The Transformation of Sweeney Todd
-The Death of Benjamin Barker-
Benjamin Barker was a man who had everything. He was a barber, and he was united to the kindest, most beautiful woman in the city. Benjamin was a kindhearted gentleman, and was friendly to everyone he met. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him spoke well of his benevolent qualities. Those who did not like him were merely jealous of his happiness. He ran his establishment out of his home and although he made a modest income, the barber and his wife didn't need much. It was the love they shared for each other that brought the sunshine into their home, even on rainy days. Lucy was all he would ever need. Their lives were already very much complete.
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One summer evening Benjamin was busy with a client, effortlessly shaving the stubble from the man's chin with his razor. He had already given the gentleman a trim, and Benjamin's assistant was quickly sweeping up the mess. The gentleman chattered pleasantly to Benjamin as the latter applied an appealing cologne to his customer, and Benjamin smiled without vexation at the one-ended conversation. It seemed not many gentlemen in London were interested in what a middle-class barber had to say, but that suited Benjamin just fine.
"Davey." Benjamin called as he brushed the hair off the man's vacant chair. "The gentleman's coat, if you please."
Young Davey Collins let the broom rest against the bureau and scurried to the rack to fulfill the request. He quickly assisted the man with his jacket. The gentleman grinned at the young man and flipped him a shilling.
"Good boy you've got yourself Barker, it's rare you find a lad eager to work nowadays."
Benjamin inclined his head graciously. "Thank you sir."
The man took his leave, and Davey studied the coin in his hand. He then turned to Benjamin and held it out to him.
"I suppose I should be given' this to you, seein' as 'e was your customer."
Benjamin shook his head, abolishing all means of argument. "You earned that yourself, son."
Davey grinned and pocketed the shilling, dutifully returning to his unforgotten task.
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Davey cleaned up the shop while Benjamin Barker polished each of his razors. The shop was closed, and the summer heat was absolutely stifling. When they were finished, Benjamin turned to Davey and clasped a hand on his shoulder.
"Good work today Mr. Collins."
"Thank'e sir."
Benjamin put away the rest of his materials.
"Would you mind doing something for me son?"
"Well, I work for you sir."
Benjamin smiled foolishly as though he'd forgotten.
"Ah, that's right. Could you take a walk to the apothecary and purchase a tonic for stomach flu. Lucy will be home any minute and I do think she's coming down with something."
Davey tipped his head. "Right away, sir."
The young man disappeared down the steps with Benjamin's money in hand. As Benjamin cleaned off the lather spills on the bureau, he heard the door open and the bell tinkle again. Davey couldn't be back so soon. Benjamin pivoted and stopped dead in his tracks. The gorgeous eyes of his beaming wife had bewitched him, and it was only when she fluttered toward him like a golden bird did he break from his spell. She threw her arms around him, and he embraced her lovingly.
"Isn't it wonderful, Benjamin?"
Benjamin hadn't the slightest idea what she spoke of. He guided his wife to the bed and urged her to sit. He smiled with uncertainty.
"I can't say I know what you mean, love. I thought you might have a touch of the stomach flu when you left."
Lucy leaned forward and laid her hands on either side of his face.
"No, that's not the reason Benjamin, I-"
"Lucy, your skin!" Benjamin hadn't meant to interrupt, but her skin was absolutely freezing. "Wait for a moment and I'll get something to warm you up."
Benjamin got to his feet and headed for the stove. The pot he used for boiling water for the use of his profession was whistling, and Benjamin quickly poured the water into a cup.
"Benjamin, could you sit down a moment?"
"You're chilled to the bone, this will help."
He flavored the water with some tea leaves, and then strode back toward his wife. Lucy had her hands balled just beneath her chin, and suddenly she simply could not withhold the news any longer.
"Darling, I'm with child."
There was a moment of silence, and shortly after two loud thumps echoed through the room. One of the cup bouncing and the other of Benjamin hitting the floor. Lucy leapt up with widened eyes.
"Benjamin!" She rushed to his side and gently lifted him into a sitting position. "Are you alright?"
Benjamin looked utterly dazed, but he was wearing the brightest of smiles on his face. He did not reply to her question, only trailing his thumb adoringly down her cheek and kissing her passionately. He began to cry, and held his beautiful wife tightly as tears of joy tricked down her cheeks. For a moment, they simply cuddled their on the floor, happiness consuming them both.
