My Neighbor's Wife

Chapter 11

It is already late afternoon when the carriage reaches London; it stops at The Judge's house. There are four maids already waiting outside. They immediately grab the bags at the back of the carriage and take it inside, without waiting for instructions.

When they are all able to set their feet on the ground, Lucy immediately says her good bye to The Beadle and The Judge. But when she checks for her bags at the compartment, it is not there anymore. She frowns in confusion and turns to Judge Turpin who is smirking at her. She raises an eyebrow and asks "Where are my bags, sir? I really need to go home. My husband is waiting for me."

Judge Turpin grimaces when he hears the word 'husband', but he quickly changes his expression- sporting a warm smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "But Mrs. Barker, you should come inside first. Lunch is ready."

"I'm sorry, sir. I really need to go home. But nonetheless, thank you for your offer" Lucy says, politely declining The Judge's invitation. "Can I have my things now, sir?"

The Judge sighs in defeat- looking down and clamping his hands behind his back. "Well, then let me just take you home. It is not safe for a pretty lady- like you- to be walking around the streets of London alone.

Lucy's cheeks turn red at the compliment. She ducks her head down- hiding the little smile and the blush that creeps into her face. She clears her throat- composing herself- and nods at Judge Turpin, accepting his offer. The Judge turns back at The Beadle before leaving.

"You may eat without me." Beadle Bamford abruptly turns around, heading inside- excited for the thought of food waiting for him inside. But halfway making through the door, Judge Turpin calls for him again. "And Beadle, tell them to bring Mrs. Barker's things out."

Beadle Bamford nods dismissively, yelling for the maids before he even steps inside the house. One maid comes out of the house rushing towards the Judge. The maid turns to Lucy and hands her things to her, but the Judge takes it away from the maid carrying Lucy's bags for her.

As the two of them walk, Lucy notices the way people stares at her and The Judge when they pass by them. She does not like the way they look, it has malice in them. Women will make face and whisper to their husband or their companion when they think that she doesn't notice them.

She casts a side glance to The Judge, checking if he too sees the way people look at them. His face shows no emotion. As if noticing that Lucy is looking at him, he faces her and smiles at her before continuing to stare ahead. Lucy sighs, she does not know if he's just choosing to ignore the people or he doesn't notice them.
____________________________________
They arrive at Fleet Street. The first thing Lucy notices is that Mrs. Lovett's shop is closed- It is not usual for the baker to close her shop, so Lucy wonders what caused her to do so. She turns back to the judge who is standing a foot behind her. She is about to invite him upstairs to their apartment when the door opens, showing Benjamin.

"Ben!" Lucy shouts; she runs to the landing of the stairs, waiting for her husband- she has the biggest smile on her face.

Ben takes two steps at a time in going down- excitement and joy plastered on his face. Once he reaches Lucy, he engulfs her in a fierce hug and she returns it- embracing him tighter. After a while, Judge Turpin clears his throat- making his presence known. It has been awkward for him to look at what the two are doing.

Lucy pulls apart from his husband, blushing in embarrassment for forgetting The Judge. She takes Ben's hand as she tugs him to walk towards Judge Turpin. Once they are in front of him, she speaks- introducing Judge Turpin. "Ben, this is Judge Turpin, and sir, this is my husband- Benjamin Barker."

Ben slowly and hesitantly holds out his hand for Judge Turpin to shake- forcing a smile on his face. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."

The judge just looks at Ben's outstretched hand, with something like disgust on his face. But quickly wipes it away, changing it with a sinister grin. He nods in reply, not shaking Ben's hand. He gives-throws- Lucy's bags to Benjamin without looking at him. He is looking at Lucy, who has a skeptic look on her face upon witnessing the exchange between the two men.