Echoing Small Hobbit - I'm really taken with the idea of them pilfering the table ^___^ And "Once we’ve put this handsome thing in its proper place, I might just put another handsome thing in its proper place” is such a great line ^____^

And as always I am so impressed with your use of description - ...nested in soft wool in the crate. “Walnut, brass, glass. Thermometer, barometer, hygrometer. The finest weather station in the land.” It's beautiful and I can absolutely see the weather station.