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A week later, Benjamin was finding it more and more difficult to pay his assistant. Business was slowing down, and Benjamin had to consider saving his money for the extension of his family. Lucy was occupied with knitting while Benjamin finished with his customer. He had sent Davey on an errand, and the young man would probably be a while yet. He heard the man mention he was looking for someone to replace his deceased servant. The client was a well positioned man, and claimed the job would pay a hearty sum. Although the gentleman was looking for an older chap to fill the position, Benjamin put in a word for his own steadfast servant.
"I may have a candidate for your position, Mr. Bailey."
Mr. Bailey's mustache twitched with contemplation.
"And who would that be?"
"My apprentice, Davey Collins."
"Indeed, and how old is this gentleman?"
"Eighteen years sir."
The man considered, and then began to shake his head doubtfully.
"I am looking for a more matured prospect, Mr. Barker. Servant lads are hardly trustworthy at that age."
"I understand your reasoning sir." Benjamin said carefully. "Yet I am willing to vouch for him. He is a hard worker and very courteous for a common servant boy. I believe he would make a great addition to your staff."
Mr. Bailey snorted as he went over the offer again. Finally, he nodded.
"Alright, Mr. Barker. If you give your word he is trustworthy, than I have no concerns. When can you part with him, then?"
Benjamin would regret loosing the boy, but his new occupation would pay twice the salary Benjamin could offer.
"As soon as you need him, sir."
"Excellent, I will be in town all afternoon, so have him ready to depart this evening."
Benjamin bowed. "Yes sir. Thank you."
When Mr. Bailey left the shop, Benjamin looked to his wife. Lucy was looking back at him, not knowing whether her husband desired her to be sorry or glad. She decided on a mixture of the two.
"He'll be better off there, love. Opportunities like this don't come around often for lads like Davey."
"I suppose I'll just be sorry to see him go, that's all."
Benjamin slowly eased himself down on the bed beside Lucy, and delicately combed his fingers through her beautiful yellow hair. She laid a hand on his knee and smiled.
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After Davey departed with the gentleman, Benjamin found he was taking up much more time doing things the young man had before taken care of. As a result, his business was slowing even more. However, Benjamin didn't let the slump in customers worry him. He would still have enough to purchase a crib for the baby. At the end of the month there was a tap at the door, and Benjamin opened it. Mrs. Lovett stood there, hands on hips looking somewhat distracted.
"Mornin' deary. Mr. Lovett says you're due for rent."
"Ah, he's right." Benjamin sifted through his pocket and pulled out the money he'd kept aside. He handed it to her with an appreciative smile. "There you are, Mrs. Lovett."
Mrs. Lovett took the due between delicate fingers and offered only the slightest of smiles.
"You're too thin, Mr. Barker, if you don't mind my saying so. You ought to come down to the shop once and awhile. I'd fix you up a nice juicy pie, to get some meat on those bones."
Benjamin's gracious smile remained, and he reached out his hand.
"Considerate as ever, Mrs. Lovett. I thank you for the invitation."
Mrs. Lovett gazed up at him with an odd look that Benjamin was too occupied to recognize. Suddenly, Lucy came up the stairs. She bumped into Mrs. Lovett and stepped back in alarm.
"Oh, I'm sorry Mrs. Lovett. Clumsy of me."
Mrs. Lovett's warm expression disappeared. "No 'arm done, love. Well, I ought to get back to the kitchens. Good day to you both."
Benjamin had since reached out to steady his wife, and held her against him as he bid farewell to Mrs. Lovett. He shut the door and led Lucy to a chair.
"Are you alright? Maybe you should keep indoors. I wouldn't want you swooning on the road on the way home."
"Stop fussing Benjamin, I'll be fine. I just haven't been feeling like myself lately, which is to be expected, I suppose. But I won't have you worrying on my account, especially while you're so busy."
Her words made sense, but Benjamin could not help being worried for her welfare. He was still rather unsure of what he was supposed to do in such a situation. He knew nothing of being a father. However, as Lucy gave him an encouraging pat on his cheek before rising to prepare dinner, Benjamin felt his worries fade. As long as he had her with him, everything would be alright.
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A few months later, there was a rap at Benjamin's door. He paused, and then finished the stroke on his customer's chin before standing up.
"Come in." He called, and then bent back over to finish his work.
He was not at all surprised to see Mr. Bailey, however, since the gentleman had taken Davey away to work for him he'd not been by the shop since. Benjamin was aggrieved at the loss of a client, but seeing him back brightened his spirits.
"Mr. Bailey! Welcome sir. Have a seat and I'll be with you in a moment."
"Actually, I have to speak with you now Mr. Barker."
Benjamin stopped his work again, hesitating. He wasn't about to leave a customer in the middle of his shave.
