Excerpt: Third Wheel

"You're a lecturer?" Helen asked politely, still wishing he would let go of her hand.

"Oh yes. Oh indeed. Classic literature, forgotten masters. I was the foremost expert on Spenser in my department, before I took sabbatical to come over to Africa"

"For no rhyme or reason?" Kevin muttered quietly, but Russel heard him anyway.

"Why that's very good my boy. 'No rhyme or reason'? Very good indeed. I must remember that." He guffawed - which was the only word Sally could find to describe the eruption.

"Quite witty young man. I see your Mother taught you well."

Sally looked at Helen, and was glad to see that she looked just as confused as she was. They both looked at Kevin expectantly.

"Spenser was the first to use that line, 'No rhyme or reason.' There's a story behind it, but it slips my mind."

Sally doubted that, but she realised he was trying to steer their guest onto the reason for his visit.

“Yes.” Russel boomed, “Legend has it that Spenser was commissioned by the Queen to….”

“So sorry to interrupt, “Kevin said without a trace of regret, “But we have just put the little one’s to bed. Could you possibly try to keep the volume down.”

“Oh, I do apologise. I shall so endeavour.” He promised, with no sign of doing so.

"So what can we do for you Mr Anthorp? Or is it Doctor, or Professor?"

"My dear," he replied to Helen, even though Kevin was the one who had asked the question. "To you, I am just Rusty."

"He certainly is." Kevin muttered under his breath, causing Sally to have to suppress another bout of laughter.

This could be an interesting night after all.