Accept her invitation.

22nd of June, 17XX

My day passed uneventfully, with a light shower coming down upon us, bringing in a cool breeze, perfect for outside reading or work. When evening came, and I was dressing to pay call to Mrs. Holden-Buress, Howard had asked me if he should prepare for my return later in the night. I told him that he should, and there was a slight pause to him, before he nodded and said that he would, before muttering to himself about possibly needing to call upon Dr. Jules again.

I suspect that he had hoped that either I was becoming more and more accustomed, or at least, more willing, to participate in the Madosin practice of spending the night at another's home, for one reason or another perhaps, but more likely, it might be more concern about his future employment chances, if his charge constantly kept injuring or losing themselves in the woods. "Howard, if you believe that I am at risk tonight, you are more than welcome to join me. I'm sure that Mrs. Holden-Buress would understand. Especially since I do seem to be unable to navigate myself home after dark."

His feeble laugh betrayed him. "I have full confidence in your ability tonight Sir. The roads are well lit, and the Buress house is a stone's throw away from the Gottlieb's. I am sure that you'll have no problem finding your way around." Brushing off some dust from my Cane, he did say a little sternly, but with an easy smile, "however, if you are not back by Midnight, I will have a search party assembled."

"Very droll, Howard," I chuckled, taking it from him. He chuckled back, and wished me a pleasant evening. But, as I took my first steps out, I very quickly turned to him and said in hushed tones, "Howard. Ten o'clock. Come collect me at the Buress's at ten."

His shoulders seemed to lift, and he smiled brightly at me. "As you wish, Sir. Ten o'clock."

"Ten o'clock," I said again, nodding to no one in particular, before making my way to the Buress house. Given my history with this place, and the reputations of the residents of this house on the line, I felt that this would save us all some face. Wisdom can only come from experience and all that.

It was fortunate that the Buress house was not only the largest Building on the street, but also at the very end, therefore, at least in theory, I should have had no trouble navigating myself home. In fact, Mrs. Holden-Buress commented on that fact the moment I arrived. I smiled and nodded, gave a polite and self-knowing chuckle at that, before she introduced me to the three other individuals with whom I would be dining with as well.