"I am almost finished here, sir, but if you would just wait-"
"It is a matter of urgency, Mr. Barker."
Benjamin slowly lowered his razor on the table. Mr. Bailey's tone seemed quite distraught indeed.
"Pardon me sir. I'll not be a moment."
His customer nodded and Benjamin stepped up to Mr. Bailey. "Now, what seems to be the trouble, sir?'
Even as Benjamin spoke, Mr. Bailey grasped his elbow and guided him outside where they could speak in confidentiality. The gentleman looked as though he was confused on whether to clout Benjamin or not. Benjamin furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Mr. Bailey? Whatever is the matter?"
"You remember the boy?" Mr. Bailey said with careful consideration. Without waiting for Benjamin to reply he continued. "The boy who's propriety you vouched for? Well sir, you'll be surprised to know he has skipped off stealing many of my most valuable possessions."
Benjamin's jaw dropped. It couldn't be. Benjamin fumbled for words, and then closed his mouth for a moment to tame his shock.
"Sir, that's terrible. I…you cannot imagine how sorry I am for misleading you, it was most unintentional. Davy Collins was such an upstanding lad I hadn't an idea…"
"Do not fret too much about it, Mr. Barker." Mr. Bailey said, obviously appearing disappointed. "But if you do see this boy again, I would appreciate it if you would contact me immediately as to his whereabouts. To your defense I too had been deceived by his charms. Good day, Mr. Barker, please return to your customer."
With that final word Mr. Bailey stepped down the stairs and off into the street. Benjamin was still petrified, unable to see how Davey could thieve from a man who would have given him such opportunity. He supposed Mr. Bailey had come over for the purpose of calculating whether Benjamin himself was in on the plot. By the barber's reaction, Mr. Bailey had obviously opted for not. Benjamin felt nothing but guilt for both the lad and Mr. Bailey as he finished scraping the prickling beard from his customer's chin.
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Lucy Barker was now very much pregnant. She lay on the bed in the corner of the room as her husband bade farewell to his final customer for the night. He closed the door behind the gentleman and flipped the sign at his door, displaying the shop was closed. After a moment of tidying Benjamin strode toward his wife with a warm expression. He settled down beside her and she leaned against his chest, laying her knitting on her lap. Delicately but with untamable happiness Benjamin laid his hand on her perfectly round belly.
"What do you think it's going to be?" She asked quietly.
Benjamin considered it for a moment.
"I don't know. It doesn't matter at all to me whether our first child is a girl or boy. I am just so happy."
Lucy tenderly touched his cheek. She was smiling so magnificently and her snowy white face was so exquisite that Benjamin was uncertain as to whether or not he'd married an angel from heaven. She fell asleep against him, and Benjamin cradled her in his lap, soothed by the sounds of her steady breathing.
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One cold winter evening Benjamin closed up shop again for the night. He leaned toward the window and shivered at the state of the street. Snow whipped through the air so fast he couldn't make out the individual flakes, and he could hear the eerie hissing of wind scraping against the glass. Preferring to indulge in a warmer setting, he stepped back into the room where Lucy was resting on a chair, reading. Benjamin loved the way she frowned slightly while her eyes skimmed the pages, deep in thought.
"Don't look so serious, love." Benjamin's tone was teasing.
Lucy looked up from her book as though she'd forgotten he was there. Then she pursed her lips together.
"Why is it you seem to interrupt me right at the climax Benjamin? Why don't you use that access energy to tidy up?"
Even for falling victim to mood swings Lucy was never angry. Benjamin doubted she was even capable of it. He nodded his head submissively and let her return to her reading. Suddenly, he heard a very weak rapping at the door. Lucy lifted her head in puzzlement. All shops closed at around nine o'clock, and it was quarter past eleven. Without hesitation Benjamin reached for the door and opened it. A tiny figure stood there, shaking from head to toe and protected from the harsh wind with nothing but a shawl. She gazed up at him with big green eyes.
"Any room for the night sir?" Her teeth were chattering so violently Benjamin could scarcely make out what she said.
Before Benjamin could answer the girl crumbled to the ground into unconsciousness. Lucy had already come to assist her husband, and Benjamin was too appalled at the circumstance to scold her for excessive movement.
"Good God, poor child. Quickly Benjamin, get her into the bed."
Benjamin complied, lifting the frail creature and gently sliding off her snowy shawl. Lucy rushed to put the kettle on the stove. The girl was absolutely freezing, and even in unconsciousness her jaw shook from cold. Benjamin laid the child beneath the blankets, looking on with a concerned expression. As Lucy approached with the hot water, Benjamin thought they should call a doctor. However, after a moment of laying a warm towel over her head and hands, the color began to return to her face. Benjamin was still unsure.
