you are not a mature student I cannot allow you into the students' dorm, but I can accommodate you on the staff quarters, there is an empty room.''
''I'll take it, ma'am,'' Basil said at once. ''Do the staff know about me?''
''I informed them as soon as you called me. They were initially surprised by the request but seeing as it's the famous mouse detective who has helped many rodents and locked away criminals, they had no problem.''
''That's a relief to here. Now, I would like to help Olivia settle in first before I do myself.''
''Very well then. Let's get going.''
The four mice left the building and made their way once more across the grounds. As they did, a few college students walked up to them, both male and female. Miss Callahan took a step back.
''Hi, Olivia!'' said one male mouse with round glasses that made him look like science geek, which he was. ''Glad to see you again. Maybe I can make you a love potion so you will fall for me?''
Basil frowned slightly, the jealous monster roaring again, for the first time in weeks. He honestly should've known there would be more of Olivia's admirers. Miss Callahan chuckled.
''Mr Basil, I'm surprised to see you here,'' said one female rat. ''Congratulations on your capture of the infamous Viper. But I will be sad when you go, Olivia,'' she added sadly to the young woman. ''You've been such an inspiration to us females, since we're pretty much the only ones here, as have you, Miss Callahan.''
''You're welcome,'' Olivia said modestly, ''but my friend Helen here will continue with that, seeing as she's staying a year longer.''
''I'll do my best,'' she said, a little uncertainly.
''But why is Mr Basil here?'' asked one mouse girl.
Basil smiled. ''Do you really want to know why, ladies and gentleman? Because I didn't want to be apart from my bride-to-be here …''
Olivia showed them all the turquoise ring. It was a long, pregnant pause, with everyone staring at the ring, mouth-opened. All of the boys looked crestfallen, as though they were children who had had all of their toys taken off them and then slumped away, dejected. The girls were a little envious but were happy for them. ''I think it was inevitable,'' said one girl mouse, smiling sadly. ''Of course, there are bound to be some more admirers who won't be happy, but we'll keep them in line.''
''Olivia and I very much appreciate that, ladies,'' Basil said, and he, Olivia, Helen and Miss Callahan continued making their away until they had reached the dorm where the two girls stayed, and Miss Callahan handed them their keys and time table sheets.
''You live in separate rooms?'' Basil asked, surprised, when Helen went to another door down the hall, and Miss Callahan went to help her, saying it would be best to give Basil and Olivia some privacy.
''To ourselves,'' said Olivia, ''as there's not that many girls in campus, as you saw.''
She was about to lift her suitcase when Basil saw her struggling slightly and took it off her, in addition to carrying his own. ''You might do you back in, William,'' she teased. ''I can do it myself.''
''I don't want you to miss any classes, darling, so if it results in bad back for me to ensure that, so be it,'' Basil replied stubbornly.
Olivia shook her head in amusement and they entered her room. Basil wasn't surprised it had a blue theme to it, as it was Olivia's signature colour: blue walls, blue carpets and even a blue bed cover. There was a phone in the wall. He put her suitcase and helped her unpack everything. The young woman put the framed pictures of her family and friends next to the bedside table, and all of her books on the shelves, her study books on one and her regular books on another so as to separate them. Lastly, Olivia placed her shawl on the chair near the bed along with her nightgown, and her other dresses in the wardrobe.
''By the way, Livy,'' Basil said suddenly, ''there's something I've always wanted to ask you: why are you graduating after only two years instead of three?''
Olivia smiled. ''I'm too smart for my own good. That's what Miss Callahan said, that I didn't need the three full years. She even said I didn't need two but I insisted I wanted to stay at least that long. I don't know if you, Daddy and everyone else could really wait another year, and if we stay away from Baker Street for that long, money wouldn't be coming in and how could we then provide for our children? I want to have both a career and a family.'' She then sighed, shaking her head. ''Now I don't know what to do.''
''You could always return sometime as a mature student if you want,'' Basil said, ''after everything else has settled.''
''Miss Callahan did say that, and I think I'll take up that offer. After all, my main goal behind coming here was to make my mark and change things just a bit if I could, as I told you a long time ago. After all, those girls earlier said that I inspired them to follow their dreams.''
Basil placed an arm around her. ''And I'm proud of you, darling. Did you have a specific career prospect in mind?''
''A few, such as being a teacher or even a doctor like Dawson.''
''I'm sorry I may have scuppered your plans, Livy.''
''Don't be, I'll still have a career of being a detective alongside you.''
''Very true.''
''Not to mention, though education is important to me, my friends and family - present and future - always come first. Now, go to your room and get settled in, William. I'll see you tomorrow.''
Basil whined playfully and Olivia giggled. ''It won't be the same not having you lying with me, Livy.''
''I know, but you know where I am, if you're lonely we can talk on the phone, and if you really want to you can sleep in here with me sometimes, but now that I'm back at college I need to devote more time to studying. After all, I didn't get any done during the case.''
