Mrs Lovett stared down at the open newspaper, sighing loudly. Bright, grand houses surrounded by beautiful areas, the kind she'd always dreamed of, dotted across the wide spread page, five digit salaries in the asking. How on earth could she and Mr Todd ever afford this, she would always ask herself. Besides, even with their joint business doing well, it would take years, and a lot of persuading to Sweeney, to even consider one of these beautiful houses. Mrs Lovett seldom mentioned her dream of living by the sea with Mr Todd to him anymore. She'd often leave hints, leaving the page open, hoping Sweeney would notice when he picked it the newspaper up to read, but it always ended with nothing. Mrs Lovett violently shut the newspaper, folding it unevenly in half and throwing it across the shop counter. She looked up at the ceiling; Sweeney was just above her, and she could hear his just audible footsteps as he convicted his crimes. Why he couldn't see he felt for her she didn't know. It was just past five in the afternoon, and she had shut for the evening. Sweeney always worked and hour late to ensure they had enough 'meat' to start off with the next day. Toby had gone to get the groceries from the market, right across town, so it would be ages until he returned. Mrs Lovett pottered around the shop for a further 45 minutes, cleaning the tables and sweeping the dust covering the floor from a hard days work. Her chest was heaving with exhaustion as she finally stopped to admire her work. Her bones ached, though she refused to give in just yet. It was still another quarter of an hour 'til Sweeney closed for the day. Cleaning had managed to keep her thoughts of him at bay, but now she had stopped they came flooding back. She had noticed during her cleaning that not one person had been up to visit Mr Todd. She couldn't wait any longer. "'E can 'ave his dinner early", she decided, picking up a fresh, plump pie, placing it on a clean plate, not forgetting the bottle of gin that sat on the counter side. She tucked the folded newspaper under her other arm, and blinked frequently as she stepped out into the evening sun. She plodded up the old wooden stairs, creaking as she added her weight. Mrs Lovett paused as she neared Sweeney's door. With her free hand, she ran it through her hair, and straightened her flour covered dress. She knocked gently on the glass of the door, and entered. Mr Todd was standing at his desk, placing his hands through his shirt sleeves to pull up over his bare torso. He stopped and turned, surprised at Mrs Lovett's arrival. "Oh, sorry love", Mrs Lovett apologised, blushing slightly as she looked away politely. "Not at all, my pet", Sweeney replied. He carried on, bringing his crisp white shirt up to his shoulders. It twisted and caught as he pulled it up, stopping mid way against his back, and he fumbled trying to pull it out of its twist. Now was Mrs Lovett's chance. She placed the pie, gin and newspaper on the trunk behind her. "Come 'ere love", she cooed, walking over to Sweeney before he could answer. She hesitated as she placed her hands on Sweeney's shirt, feeling how soft it was, and easily pulled it out of its entwinement, smoothing the creases as it fell down his back, her hands following the shirt downwards, sensing how tender his back was. She straightened his collar, pulling his long black mane from underneath it. She gently spun him round on the spot, and continued dressing him, first tying his buttons, then tending to those on his sleeves. "Mrs Lovett, I -", Sweeney started, but stopped as she continued, folding the sleeves backwards so they fell naturally upon his wrists. The entire shirt had fallen into place with Sweeney's form. She kept hold of the sleeves, and looked up into his eyes. " 'Ya look great", she murmured slightly, blushing a small shade of pink. Sweeney placed his hands over Mrs Lovett's, who's were still holding his sleeves, and raised them, guiding her round in a waltz, their eyes fixed on each other as the spun slowly round the room. Dancing with this man always landed Mrs Lovett in some sort of trouble, but she didn't care. Sweeney paused, pulling her close, and whispered in her ear, " I have to go now, pet, but I'll be back soon, I promise". Mrs Lovett looked up at him and nodded. Sweeney kissed her gently on the cheek on his departure, leaving her alone with barbers chair in the empty shop.