Her Return

Her Return pt 17

Reaching the end of the street Mrs Lovett took a moment to regain her breath after running. She felt completely disturbed why what had just transpired with Mr Beckett moments ago. What the hell had compelled him to behave in such a way, to try and rape her in broad daylight with no hesitation to stop either. She had come across many monsters in her time but none as dangerous as he. There was something very wrong with him and clearly she was his target for what ever messed up reason.

Mrs Lovett prided herself on being independent and capable with handling anything thrown her way. Many times she had been the subject of men's desires and had been able to fend for herself when they made any kind of move on her. But this felt personal, for Mr Beckett wasn't giving up which normally they did and for that she did feel threatened. Usually having her barber just above her shop gave her a sense of peace knowing he was there if things got out of hand. But Sweeney had not come home yet and for that she felt even more vulnerable to Mr Becketts intentions.

As she stood in eyes view of her shop she felt her eyes turn glassy with tears. Maybe it was because she was beginning to get tired of this life, constantly being poked and prodded by disgusting men treating her like one of the whores down at the local brothel. She wanted to be respected, she had worked hard all her life to people to see her for the hard working business woman she was and still she was disrespected. For the first time in her life she had to admit he frightened her.

She just hoped to god he would stay away after what she had done to his face, she was sure that was a good enough warning as any However her gut was telling her she was in deep trouble now and for that she felt terrified for her life. After all, if he could attack her like that in the street god knows what he could do behind closed doors.

Seeing Toby across the street washing down the tables outside she knew she needed to pull herself together in order not to raise any suspicion. The last thing she wanted was for him to badger her with questions.

Breathing calmly through her lips she wiped away the tears and readied herself to put on a front for her son's sake. She couldn't have him concerned as she knew he was quite the little worrier as it was and didn't want to put that kind of stress on his young shoulders.

As she walked towards her shop she plastered on a brave smile as Toby spotted her. "Looks like ya ave a full basket mum" he commented as they headed into the empty shop together. Placing down her basket of meat she pulled out the leg of lamb much to his surprise and excitement too.

"Is that what I fink it is?"

Grinning towards him she peeled back the brown paper from around the lamb so he could see for himself. "I wanted to treat you and Mista T to a lamb stew, thought with the extra money I would do us somethin' special" she said in her cheery manner not letting her concerns from earlier show.

"But we don't know when he's coming back, an if he's comin back..." Toby's flippant remark had struck a nerve, maybe because her nerves were already on end but suddenly she felt her stomach twist.

"Whatcha mean by that? Course he is..."

Toby realised quickly he may have spoken out of term. He watched the way his mum unloaded the groceries from her basket with a sullen expression on her face. "I just mean that he's left before...ya said he was away for 16 years..."

"Toby that was different, he was sent to prison on a false charge, mista T is comin' back as we...well" suddenly she felt a little nervous for this was her moment to tell him of their engagement. Yet the sudden surge of nerves through her body made it hard for it to come out. She didn't want to upset him as she knew he wasn't fond of the barber. With that said he would have to find out at some point and would have to accept her decision no matter what he felt towards Sweeney.