The Thane’s mien was apologetic. ‘Then those of your world have been calling you by your title! I wish I had known.’
Doc made a dismissing gesture. ‘I have never been one for formality. Reminds me of those stuffed shirts I used to work with.’
Both Finli and the Thane exploded with laughter at this remark. ‘Stuffed shirts!’ choked the Thane, ‘That is what they remind me of.’
‘Master James!’ laughed Finli, ‘Your reputation for such coinages has preceded you. I shall never be able to look one of my colleagues in the eye again without thinking of your epithet.’
‘I’m afraid that it is a very tired old saying back where I come from,’ chuckled Doc. ‘But to answer your question, I know Malina very well. She and her friends, Deborah and Ralph, lived for a time in my home.’
Finli stopped laughing abruptly. ‘Then it is true. That dear little Pixie has survived against all odds, and has still managed to make her way in a hard world and make new friends. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for this bit of news. She was like a daughter to me, you know. She could always make a lonely old sod like me forget what a hard and uncaring place the world can be. I would dearly love to see her smiling face again.’