The Eternal Shadow

Chapter 51

LI

"Told you we'd be seeing her again!"

Rosie Baker could always tell when a customer was keen. She'd been in the trade all her life and her gut feeling was never wrong when it came to a sale. Her daughter Sue chuckled for she'd thought the very same thing about the young lady who'd visited their market stall the previous week.

She held off on the sales patter this time and let the girl peruse but as she reached out to touch the scarf she'd paid particular attention to last time, Sue couldn't help but encourage her, "It's lovely that one isn't it? A beautiful shade of blue."

The smile that tugged at the corner of the girl's lips said it all - Sue knew she was going to buy it. She was surprised however, as the customer then enquired if she had another in a similar shade.

"For you and your beloved?"

The sad look on the lady's face made her instantly regret the question.

"Err... no, it's a wedding gift."

It took considerable effort for Sue not to raise an eyebrow. There was only one wedding that came in question here and it astounded her that anybody would want to buy Sir Guy of Gisborne a gift, wedding or no. She wisely held her tongue though, reminding herself that the lives of her customers were none of her business. Fortunately, her mother was smart enough to do the same.

Unfortunately, Tilly Radcliffe, who owned the neighbouring stall, had overheard their conversation and couldn't resist putting her oar in.

"You buying that for Gisborne!? Christ, you'd do better keepin' yer pennies to yerself! I doubt the man has cracked a smile in his life and I don't reckon he'll start now for all the nice scarves yer might buy 'im!"

Francesca frowned and bit her lip. Rosie and Sue Baker cringed; if that hadn't killed the sale then nothing would. Tilly chuckled and toddled off back to her stall.

With a determined huff, Francesca held up the scarf she'd had her eye on and another one in a lighter blue, "I'll take them" she declared, holding her head up high. She gave the surprised mother and daughter a smile as she paid and then passed by Tilly without so much as a glance.

"I can embroider 'em yer know... I'm good at embroiderin' – you ask anyone 'ere... an' if I keep the pattern small I could prob'ly get it done by t'morrow..."

Francesca turned to face the woman who'd obviously also heard the exchange and spared no time in making the offer. She was old, indeed, positively ancient; her tiny body bent double as if gravity would claim her any minute, her eyes squinting and hands shaking in a manner that suggested her embroidering days were long behind her - the young woman didn't have the heart to refuse her though, "That's a lovely idea, what do you think would work best?"

"Well, I reckon they'd want their family crests on 'em... I'd need patterns though, I knows the families but I don't know the crests off the top of me 'ead."

"Well then, I'd say that's settled! I'll get the patterns and then you can get started!"

"You 'aven't even asked me how much I want for the job yet..."

Francesca wanted to hug her. God bless her heart...

"Well err... go easy on me now..." she grinned indulgently at her new friend who grinned right back and didn't miss a beat when it came to her reply;

"Tell you what, come sup with me awhile, I'm sure we can come to some arrangement."

**********

Dot Whittleworth was sharp as a blade.