Partners in crime

The Rose

"4 days..." Mrs Lovett complained with her arm linked with Johanna's as they headed around the market place. Four days and Mrs Bradshaw still hadn't left, four days of fake smiles and fake interactions was more the Nellie could bare.

Glancing at the baker Johanna looked at her tellingly which had Nellie rolling her eyes. "Ya know I saw her flirting with ya father last night....the pair of them were sat drinkin' by the fire, a little too close for comfort if ya ask me dear"

Johanna chuckled at Nellie and moved out of the way as a couple past them on the busy London street. "Your love for father is something else" she giggled. "Now I'm heading to the butchers, do you need more meat?" She asked oblivious to the notion of her father and Nellie supplying their own meat.

"I think I'm set, ya go on ahead...I'll meet up with ya in a bit" she smiled sweetly watching as Johanna headed off into the crowd. Today really was busy for a week day, there were so many people about. Nellie rather liked the busy crowds, it was always nice to see new faces and get out a little as Sweeney never seemed to want to leave the shop with her. Of course she understood his reasons, yet it did prevent her form socialising and making friends...

Heading towards a few stalls Mrs Lovett conversed with the sellers and brought some fresh fruit and veg placing them into her wicker basket she carried in the crook of her arm. Her skits skimmed left to right against the dirty cobbled streets while her heels clopped away with every moment.

Walking around the busy market she stopped at one of the tables selling the most beautiful bouquets of flowers. The smell of the fresh roses filled her nostrils which resulted to a smile forming on her red lips. She was tempted to take some home, yet she really didn't have the money for such a sweet luxury and new Sweeney would hit the roof knowing she had been spending their money on flowers that would die in a few days.

"Any flowers for the lady?" The kind florist asked placing his hands in his pockets and rocking back on his heels.

"Not today thank you" she said softly yet jumping as she turned around to see a red rose directed in her face. Holding the rose was Mr Bradshaw smiling at her graciously.

"For the lady" he smiled offering her the rose to which she gulped nervously and excepted it out of politeness. She had never really seen him up close and my goodness he was handsome. "It's Mrs Lovett isn't it?" He asked watching her admiring the beauty of rose in her delicate hand.

"Yes, an if I ain't mistaken ya Mr Bradshaw? Mary's husband?"

"I heard she is staying within your residence" his reply seemed somewhat irritated and almost fed up, most likely with his wife for running off.

"Tis none of me business what happens between a man and a woman but I don't except flowers off those who are unfaithful" came Mrs Lovett's quick reply gesturing the rose towards him which he didn't except instead laughed.

Her brows knotted together at the sight of him finding this amusing and instead she pulled her arm back in and watched him shake his head. "So that's what she told ya, my dear Mrs Lovett I did not cheat on my wife..."

Frowning deeper Mr Bradshaw could see the confusion in her eyes. "She left me Mrs Lovett....I've know for awhile she's been meaning too but I never thought she would ever just pack up and leave like she did"

"So why did she lie?" Nellie was getting more and more worried about this whole situation. It seemed Mary Bradshaw had set out a plan.

"To get closer to Mr Todd perhaps?" Mr Bradshaw hazard a guess that had Nellies eyes widening.

"W-what..." She stammered.

"I mean I don't know for sure but for a while now I've seen the adoring looks she gave him....Mr Todd was oblivious of course, but not me...I know because I used to be on the receiving end of those love stuck eyes" there was pain behind those kind eyes of his. It looked as if he still loved his wife despite her running after another man...her man to be precise.