Thorns And Roses

Chapter Twenty Seven

When Sweeney and Eleanore entered the parlour, they were greeted by the rather lovely sight of Joanna sitting with Toby playing cards and talking rather merrily. Giggling even.

The scene stopped them dead. Joanna looked completely relaxed sitting there with her blanket wrapped around her. Gone was the hunched over meek little mouse that Eleanore had spoken to last night, this was a completely different Joanna and Eleanore made a mental note to thank Toby once they were alone. The two would be good for each other, this she knew and the sight in front of her only confirmed it.

"Oh mum, I'm sorry we didn't wake ya did we?" Toby asked, a little startled to see them.

The two stood there in silence for a moment when Eleanore finally shook her head and walked over to hug him "No love, not at all. As a matter of fact, we were pretty shocked ta see the two of ya up." She pressed a kiss to his head and rumpled his hair. Then her eyes turned to Joanna "Ow did ya sleep, darling?"

"Very well, thank you, ma'am."

"No need for formalities under me roof, love. Ye can call me, Nellie."

Biting her lip Joanna nodded. Then her eyes drifted to the mysterious man stood beside her, just watching her. Something about his face had the young girl frowning. Where had she seen him before? He looked terribly familiar.

"Oh love this is Sweeney Todd, me tenant. He owns the barbershop upstairs." Eleanore explained.

Joanna rose elegantly from her seat and curtseyed like a proper lady with her head down demurely. "Hello, Mr Todd." She said, extending her hand out in greeting "My name's Joanna."

Sweeney could only stare in longing. He felt like he was looking at the ghost of his former wife. Joanna had blossomed so beautifully into a woman he was already so proud of. There were no mistaking parts of his reflection looking back at him. The nose, the shape of the lips and jaw. This was his baby all grown up.

After realising his daughter was still waiting to take his hand, he finally responded by reaching out and clasping it, all the while he kept his eyes on her.

My name's Joanna she had said, as if he didn't already know her, hadn't spent years dreaming of her until this day. If you only knew my little dove...

"Hello, Joanna." He whispered at last.

This time it was Joanna's turn to stare. She regarded him with fascination like he were a painting or a sculpture and she was an artist, studying over every line and curve.

"Ahem." Toby coughed, the awkward tension becoming a little too much for him. "Mista Todd," He addressed him from his seat at the table "Are ye alright?"

Sweeney abruptly let go of Joanna's hand and sent the boy a quick glare and then they were back to silence.

"Who's for some breakfast then?" Eleanore chirped. That got Toby's attention.

"Ooh yes please mum! Can we 'ave scrambled eggs an' rolls again?"

"Course love."

"Yes!" He exclaimed, standing up "Yer gonna love livin' 'ere Joanna. Mum's just the best!"

Joanna tittered with laughter and said meaningfully "Yes she's wonderful."

Eleanore felt herself flush at the compliment and beckoned them all in to follow her before she started crying. As Joanna passed Sweeney she regarded him again with a look, that same curiosity on her face as it was earlier. Sweeney merely followed and kept his mouth shut until the time was right. Then he could tell his little girl who he was.