''I understand, darling. I want you graduate with excellent grades as much as you do.''
''Don't worry, I won't study 24/7, it's not healthy, as Daddy said. I will be able to schedule in time with you as well every now and then, unless you're working on a case off campus.''
''That's relief to hear,'' Basil said happily, and they shared a long passionate kiss. After leaving him her room's number, the lovebirds said goodbye to each other as Basil picked up his bag and left the room. Miss Callahan was at the end of the hall waiting.
''Shall we proceed to you living quarters, Mr Basil?''
Basil nodded and the headmistress led the detective to where the staff resided. Basil's room was on the second floor. ''Don't lose this whatever you do,'' she said, handing him his key. ''Enjoy you're stay, Mr Basil,'' she added, as if he was in a hotel on holiday.
Basil closed the door behind him and looked around his new room and smiled. It was about the same size as Olivia's, and it was evident this was a teacher's room as there were posters of learning subjects on the walls. The walls were a nice creamy yellow-beige colour, similar to Pauline's dress. Basil didn't mind, Miss Callahan had obviously had no time to decorate it more to Basil's taste as him coming had been last-minute, but it was satisfactory enough. At least he had somewhere to stay, the detective thought as he unpacked his belongings.
The next morning, Olivia woke up to hear the morning birds chirping. She looked over next to her and remembered Basil was at the staff's quarters. She knew he was only minutes away from her, but not having her lying next to her, it was as though she wasn't a whole person, like Basil had said. Nevertheless, the young woman grabbed her books and locked up her room, bumping into Helen and the two best friends exited their dorm building together.
''I don't know about you, but I'm so nervous to be back,'' Helen said anxiously.
''I am too, if I'm honest,'' said Olivia. ''It feels as though it's been forever since we were last here.'' She stared at the building in which she would take her first class and felt her stomach flip, as though she was going going be sick. ''What if we forget everything?''
''That won't happen, Livy,'' said a familiar voice, and Olivia felt better when an arm wrapped around her shoulder. It was Basil. ''Morning, girls.''
''William! I should've known you would come.''
''Of course! I know the first day can be frightening, darling, I remember how sick I felt on my first day of each new university year – though I didn't show it, of course – so I wanted to give you my support.''
Olivia looked at him with loving eyes and gave him a short kiss. ''I appreciate that, William. It appears it's not just me that can calm you when you're all agitated.''
''It works both ways, Livy.''
Olivia nodded. ''Let's go, don't want be late on our first day.''
Helen departed as her art class was held in a different building.
''May I see the timetable, Livy?'' Basil asked, having forgot about it last night. He was curious what Olivia had. She handed to him. ''Oh my! Double chemistry, Maths and linguistics. Ah, so that's how you knew Italian.''
He smiled proudly at her. Olivia truly was his soulmate. He escorted her to the building and gave her a quick kiss. ''Good luck.''
Olivia made her to way to her first class of chemistry, in which she was only female, but she didn't mind. The chemistry teacher, Mr Macintosh, who was also Scottish, was one of those old-fashioned teachers who preferred the old ways but did treat Olivia with respect and admiration. ''Miss Flaversham,'' he said, ''do you know what this reaction is?'' he asked her when demonstrating an experiment on a chemistry set. It remained her of when Basil used his set on Buch's tooth.
''That's a combustion, sir,'' Olivia said. ''Oxygen with carbon dioxide and water, exothermic, which is why there is heat emanating from it.''
Mr Macintosh nodded approvingly. And that was how it was the following lessons, the teachers would always ask her to answer on the first day, though Olivia let other students answer the questions as she felt they should be given a chance as well. She was nothing like Ruby Mortimer, thank goodness, who had been so vain and narcissistic. No wonder Ratigan had been attracted to her.
After her last linguistics class was finished, she was not surprised to find Basil waiting outside of her room door. He greeted her with a long, loving kiss before they sat on her bed and he asked her about her about her first day, genuinely curious.
''At least you had a fun day, darling. I've not had one case today so it's been rather boring.''
''It's early days, William,'' Olivia said, rubbing his back. ''Don't worry, you'll get some cases as soon word gets out that you're here.''
''I hope so.''
Basil looked tense, then voiced out what he had thought about last night. Olivia was the only one with whom he could be honest with about his insecurities. ''I don't regret coming here, darling, but I haven't been in this sort of environment in years, and I'm really not used to anything other than Baker Street.''
Olivia squeezed his hand. ''I understand what you mean, I was the same when I very first moved her, but given the academics they have here I have no doubt you will adjust to your new surroundings in due time. After all, you said you loved studying so you'll soon feel right at home.''
Basil smiled, then winced as though he had been pinched. ''I think I've thrown my back out.''
''I told you,'' Olivia teased, shaking her head, and they laughed.