"We should get a doctor." He said as he brushed the strands of wet auburn hair from out of the girl's eyes.
"I think she'll be alright." Lucy spoke softly, holding the girl's hand. "The color is already returning. I don't think she has hypothermia."
Benjamin would have been more comfortable calling on a doctor, but he knew to find one this late would be difficult, and Benjamin was not willing to leave his wife alone when she was nearly ready to have their child. Benjamin wrinkled the skin between his brows, and reapplied a warmer towel to the poor girl's forehead.
Benjamin had finally coaxed Lucy to get some rest, although she wouldn't allow him to move the sleeping girl from the bed. Benjamin organized a mattress of blankets on the floor in front of him, and Lucy used her husband's lap as a pillow. The barber stayed awake all night long, watching over the girl as well as his peacefully sleeping wife. Benjamin felt groggy when the sun finally came up, and Lucy had awakened before the child. However, during the night the girl had shifted into a calm, warm slumber and Benjamin's former fears had melted away. Lucy got up and began to pour some tea. When the girl still remained asleep she passed the cup to her husband and ran her fingers through his dark hair gently.
"I'll see if Mrs. Lovett has something to spare. She should be hungry when she wakes."
Benjamin nodded and yawned. Lucy had been gone for no more than a minute when the girl began to struggle out of her comatose sleep. She blinked a few times before turning her head. At the sight of Benjamin's relieved face she crinkled her forehead in confusion.
"Huh? Where…oh…"
The girl snapped up suddenly, and then nearly fell over. Benjamin reached to catch her before she tumbled to the ground.
"Calm yourself miss." Benjamin urged, breathless.
The girl's eyes were wide and very apologetic. "I'm so sorry sir, how rude of me to…well, excuse me for troubling you. The air was just so cold last night…I…"
"Think nothing of it." Benjamin interrupted kindly. "Now, how are you feeling?"
The girl paused as if considering, and then offered a pleasant half smile. "I feel much better sir."
The door opened and Lucy appeared with a plate and a pie. When she saw their patient had awakened she brightened.
"Oh, you're awake! I'm so glad. Benjamin and I feared you had a touch of hypothermia, but you look quite healthy, thank goodness. Here you are."
Lucy presented the pie to the girl, who accepted it hesitantly. She seemed unsure at what to do, but soon enough she simply smiled again.
"Thank you ma'am."
Benjamin poured some tea for the girl as Lucy spoke to her. From what Benjamin could hear from the other side of the room, her name was Clara Cartwright, and she'd been living on the streets for most of her sixteen years. She had a little round face and an angular jaw, but all her features seemed to alter when she smiled, as though her face hadn't enough room. Benjamin passed her the tea.
"Drink this down."
She did as commanded. When she was finished gobbling down the pie- the girl was absolutely starved- and finished the tea, she looked as good as new. When it was time to open the shop Benjamin was busy preparing for the work day, wiping down windows, sweeping the floor and mixing the lather. While Benjamin was with his customers, he'd sneak a happy peek at the two women as they conversed with each other nonstop. Their guest was very excited that the couple was expecting a baby, and seemed to have a million questions. Both Benjamin and Lucy had implored Miss Cartwright to remain in her bed and rest, but at about midday she had risen.
"Thank you so much for your hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. Barker, but I cannot trespass on your generosity any longer. I will never forget this kindness for as long as I live."
Lucy smiled, resting her hands on her stomach.
"Of course, it was our pleasure. But please don't think you have to go right away. You're welcome here, isn't she Benjamin?"
Benjamin nodded without a hint of hesitation. "Absolutely. If you are still feeling unwell Miss Cartwright, you are welcome to stay here as long as you like."
Little Miss Cartwright grinned but slowly shook her head. "I am feeling much better. Far more able-bodied than I can ever remember being. I'll be fine now, and I do not wish to be in the way when your child arrives."
Before the young lady could depart Lucy had insisted she be fit for some warmer clothing. She'd offered Miss Cartwright her old frock, as well as an able pair of shoes. Benjamin contributed by presenting her with his jacket. He explained he was planning to purchase a new one anyway since his current one was getting too small. Miss Cartwright was speechless, and didn't seem to know how to express her gratitude. She started for the door with a beaming smile.
"I'll always remember you both, and the kindness you showed me. I only hope someday I'll be able to repay it."
