Lyoushka's clerk thinks well of me. If we need someone to lean on him, I will do the leaning.

And depending on what Our Lord does with this contest: the children know me in kindly-professor mode, and would likely cling to an outstretched hand if it came from dear old Dyadya Tosha. Worth a try.

I have arranged for tea with Stephen later in the week once I have recovered more. I will feel him out as subtly as I can.