The Inn at Grimsby

Besides the fact that it was a fishing town, not much else was going on in Grimsby that evening. The most beautiful thing about the town was the seaside. The streets were crowded, no one flashed the couple a second glance, even the officer they passed, looked right through them. The white streak that was removed from Sweeney's hair seemed to be working, the thin beard he had grown helped as well. He grasped onto Nellie's hand as people flooded and pushed around them, trying to get home for dinner after their busy day.

"The Doctor from the last town recommended an inn keeper named, Monica." Nellie said.

"That one?" Sweeney pointed to a large building, saying Monica Clay's Inn.

"That one." Nellie echoed. Squeezing each other's hands, they walked inside.

The inn was bustling with several men and women, talking, eating, singing, dancing. "Hello! Welcome." A woman happily shouted, almost tripping on her way over to them. "Sorry, busy time, we have a birthday to celebrate." She raised her glass to a rosy cheeked man in the corner. "Needing a room? Would you like something to eat first?" she gestured around the room, "We have plenty to share."

Without getting to say much of anything, Sweeney dragged Nellie to a small table in the corner away from the celebration. The happy woman set plates of roasted potatoes, vegetables, and a hearty piece of chicken in front of them. "You two look absolutely famished." She declared. It was true, Nellie and Sweeney stared at the food, they're mouths watering.

"You're Mrs. Clay, yes?" Nellie said.

"Not Mrs. just miss please, in fact just call me Monica." Sweeney fished some coins out of his pockets. "Oh no, don't bother. We'll discuss payment in the morning. For now, eat, enjoy." She smiled waltzing off. Nellie and Sweeney took no time devouring their first decent meal they've had in a little over a week. When finished it was dark out and they weren't in too much of a dancing, celebrating mood and requested their room for the night.

"I don't blame ya. You two look like you're about to fall over." Monica pulled a book out from under the desk and a pen to write with. She looked up at the two, "Names?"

"Sebastian Oakley," Sweeney said.

"Are you married?" Monica asked.

Sweeney opened his mouth but froze, he almost said yes but closed his mouth again. "Engaged." Nellie said. "I'm Margery…" Nellie paused, should she use her maiden name, would it be wise? "Plummer." She said.

Monica scribbled the names down, closing the book. "Right this way."

They followed the inn keeper down a long hallway on the second floor. She stopped in front of one of the closed doors. "Here we are." She smiled. "There's only one bed, a bit small too." She looked at the demon couple. "I'm sure you don't mind. Being engaged, you'll have to get used to it after all." She finished unlocking the door, showing them in.

It was quaint, with yellow wallpaper and flowers rotting on the window sill. A small, double bed in the corner of the room. "Let me know if you need anything." Monica smiled stepping out the room.

Sweeney quickly went and closed the door. Nellie plopped onto the bed; a small layer of dust flew into the air. "Lovely." She crinkled up her nose looking all around. "Better than sleeping on the ground I suppose."

Sweeney placed their bag on the dresser. Nellie excitedly walked over to the en suite, poking her head through the door. Her smile faded among seeing a small porcelain bowl next to the wall and a window for dumping. A wash basin lay in the other corner, along with a pot of cold water, and towels. "My bagnios on fleet street was nicer." Nellie smirked stepping into the room.

"Ah that's because you were wealthy, ma'am." Sweeney joked. He was fishing things out of their bag, placing their clothing aside, organizing everything. He heard Nellie laughed then the door closed as she relived herself. Once finished, with a clean bowl and clean hands, Sweeney pushed her out so he could have a turn.

"It is fairly small," Nellie said later, laying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

"Feeling sentimental," Sweeney hopped on the spot next to her, making the bed shake and more dust fly. "It's not as if we haven't laid next to each other before."

"But we're on an actual bed this time." Nellie said as he yawned.

Just as they were about to striped into their underclothes, snuggle under the covers and drift off, there was a knock at the door.

"Me again," Monica laughed, looking at Nellie in the doorway. She turned serious once more. "I have a protocol here. I like to keep this place clean, so I usually have new guests bathe before they get settled. I forgot to mention it before, apologies." She looked at Nellie and over her shoulder to Sweeney. "Not to offend, but you two stink of an earthly, sweaty aroma and I'll need you to come with me. Bring a change of clothes." She stepped away from the door waiting for the two to follow her down the hall.

