Rue contemplated telling them to get off, but Virgil looked quite militant in protection of his Lady Captain and Spoo seemed to be having far too much fun. So Rue let them stay, wondering how her unexpected caller might cope with rascals intent on military occupation of her lower extremities. It was almost pleasing to see such a very elegant female so very put upon.

Miss Sekhmet stopped trying to remove the parasitical small persons after finding them quite tenacious. She wrapped herself in dignity and sat there, talking to Rue as though there were nothing amiss and she commonly found herself on the deck of a ladybird-shaped airship with younglings tenanting her person.

“I warned you, metanatural, about India.”

“So far, Miss Sekhmet, this moment has been the most unpleasant thing to occur here. And you, I hasten to add, are the one at the disadvantage, not I.”

The woman wrinkled her aristocratic nose. “Oh, do tell them to get off. I’m not going to harm you. If I were, I’ve already had ample opportunity.”

Rue arched an eyebrow. “Are you going to be any more forthcoming, or do you intend to persist in mysterious warnings?”

Miss Sekhmet huffed in annoyance. “It is a matter of some” – she glared at Virgil and Spoo – “delicacy.”

“You have a message for me?” Rue hazarded a guess.

“I have been appointed speaker, more’s the pity.” Miss Sekhmet seemed annoyed by responsibility.

“And you couldn’t have given it to me… before?”

“No one realised you were unaware of the situation. Why else would I warn you off?”

Ah, thought Rue, there it is. She does represent the other players after the tea.

Miss Sekhmet continued. “I wanted to meet you. One of the greatest wonders of our age. I did not intend to be involved further.” She sounded like a finicky child being forced to eat her vegetables. “Once I realised that you were sent on purpose and already involved, I found I had no choice. I have my responsibilities, just as you do. Surely you understand?”

It was funny to see such a refined lady look like a petulant child. Despite herself, Rue warmed to the enigmatic Sekhmet. She couldn’t help it. She had a soft spot for the disgruntled. That’s why she kept Percy around. “You may give me the message and have done with it. I assure you these two are capable of keeping secrets.” Her look said Virgil and Spoo had better be.

Spoo and Virgil nodded with gleeful yet solemn expressions.

The woman hesitated, muttering to herself in her own language. Finally she said, “I am instructed to ask that you attend tonight’s garden party. Someone there will be prepared to discuss terms.” She looked sceptically at Rue’s hideous parasol, loose hair, and bare feet.

Without admitting that she was already intending to go, Rue nodded. “And how will I know this person?”

“Oh, you will know.”

“Not you?”