Thorns And Roses

Chapter Twenty One

"Eleanore." The judge smiled at her "How are you, my dear?"

The baker swallowed hard and had to clear her throat to answer. "F-fine sir. Wot can I get for ya?"

"An ale if you please, and one of your meat pies."

"I'm out of pies for the night I'm afraid, but I could give ya a fruit pie?"

"A fruit pie it is then." He nodded "Thank you."

Eleanore nodded and scampered away to fetch his order. Her hands were shaking so terribly when she poured the ale, she spilt a lot of it over her counter. Glancing outside again she realised that there weren't many people in her shop now. Two men were drinking together and a young couple were in the process of leaving. She hoped that the two men wouldn't follow soon, then the Judge would be alone with her.

Fear took over her body at the thought and she glanced to the stairs that led to Sweeney's apartment. Please come down...

Placing the pie on the plate for him she made her way back over to the Judge with his ale and tried to control the tremble in her hands. The Judge said little and simply thanked her and paid her a generous tip.

"Wot brings ya here ta me shop at this hour sir?" She asked, unable to help herself.

"Why, can I not visit my neighbours?" He sang.

The baker looked at him coldly, not believing him for a second. "Ye've never set foot 'ere in over fifteen years, sir. Last time ya did it was to lock me in bedlam and take away a baby from a loving mother."

"A mother who tragically passed away." He said calmly, his tone painfully condescending. "I had a duty."

"I was her mother. I considered 'er mine. So ya did take 'er from a lovin' mother." The baker's voice trembled with suppressed rage and pain.

Turpin surveyed her with curiosity as she placed down his pie and drink then swiftly made her exit again. This woman was renowned for being one of the most feisty women in all of London who'd battered two thugs and saved a man. She threw out men herself when they became too rowdy in her shop and she made it very clear what she thought of you. Yet whenever he was around, she was often demure. Submissive. He knew right there and then that he wanted her, badly.

"Mrs Lovett!" Called one of the two men sitting together "Our bill if ye please!"

Eleanore approached hesitantly, with her jug of ale still in hand. "Leavin' so soon gentleman?"

"As much as we love ya company we 'ave work tomorrow." Said the other.

"Yes, duty calls." His friend stood with a smile as he dug into his pockets for money. "Ow much do we owe ya?"

"Uhm well, that'll be four pounds in total for the both of ya, please." She said. She didn't want these men to leave, these were two of her regulars and despite being a little loud they were perfectly harmless and always respected her. She knew as soon as they'd leave she would be alone, with him. And that was beginning to terrify her. Where the bloody hell was Sweeney? He could kill him right now!

"Lovely dinin' here as usual." The man tipped his hat and offered her a smile "See you next week."

She forced a smile and bid them farewell, watching with growing helplessness as their figures disappeared into the night. She was alone now, she would simply need to keep her wits about her and distract herself by clearing up. She danced around the tables, collecting glasses and dishes while the Judge ate in silence.

As she wiped the tables she could feel his eyes on her from behind, watching her like a hawk would a mouse. She tried her hardest not to react and simply dashed into her shop to start washing the dishes that were waiting for her in the sink.