Sylvie patted him on the back. "I believe Captain Mortmain was just waiting to hear how things were going here. When Starling's ready, they'll take him back."

"Then we have even less trouble. We have transport home for your husband, and I do get to keep you here my granddaughter. Why, I do believe that this is not abd at all. Will he be able to stay for the celebration?"

"I shall have to ask 'im," Starling said, with a rather nervous look at Si. "I think he brought us out on a favour to me grandmumma, and we might've reached the end of our thread with him, if you know what I mean."

Sylvie gave Starling a reassuring smile. "It's all right if you can't stay," she assured him. "I'll understand." And, for good measure, she reached up and stroked his face affectionately. "I know you'll come back when you can."

"And the reunion will be twice as sweet I suppose." The old man chuckled a bit. "Off you go then youngsters, and be sure to say your goodbyes before you leave young man, I think you will be breaking the heart of many of the children. They have not had this fun in months."

Starling was currently suffering from a case of the giddies, as he usually did when he'd pulled one off with someone he thought would call him on it. He still wasn't sure he had, but he was prepared to celebrate regardless. He took Si's hand away from his face and patted it. "Ah, you don't know me mother; she'll be thrilled. She'll send me back in a crate if she has to."

Sylvie took advantage of the moment to plant a big, noisy kiss on the boy's cheek. " Thank you, Grandpapa!" she exclaimed, before flinging her arms around the older man. "Thank you!"

The old man hugged back, still chuckling from whatever joke he had made to himself. "There there, now run off you two and leave an old man to his pipe and his spirits."