In no time at all, Basil had indeed adapted rather well to the academic settings of Mousefield College. Students were in awe of the famous mouse detective being on campus, but Basil didn't want any fuss as he wanted his and Olivia's engagement to be low key, so everyone treated him like any other student even though he wasn't taking classes. Watching all of the college students walking around getting to class, studying or hanging out, it was as though Basil had gone back in time to when he was University of Mouseford doing the same – at least the first two – which made him wistful as memories flooded his mind. Oh, to be young again, he thought.
After a week, Basil, Olivia and Helen hadn't seen any sign of Emmett, which worried them. Miss Callahan informed them that Emmett had dropped out and didn't want to carry on with his photography course. ''I'm guessing it's because of that scrapbook,'' Helen said, and Basil and Olivia agreed.
On the other hand, no-one was in any doubt as to why ''Charlie'' hadn't come back, and everyone was glad to see the back of him.
Olivia and Helen continued with their respective courses, at which they both excelled. As she was graduating next year, Olivia had been given far more homework, which took up most of her time. It was as though she was climbing a very high mountain. As smart as she was, most of it was even difficult for her to tackle, so Basil assisted her, for which she would thank him with some private time, which they both always enjoyed (and once or twice, Miss Callahan almost caught them in the act).
As promised, Basil talked to his siblings on the phone every day to see how they were doing, but he still missed seeing them in person. ''Glad you're doing well at a college environment, William,'' said Roger. ''You haven't been in one since those four years at UofM.''
''Between you and me, Roger, it makes me wish I was a youngster once more,'' Basil admitted.
''Don't we all? Have you had any cases?''
''A few, actually. I didn't get any at first but they soon started rolling in. A particular favourite of mine was an abandoned building not far from the college. There were rumours the old owner, who had was a big lover of cheese and lived a hundred years ago, had left a treasure of some sort, and that his spirit was haunting the building. Of course, I have never believed in the supernatural so I was determined to prove it – and my instincts were right in the shilling! It turned out some petty thief wanted the treasure and was using a recording of him pretending to be a wolf howling to keep people from discovering the treasure first.''
''How did you discover it was him?'' Beatrice asked into the receiver.
''He was one of the most incompetent robbers I had ever encountered, not very bright so it was fairly easy. Not one of the most exciting cases I've ever solved, but the end result made up for it, which is why it's a favourite,'' Basil said with relish.
''How so?'' his siblings asked. ''Did he find the treasure?''
Basil grinned. ''Indeed, he did, which was also his comeuppance. Remember, the owner had lived a hundred years ago and adored cheese, so what did the thief find when he opened the box? Old, mouldy, smelly, hundred-year-old cheese!'' Basil cackled with laughter. ''The look on his face was priceless! His work had been for nothing! HA!''
Roger and Beatrice laughed. ''Olivia thought it was one of the funniest cases ever when I told her.''
Even though it was only the phone, it felt so good for Basil to have a laugh with his siblings again. ''How are you lot doing?'' he then asked.
Roger told him it was his and Amanda's wedding anniversary soon and was planning something special, as he always did. ''Spoil her as much as you want, dear brother,'' said Basil. ''I intend to spoil Olivia and our future children.''
As he said this, Basil remembered they still had not set a date for the wedding. He remembered Olivia had got most her homework done so perhaps they could finally have some time to discuss it? After talking to his siblings, Basil waited until Olivia's last class was over before going over to her room.
''How about a winter wedding?'' Basil suggested. ''Late November to mid-December?''
''I love the sound of that,'' Olivia said enthusiastically, and Bail was surprised to see her acting like an excited child. ''One of our distant relatives got married at winter time close to Christmas and it truly was magical.''
''Very well. In that case what about Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Or would that be too much?''
''It would be too much,'' Olivia said, ''and I don't think we could fit that many presents in the house.''
Bails chuckled. ''I see what you mean. What about the 19th? Your birthday date?''
Olivia looked touched. ''Oh, William! But what about yours? Come to think of it, I don't think I ever asked you.''
''I was born 3rd February 1872.''
''The 3rd …. Hmmm …'' Olivia said thoughtfully. ''How about somewhere between both our dates?''
Basil agreed. After some debate, they settled on 15th December. ''It is, of course, the date after Valentine's Day,'' the detective pointed out, ''so it seems only fitting.''
The couple then immediately rung up their family and friends to tell them to good news. They were all enthusiastic about finally have a date to mark on their calendars.
For the next several months, hoping she would graduate with flying colours, Olivia Flaversham and William Basil continued their day-to-day lives on the grounds of Mousefield College.
Not much to be said for this chapter, other than Olivia has now officially resumed college life. A lot sure has happened since the case was solved.
It's also good to see Martha finally meeting her paternal family.
Time to answer some reviews:
MillenniumPrincess: Yep, Olivia's friends and teachers now know. Thankfully, Miss Callahan didn't mind Basil being in site. As for Roger and Beatrice, it's only visits for now but at least he has them back in his life. I promise they will soon return permanently.
ZabuzasGirl: Glad you are still loving this story and hope you will continue to do so.
Next time, get out your hankies as Basil and his family prepare to say goodbye to their beloved Aunt Violet.
See you soon!