Benjamin and Lucy stood side by side, saddened at the young lady's departure but glad they could have been of assistance. With a final bow of her head, the girl was gone. Benjamin rested his cheek on the top of Lucy's head, and then turned and delicately kissed her golden yellow hair softly. Suddenly, the door burst open again. Miss Cartwright looked rather flustered.
"Oh, I beg your pardon, but this was in Mr. Barker's pocket."
Benjamin's mouth fell ajar momentarily as he spied the golden chain in Miss Cartwright's hand. He blew out a breath of relief as he retrieved it from the girl's outstretched grasp.
"Thank you very much Miss Cartwright." Benjamin bowed his head and she returned the gesture.
A smile was her final farewell, and then she was gone for good. Lucy looked at the object suspiciously, but didn't speak. Benjamin hadn't been sure how he'd present the gift to his wife, but he supposed his dilemma had been solved for him. He smiled warmly and offered the chain to Lucy. Lucy took the necklace wordlessly, and ran her thumb across the pretty gold locket. She looked up at her husband with surprised eyes.
"Benjamin…what…?"
"Open it, and you'll see." Benjamin's enthusiasm was restrained, but just.
Lucy snapped open the locket, and she gasped at what lay inside. Concealed within the locket were two oval pictures. One was of Lucy, beautiful and smiling, and the other was of Benjamin, handsome and such an indescribable happiness brushing his features. It was their wedding pictures. Lucy admired the photos for a moment longer, and then threw her arms about Benjamin's neck with a cry of delight. Benjamin embraced her, mindful of the bump that lay between them. She stood on her toes to reach him, and kissed him with such joy her husband was nearly reduced to tears. Soon a customer knocked on the door, and the two parted with a love so powerful not even the gods themselves could sever it.
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As yet another scream tore through the silence of the evening Benjamin cringed and clutched his wife's hand tighter. When his wife's pain had first begun Benjamin had rushed down the steps and implored Mrs. Lovett to call for the midwife. It seemed like a lifetime for the nurse to arrive, and Benjamin was frantic with worry. The midwife hadn't the time to calm Benjamin down, and he'd been quite uncharacteristically blunt when he refused to leave the room. Mrs. Lovett had accompanied the nurse to assist her neighbors, and was washing towels as Lucy endured the painful childbirth. Perspiration streamed down Benjamin's face. He was terrified. He wasn't sure if everything that continued to happen was normal, or if there were complications. Every two minutes he's ask the midwife if everything was alright. The nurse had grown tired of replying, and rather impolitely told him.
"You wouldn't want me to take my attention off your wife to give you a good clout, would you?"
Benjamin accepted the rebuff, and focused his attention on consoling Lucy. Sweat poured from her forehead, and Benjamin was convinced she had a fever. He felt Mrs. Lovett's hand on his shoulder, and he expected she was attempting to be reassuring but it wasn't working. Benjamin took deep breaths, trying to tell himself how ridiculous he was being. Babies were born every day; Lucy wouldn't die. Oh God. Fear scraped through him unmercifully, but he did his best to keep it from his face.
"There, there love. Calm down. You're not doin' your wife any good by going on like that."
Benjamin saw the reason in Mrs. Lovett's words, and forced himself to be calm. A few hours passed. Benjamin was hunched over, exhausted, perhaps more so than his wife. Suddenly, Benjamin perked up to the sound of a baby wailing. His eyes widened, as though he couldn't place the noise. He watched in utter shock as the midwife lifted the pink, wrinkled, beautiful child into her arms. Her smile was genuine.
"Congratulations to you both, you've conceived a baby girl."
Lucy outstretched her arms for her child, her sweat-beaded face absolutely shining with elation. Benjamin was still unable to comprehend what was happening. He remained in a state of shock. Lucy turned to him, tears pouring down her eyes in warm rivers. She held out the child.
"Look Benjamin. Your daughter."
Benjamin's mouth repeated his wife's statement, although his voice failed to function. He reached out trembling hands for the blanket the child was swathed in. Now the shock had begun to wear off, and he held the baby close to his heart, making awkward sounds of fatherly joy as he cradled her.
"…my daughter…" He whispered, touching the baby's tiny head with a gentle hand.
Lucy leaned toward him, resting her cheek on his hand. Benjamin began to cry softly, all former fears dissolving at each breath his daughter took. The happiness that filled him was so consuming he felt as though the sun were contained within his very heart. When he could finally manage to tear his gaze away from his exquisite child, he gazed lovingly at his wife. He stroked her forehead in adoration, and she closed her eyes in ecstasy. Benjamin did not understand how a man could feel so happy. It didn't seem possible. Yet there he was, a married barber who had just conceived an impossibly beautiful life. He could not imagine his life more perfect.
