Chapter Text
Tobias Butler was on a mission. His employer, The Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher, had tasked him with a goodly list of items to procure for a number of meals for her impending guest. 'A gentleman friend' who, she said, 'had quite the appetite.'
He allowed himself a small smile, hoping against hope that Miss Fisher and the Inspector had finally torn down the barriers between them in this long dance they had been engaged in; that they might succumb to a more... intimate relationship? Things had been progressing in that direction during the past year. Heaven knew there was ample attraction on both sides. They were a more than competent (a rather excellent one, by his reckoning) crime solving team, as evidenced by the Inspector's impressive case solve rate (something Constable Collins had boasted about on a number of occasions, so proud he was to be working for such a fine officer of the law).
As he moved through the market collecting each item on his list, he continued to ruminate on the Inspector and his Miss. His previously hidden smile burst forth, encompassing his face. In all his years in service, he thought he’d never met a more matched pair. Though, at the start of their acquaintance, things were a bit rough around the edges. They'd had their difficult patches, yes, but he saw that they complimented each other quite well, indeed. Where the Inspector was more staid and thoughtful, Miss Fisher was more capricious and instinctual. The combination of the two rubbed off one on the other, lending a better balance to each.
Tobias double checked his list as he paid for the last of his purchases, pleased that he had managed to acquire everything on it – a few unexpected bonuses, and several items on his 'wish list.' He mentally rubbed his hands together in anticipation of the cuisine he’d be preparing. He thanked the shopkeeper and pocketed his list. A motorcar pulling up to the curb in front of the shop garnered his attention, drawing his gaze out the window. Gathering his purchases, he made his way out of the shop to the waiting cab.
"Ah… Mr. Johnson. Mr. Yates. Excellent timing as ever, gentlemen," Tobias remarked.
Cec exited the cab and greeted the amiable manservant with a nod and tip of his hat. They met at the rear of the vehicle, Cec opening the door.
"Lemme help you with that Mr. B." he offered, taking the topmost packages from the overflowing pile in the butler's arms.
"Thank you, Cecil. Much appreciated," he said as they neatly stacked the purchases inside.
"Blimey!" Bert exclaimed out of the side of his mouth around the cigarette dangling from his lips. "That looks like the makings of a right feast ya got there, Mr. B. Wonder who's comin' for dinner, eh?" He nodded towards the back seat, took one last drag on his cigarette, pinched off the end and flicked the nub to the curb.
The men moved to enter the vehicle as Mr. Butler began to reply. "Miss Fisher is expecting a gentleman guest, whom, she advised, has an ample appetite. As to his identity, well, it would be improper for me to engage in idle conjecture." The corners of his lips curved up knowingly.
Cec elbowed Bert in his side, a huge grin spreading wide, his eyes alight and sparkling. "Whattaya think? Maybe the Inspector's finally coming over for dinner? She's been tryin' for a while now, hasn't she, Bert? I'd say it's about time, eh?" he continued grinning as he ducked into the cab.
Bert 'harumphed' and attempted to scowl, but he too, had a smirk on his face. "'Bout bloody time, indeed!" he chuckled as he grudgingly agreed.
In no time the men were back at Wardlow, both cabbies assisting Mr. Butler in putting away the purchases. The quiet industry wasn’t lost on Cec as he queried the butler. "Where’s our Dottie today? I thought she'd be home."
Tobias poked his head out of the pantry. "Dorothy has gone to visit with her mother this week. Something about a sick cousin or other. She's expecting to return by week's end, all things permitting." He ducked back into the pantry to complete his task.
"Oh… ho-ho-ho…!" Bert burst out from behind a cabinet door, a wicked grin gracing his weathered face.
Cec was quick on the uptake, continuing the thought Bert had started. "So… does this mean our favorite pair of detectives are finally gonna get some alone time?"
"When the cat’s away?" Bert interjected with a conspiratorial laugh.
"Aw… c'mon Bert… why yeh haveta give 'im such a hard time?" Cec asked as he attempted to chastise his partner, a silly grin still plastered on his face.
"Just funnin', Cec. You know I haveta give that copper a leg pull or two. Can't have him thinkin' we’re best mates now, can I?" He brushed off his hands and looked towards the butler. "Well, Mr. B… Yeh need us for anythin' else?"
"No, thank you, Albert. I think I can manage from here," he replied, wiping his hands on his apron before reaching for the recipe box.
"C'mon, mate. We have just enough time to pick up Alice from Mrs. Stanley's and grab a quick one at the pub before we have to go to Alice's sister's." Cec grabbed his cap from the kitchen table and slapped it on his head in one swift motion as he headed towards the kitchen door.
"And how is Mrs. Yates getting along in her new position as Mrs. Stanley's housekeeper?" the butler inquired.
"She's all trained up now." Cec turned to answer. "Mrs. Truebody left last week. Mrs. S. seems to like her awright." Cec smiled thinking of his wife in her new job, pride evident on his face.
"Good, very good. Delighted to hear it," Tobias replied, continuing his preparations, deftly moving about the kitchen acquiring the needed implements and ingredients.
Bert puffed up momentarily as he volunteered, "You let me know if Aunt P... I mean Mrs. Stanley," he corrected as his eyes met with the butler's, "is being too hard on Alice. I'll give her a 'what for' if she is." He winked at Mr. Butler, sharing a smile. Following his partner's lead, Bert snatched his hat from the counter, made a clicking sound out of the side of his mouth and tipped his hat. "Mr. B."
"Albert. Cecil," he acknowledged with a smile, letting out a quiet chuckle and shook his head as he continued preparations for Miss Fisher's evening meal.