Thomas was doing much better - but sometimes he would suddenly just cloud over for no particular reason. Janey could only imagine what he was thinking about, as his face would turn dark and sad. She wanted to put her arms around him, but that was not proper behaviour, was it? So instead she would pull him out of it by doing something else. Like a walk. She had planned to go to the village herself this afternoon, leaving Thomas on his own, but on second thought perhaps it was better if he came with her, than sit here by himself.

So she had invited him along, and now they were slowly making their way to the village. It was a route they had never taken before so progress was not very fast. But that was fine. The weather was lovely, and he seemed to be enjoying himself, although he looked a bit apprehensive. She couldn't blame him. Last time he had met the villagers, they had not exactly been friendly.

But that wasn't all of them. By keeping her ear to the ground she had a pretty good knowledge of who had taken advantage of him. And they were no longer supplying Mr Sharpe. She had found better, sometimes even cheaper suppliers, that were honest and kind. In case anyone did try to hurt them, Pilot was there. Thomas and the dog really had gotten attached to each other. Pilot was happy he had someone to guide again, and Thomas was happy someone was looking out for him. The only thing Janey needed to worry about was Pilot getting fat from too many treats.

Lastly, he looked in nothing like the savage they had seen last time. His hair was now decent, he was looking clean and very smart. He was dressed in new clothes, not the threadbare rags he had owned. Janey had gotten him a new wardrobe which was functional, fashionable and made him look an utter gentleman. Beside the fact he was blind - and that wasn't really that noticeable either if you didn't know - there was no reminder of the man she had first seen.

"We are here," Thomas suddenly said.

He was right, they had just passed the first house."Yes, how do you know?"

"I hear people's voices, and we are walking on pavement rather than a dirt path."

"Indeed. Well done." She was amazed at how well he had adapted.

He was nervous though, the grip on her arm had tightened. "What are we here for?"

"Well, I need to go to the post office and the haberdasher's for some ribbons an thread to mend my dresses. And it's market day." She softly rubbed his hand, trying to calm him. It seemed to work. As he smiled.

"You know we could buy you a new dress. Or two. You bought me an entire new wardrobe," he suddenly offered.

She blushed at his generosity. "With your own money, Thomas. I am here to take care of you, and that is what I did. You needed those clothes. Your old ones were so worn they were practically see-through."

"Well, that does not mean I can't buy you a dress as a thank you." He almost looked hurt.

"I appreciate it, but it really isn't necessary. I can mend and make do," she assured him.

"I'd be happy to..." he protested.

"But it would not be right. You pay me quite handsomely, you know. I can more than make do with that. So if I need anything I will buy myself. You don't need to worry..." She didn't want to take advantage of him. That had happened enough.

The had arrived at the post office, where she had a letter for Edith to post. She gave her weekly updates of ho Thomas was doing, as well as personal things. Though lately she had been holding back. She had no trouble talking about Thomas well-being, but when it came to their relationship, and how she felt about Thomas... It just was weird. By liking one, it was like she was betraying the other. She knew Edith no longer had feelings for him... besides pity and Janey found that rather unfair. Yes, she felt a certain amount of pity for Thomas, but she admired him even more for staying so kind and caring. Edith saw a weak man... But he was not... Not if you considered the burdens he had to carry. Most people would have crumbled under that and grown bitter. Janey had... It took a very special and patient personality to change that. And Thomas was that person. Janey found herself more mild in her judgments because of him.

She left Thomas for a moment on a bench to handle her affairs both at the post office as well as the haberdashery. He and Pilot seemed perfectly happy sitting in the sun as she joined them again. No one had bothered them, though a few girls were looking at the handsome stranger they had not seen before. She heard them whisper, and had to bite her cheek not to giggle.

"Are you boys coming with me?" she smiled.

"Of course." He let his arm slip into hers, and to the outside world they looked just like a normal couple going for a stroll. Well, as long as you did not listen to their conversation too closely, which mainly involved her talking about the obstacles in the road ahead of them. It was a lot harder than it was at home, because she also needed to look out for traffic.

"Can you wait here a minute whilst I buy some fruit?" Navigating between the crowds at the stall was going to be difficult enough without having him to worry about. So she left the pair of them waiting on the corner as she went across the street to get what she needed. Suddenly a carriage came crashing right through the crowd... Heading directly at Thomas. She saw him look bewildered, he could hear it, but had no idea in which direction to turn. People were brushing past him, which unsettled him even more. Instead of moving with them he was stepping into the road, whilst Pilot was pushed back by the mass of people, and couldn't help him. The carriage just pushed ahead not caring who was in the way. Could nobody see Thomas? Dropping her groceries, Janey ran across the road to pull him out of the way. As she did, she clipped her heel...


Princess PrettyPants: Yay, you noticed! Yes it seemed a befitting to give a wink to Sweeney Todd.

Smithsbabe65: Thomas is still very much connected to his past, mostly because he feels guilty of for his own crimes. So I don't think he will be over it soon.

CrimsonKitsune333 : Thank you darling

Samantha Michaelis : Glad you like it

Elsie girl: There is more, I hope you like it

Esmem83976 : I got my ending planned, don't worried.