Now it's just becoming too easy. Just when it seems like he could stick a foot out and Spike would be all over the floor, Joshua lets go, and offers another sharp slap to the older man's back that could easily send him several feet forward, but hopefully still on his feet.

"Too bad we already agreed on your Christmas present, although we both know it's hard to trump the hair pin."

And the entrance, or rather exit, is right there (look at how time flies when you're in agony) both maids standing beside the open double doors and dipped in a curtsy.

"See you, Spike. Come back soon; they have to dust more the less you're here."