Author's Note: Thanks to Monica-Ann for reviewing and alerting. I know there's more of you out there….
Sorry I goofed on the formatting last time around – the author's note was separate from the story on my pc, but the website doesn't like my separator and deleted it for me when I uploaded. Doh! I hope I can manage to keep the one I've chosen today.
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It was cold in Llandaff and Gwyneth shivered as the wind cut through her cloak. She had been busy recently as an unexpected cold snap had claimed many lives and Mr Sneed had had an increase in business as a result, so she savoured the opportunity to have a few moments to herself between errands. She had gone to admire the cathedral and from there along Bridge Street to the river. She stood on the bridge overlooking the Taff, lost in thought, momentarily forgetting the chill.
Jack watched her from the opposite side of the bridge, smiling when she noticed him. He took her look as an invitation to approach, and stepped quickly across the road to join her. "I come here to think sometimes, as well."
She looked shocked at his statement – or perhaps it was just the forwardness of this strange man approaching her. "Do I know you, sir?"
Jack was taken aback. Victorian behaviours confused him. He recovered his composure and said, "No, I am sorry, miss, I have not properly introduced myself." He took a step back and half-bowed. "My name is Jack Harkness and I have recently begun to deliver supplies to Mr Sneed from Dafydd Price, the butcher. I have seen you there, but you have always been otherwise occupied and we have never had the opportunity to speak. Please forgive me if my approach seems too forward."
Gwyneth relaxed a little. She felt better now that he had explained himself. Having a man speak to her without previous introduction was just improper. "It is nice to be properly introduced. I am Miss…Sneed." Gwyneth looked away as she spoke the surname.
Jack was surprised again. Sneed's daughter? "My apologies Miss Sneed, I did not mean to speak above my station. I will leave you." He turned to go, aware that, in this time period, a common labourer should not speak to someone in the merchant class without invitation.
Gwyneth looked up at Jack, fear and surprise showing on her features. She extended a hand shyly, saying, "No, Mr Harkness, wait. You were not speaking above your station. I have taken Mr Sneed's name because the family I had has died and he has looked after me for many years. I am not his daughter, I am his…servant." She hid her face again, ashamed.
Jack studied her for a moment before speaking again. He smiled and said, "I am glad of that, Miss Sneed, as it may allow me the opportunity to know you better." He watched her for a few seconds, gauging her reaction, and when none other than a slight blush seemed to be forthcoming, he continued. "I hope you do not think me too forward, Miss Sneed, but I would be most pleased if you would allow me to walk you home this day."
Her face reddened further and she looked at the ground in shock, only meeting his gaze again when she felt she was ready. "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr Harkness. It would be pleasant to have company for a time." She gazed over the River Taff for a few more seconds, then said, "I should be returning to Mr Sneed now." She held her basket before her almost as a defence, and turned back toward the cathedral.
"May I carry your basket, Miss Sneed?" Jack offered.
"Thank you, Mr Harkness, but I think it would not be appropriate. We have only just been introduced." Heaven knew what her parents would say if they found her walking home with a man she had just met. What was she thinking?
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"Jack," Ianto called from the main office, "the readings have gone up by 13% since this morning. It's not a quick spike, it's a steady increase, so the monitor isn't throwing up an alarm." Jack appeared in his office door. "Should we go have a look?"
Jack nodded curtly. "Let's go. Gwen, you stay here and monitor Rift activity. I want to know if the readings increase around Cardiff once we get where we're going."
Ianto and Gwen shared a look. "Shouldn't I come with you? Wouldn't it be just as easy to monitor the readings from the SUV? I can patch through the data so we get updates while we're out."
Jack shook his head. "No. I want you to stay here. It may not be safe."
Gwen raised an eyebrow. "When did that ever make a difference? It goes with the territory, doesn't it?"
"Not this time. You're staying here and that's it." He turned and headed for the SUV, taking his coat from Ianto along the way.
Ianto shrugged at Gwen and followed Jack silently.
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"OK, left at the next corner. You're getting closer to the source of the readings." The buildings were all new since the Second World War, and nothing looked familiar to Jack, but something nagged at him. "Take the next right and it's on the right toward the end of the road." Jack tensed as they turned the corner. Temperance Court. He knew this road.
Jack's tension was not lost on Ianto. "Jack? What is it?"
Jack brought the SUV to a screeching halt before a builders' fence with the name of a developer emblazoned across its sign. A second sign announced a prestigious development of just 24 3- and 4-bedroom homes to be available beginning six months hence. Jack threw open the driver's door and leapt from the vehicle. "No. They can't. Not here." Jack tapped his earpiece. "Gwen, get on the phone to whoever you need to talk to in the council and get this building stopped. This place needs to be left alone."
Ianto was worried. "Jack? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Jack spun to face him. "Maybe a whole graveyard's worth." He climbed back into the SUV and started the engine. "Don't bother with readings or tests!" he shouted at Ianto. "We need to go!"
Ianto got back in without another word and they drove to the Hub in silence.