She led them to a room downstairs, labeled bath. She opened the door. "Now it's a twenty-minute window. Water is expensive." Nellie stepped into the room first. There was a fairly large tub filled with steaming water in the center of the room. "It's all warmed up and ready to go. There's towels, soaps, rags, everything you'll need." Sweeney remained in the hall until Monica placed a hand on his arm, "It'll save time if you go together. I'm not going to fill the tub up again." She said shoving him into the room. The two looked at each other than her as if she told them for dinner they'll be dining on puppies. "Turn your backs to each other if you're so shy." She closed the door.

With their backs against each other, they stripped down to nothing but their skin and stepped into the tub, easing down into the warm water. It felt heavenly and they both sighed as the water warmed their bones. They sat with their backs almost touching. It took them awhile to get into the rhythm of passing each other the soap without facing one another. Neither one of them spoke. Blush never left Nellie's cheeks the second she untied her corset. Things only got worse when she dropped the bar of soap, watching the slippery bugger land on the tiles. Cursing under her breath she lifted herself up, leaning over the tub. She managed to grab the block of suds but not before the flesh of her bottom touched Sweeney's back.

Both of their movements froze. Her face resembling the shade of a tomato as she dived back into a sitting position, her back straight. "Sorry," she squeaked, hands shaking.

She heard him sigh. They continued cleaning themselves. When Nellie was ready to work on her hair, she reached for the bottle of shampoo and discovered to her horror that it was in Sweeney's reach only. "Could you hand me that bottle?" she muttered over her shoulder.

He handed it to her in seconds. She squirted some into her hand, setting the bottle on the floor. Her injured side burned in protest when she raised her arms, letting the soapy water flow over the wound. "You're going to have to change my bandage after this."

"I don't mind." He grumbled.

She yawned, as she ran her soap covered fingers through her long curls. Her hair kept accidentally rubbing against Sweeney's back making him more and more annoyed as this bath time continued. She passed him the shampoo after he grunted in the direction of it. He had his head cleaned in seconds, while Nellie still struggled with untangling hers.

"That's a lot of hair." Sweeney commented.

"Yes, I realize."

"Why don't you cut it?"

Nellie gasped. "I look horrible with short hair, I would never." Looking over her shoulder she almost fell over as she realized Sweeney had turned around and was now facing her. She made a tiny shriek when Sweeney's fingers were in her hair, helping her detangle and wash the auburn locks. Once her curls were rinsed through, they stepped out of the tub, putting on a fresh pair of clothing. Drying off her hair was a whole other matter; she grabbed another towel so she could keep the first one covering herself.

Thinking Sweeney had at least his pants on, seeing his towel discarded on the floor, Nellie turned to look at him too soon. That tiny shriek again left her lips as she spun back around to look at the wall, blushing furiously. She saw… everything. Once she was sure he was in his drawers she dared to look again. Something on his back had piqued her interest. She slowly spun around and carefully approached him.

He jumped and she felt his muscles tense as she placed her fingertips to his skin. He remained still as stone, but had yet to turn around to strangle her, so she continued her touches, running her fingers down his back. "These markings." She said tracing the lashes with her finger.

"From the prison."

She wanted to sob, there were several scars where he was whipped more than once. Some of the scars were deeper than others. "Pardon," she whispered backing away from him, sensing how uncomfortable he was becoming.

He continued dressing himself as Nellie took a leap of courage. She might regret this but, it needed to be done. They were going to married soon after all. She looked at his back once more, being a few paces from him. "Sweeney," she called. He turned to look at her and she dropped the towel.

His mouth agape, he eyed her body, from her heaving chest to the goosebumps speckled all over her skin, she was cold. He approached her, spending more time than he had wanted looking at her breasts before he bent down and wrapped the towel back around her. "You'll catch a chill."

Now cleaned up and with no further interruptions, the two headed back upstairs to their room to get ready for bed. The awkwardness between them diminished the second their heads hit the pillows and they were sound asleep. When they're eyes opened again, they were not met by a blinding sunlight like they had become accustomed too but a darkened room, just as they left it when they first drifted off. Nellie sat up first, stretching her limbs, yawning deeply. She was surprised by the lack of sunlight in the room. She moved out of the bed quietly so not to disturb a resting Sweeney, and peeked through the curtain. The moon was out.

Sweeney stirred in the bed, groaning a bit. "Do you know what time it is?" Nellie asked, not really expecting an answer.

"No." he grunted, sitting up and reaching for the glass of water on the nightstand. "I'm starving," he stated after a few gulps of water.

