Webs

9

At the end of the week, Rennold rode into the city to pick up his sister, who was going to stay with their father since he had fallen ill. It had only been a few days, and he was appearing to improve gradually, but Kianna insisted on visiting. Their stepmother had been married to their father for 11 years and Kianna still despised her and did not believe she would be able to ensure their father fully regained his health.

Rennold picked up Kianna at the train station and she came rushing to him with a wide smile on her small lips. Her brown hair was tied atop her head and her dark silk dress flowed with her thin features.

She stretched her arms around Rennold. "So lovely to see you again big brother!"

"You're still a ball of energy, little sister."

"Always will be. How is Father?" Kianna asked as she took her brother's arm and he took her bag as they walked towards his carriage on the street.

"As I said in my letter, he is already showing improvement. You did not need to travel all this way."

"Nonsense! It has been too long since I visited Father anyway. Besides, that woman barely knows how to take care of herself, you think father would recover in her hands?" She turned to the front of the carriage and shouted: "Driver! Bring us to the market first!"

"What for?" asked Rennold as the carriage began to move.

"I want to get flowers. The market in Birmingham always has such a beautiful selection."

As they got out of the carriage Kianna pulled her brother to the market square where they were exposed to the cacophony of voices and the buzz of activity. The square was lined with rows of wooden stalls and cars, each adorned with colorful awnings and signs displaying the goods being sold. The air was filled with the mingling scents of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and the earthy aroma of fruits and vegetables. People bustled about, engaging in lively conversations, and haggling with vendors. The market was a meeting place for locals and visitors, the crowd a mix of well-dressed gentlemen, elegantly attired ladies, laborers in their work clothes, and children darting in and out of the throng. At the center of the market square, a fountain gushed with water, providing a refreshing spot for shoppers to rest. Nearby, street performers and musicians entertained the crowd with lively tunes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Hooves clattered and carts rumbled passed by, delivering goods and transporting people to and from the market. Butchers proudly displayed their cuts of meat, arranging them meticulously on wooden boards or hanging from hooks. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the baker's stall, loaves of various shapes and sizes stacked in neat piles. Fruits and vegetables were arranged in colorful pyramids, showcasing the bounty of the season. The vibrant colors caught Rennold's eye as they grazed over the deep greens of leafy vegetables to the vibrant reds of ripe tomatoes. The aroma of spices and herbs tickled his nose as he passed. Amidst the food stalls, vendors were selling a variety of other items. Clothiers displayed bolts of fabric, offering the latest patterns and materials. Pottery and ceramic merchants showcase their wares, displaying delicate teacups, sturdy plates, and decorative vases. Trinket sellers enticed passersby with shiny baubles and small curiosities.

Rennold had rarely visited the market and was almost overwhelmed by the energy. So many sounds and movements made him notice the details of his surroundings. He was waiting for Kianna to pick out the perfect bouquet when he crossed paths with Leyton Bristow: a man in his 40s with thin hair and a sharp jawline who had worked with Rennold for almost a decade.

"Leyton Bristow!" Rennold exclaimed as he embraced his friend. "So good to see you! It has certainly been much too long. What are you doing in Birmingham?"

"Just here for a few days, my friend. I apologize for not coming to visit."

"Worry not about visiting. Catherine and I moved out of the city. We have an estate in the countryside."