Lockwood and Co. - Mornings at 35 Portland Row

George slumped into the kitchen around 10:30am, scratching and yawning.
"Morning George," I garbled through my cereal, not bothering to look up from the newspaper.
"Morning Lucy," came his grumbly reply, followed by rustling and the sound of bread being put in the toaster.
I took another spoonful of cereal and chewed as I continued reading the front-page article. Apparently Lockwood&Co. got a mention in it somewhere.
My gaze flicked up as the toaster popped.
I dropped my spoon into my bowl and clapped my hand over my eyes.
"George!"
"What?"
"You're not wearing pants!"
There was a pause, and I just knew George was checking if my statement was true.
"Well, I'm wearing underpants," he pointed out.
"That doesn't count!" I informed him furiously, keeping my eyes tightly closed and covered.
"Yeah it does."
"No it doesn't! Go put some pants on, right now!"
George muttered something, then said "Oh, morning Gwen."
"Gwen, look away!" I cried, but her startled yelp told me it was too late.
"George, why the hell aren't you wearing pants!" I heard her demand.
"Everybody's making a fuss! Can't a man walk around in his underwear in his own house?"
"Maybe some men can, but you certainly can't!" I told him.
"Seconded," Gwen chimed in. "Please George, go put some pants on."
George hurrumphed, and stomped his way upstairs.
I peeled my hand away from my eyes and opened them cautiously. To my relief, the only other person in the kitchen was Gwen, who was fully clothed.
"Is it safe?" she asked, peeking out from behind her hands.
"Yeah, he's gone."
Gwen sighed in relief and sat down at the table.
"Well that was a confronting way to start the day," she decided, rifling through the mess on the table for bread and jam. I passed them to her.
"Confronting is definitely the right word," I agreed, trying unsuccessfully to banish the image of George's y-fronts from my mind.
Lockwood came in.
"Either of you girls care to tell me why George just stalked past me in his underpants? He looked very cranky."
"No," we replied unanimously.
"Alright then." He put the kettle on. "Who's for tea?"