Sorry for the length of this chapter… reviews help me write more. ;-)

Chapter Two : The Greatest Barber in London

At quarter past ten, Mr. Todd, Mrs. Lovett and Carmella were passing through the clusters of people at the center market. Each was dressed the best they could; Mrs. Lovett had even donned a small hat Carmella hadn't seen her wear since Albert died. Mr. Todd looked much the same as he had when he first appeared - a thick white shirt covered by a dark vest. As for Carmella, the only thing that changed about her appearance was a fresh layer of violet eye shadow and a furry white wrap with black splotches, much like royalty would be seen in. It had been a gift one year for Carmella's birthday, given to her by her close friend Caite, who had long since moved away from her house on Fleet Street.

Mrs. Lovett craned her neck to see past a woman with a hat made from peacock feathers. "Quite the turnout today… though he is the greatest barber in London, or so they say."

"I highly doubt that," Sweeney replied, pulling out one of the shaving knives in his vest pocket. It reflected what sunlight had pierced the blanket of dark clouds and Carmella looked past her mother with concern.

"And what makes you doubt it?" She asked curiously. "You've not seen him yet. What makes you so quick to judge him?" A shimmer of light reflected in the young girl's eyes. She wanted to know everything about this man - get inside his head. But for some odd reason, Carmella didn't know where her curiosity came from, or why he came across as so intriguing…

Sweeney glared in her direction and Carmella cast her gaze downward, suddenly regretting ever speaking. Mrs. Lovett placed a hand on Sweeney's shoulder. "You must forgive her, Mr. T. She's inherited her sense of curiosity from Albert - silly little thing." She mussed Carmella's already messy hair.

Carmella mumbled something inaudible under he breath before faking a smile. 'And now you know why curiosity killed the cat.'

The three pushed their way through the crowd and up to a stage reading 'Adolfo Pirelli' in large white letters. A tall man with curly black hair and a thick mustache was showing off a glass bottle filled with a yellow liquid. A scared looking boy with a mop of blond hair was standing to the left of the stage, trying to help sell the product. As the sample bottle was passed along, Carmella began to feel lightheaded from the smell. "Nellie - mom, I'm not feeling too well… Gonna get away from here for a tad…"

"Alright, Mel… we'll meet you back at the shop." Mrs. Lovett placed a kiss on Carmella's forehead and then she left.

A/N: I really hope you guys like this story; if not, please tell me what I can improve or work on. Cheerio, poppets!