Nellie smiled warmly at him. "I think it's the middle of the night. We must have slept through the day." He stretched, wincing a bit as his ribs ached in protest. "Let's find something to eat."

"I thought you said it was the middle of the night." Sweeney said.

A devious smirk formed on Nellie's lips. "And finding the kitchen will be much easier with no one in our way."

Her plan was simple, sneak into the inn's kitchen, find some food. They may smuggle it back to their room or eat it right there, they hadn't decided yet. With an oil lamp in hand, they stood in the parlor downstairs, walking towards one of the doors behind the desk, labeled kitchen. She jiggled the doorknob, excited as it swung open. She stepped aside, "After you my good sir." She said playfully.

"Why thank you madame." He walked past her into the kitchen.

Nellie eyed the space, there wasn't any leftover food set out so she decided to whip something up. She tied her hair back. "Anything in particular you'd like my dear?"

"You think it's wise to cook in a home that isn't yours?" Sweeney asked. The two of them were already searching through every cupboard anyways.

"It's the middle of the night love. No one will ever know." She pulled out a bowl and some eggs. "How about some eggs with cheese for breakfast."

"Anything you say my dear."

She grabbed some goat cheese while he searched around for a cheese grater. She lit the stove top placing some butter in a frying pan and cracking four eggs into the bowl. They chatted lightly with each other waiting for the eggs to fry. As the time flew, they honestly forgot they were in a stranger's home. Unaware of how it happened, they ending up standing in front of the stove, snogging profoundly. Trapped in each other's arms, not noticing or caring if the eggs were burning or not. His lips and tongue just finish exploring the length of her throat as she was seated up on the counter top with her legs around his waist when the door opened. The two froze, both their heads turned in the direction of the intruder, eyes shining in the dark like two rats caught in a trap. Nellie's face grew as hot as the stove top behind her and she leapt down from the counter, smiling nervously. Surely, they'll get thrown out in the streets for this.

Miss Monica Clay stood there with a hand on her hip in disbelief. She huffed, "Looks like I have another pair of lovers in my inn." Her hand fell from her hip and she sniffed the air. "Something smells good." Minutes later, Nellie and the inn keeper were sitting across from each other sipping tea and chatting happily to stories of strange customers over their plate of cheesy eggs, a very confused and solemn looking Sweeney stabbing his eggs with his fork next to them.

After an early breakfast, the two decided to explore the town's marketplace. Nellie volunteered to fetch a few things for Monica. Sweeney was absolutely appalled at how the two had become such good friends so quickly. That evening, things were lively once more in the inn. This seemed to be a reoccurring pattern. The guests were crowded in the parlor, drinking ale and singing loudly and drunkenly. Some seemed to be volunteering themselves as entertainment. A small pretty woman with yellow hair, reminding Sweeney a bit too much of what he's lost for his liking, was seated at the piano playing a soft tune.

The small blonde finished and curtsied, full of smiles as applause roared through the inn. The customers all chatted happily among themselves looking around the room for their next source of music. "Do you play?" a man asked in Nellie's direction.

She opened her mouth to protest, "It's been a long time since I've—" Nellie began. The man was smiling sadly at her.

"She sings." Sweeney said. The man ushered Nellie towards the piano away from Sweeney's side. "Come on. We'd love to hear." The men were saying. She looked over her shoulder glaring at Sweeney. He raised his mug of ale to her bringing it to his lips to hide his smirk. Sat down at the piano.

Her hands hovered over the keys for a minute as she racked her brain for something to play. She thought of her usual parlor songs but she couldn't quite recall how the tune started. Growing nervous from the silence and eyes all around her, she just went for something.

She started singing softly and slowly. Her voice a bit shaky and uncertain at first but grew in confidence quickly. Her heart grew warm. She was performing an old Irish folk song. It was a sorrowful tune of loss and moving on. A memory of her father humming it appeared in her head and her hands touched the piano's keys on instinct.

Of all the money that e'er I've had

I spent it in good company

And all the harm that e'er I've done

Alas it was to none but me

And all I've done for want of wit

To memory now I can't recall

So fill to me the parting glass

Good night and joy be with you all.

All of a sudden, she was in her parlor on fleet street. Singing loud and proud her fingers dancing over the piano's keys. With Benjamin Barker waltzing behind her singing the same tune. His voice droning her's out.

Of all the comrades that e'er I had

Their sorry for my going away

And all the sweethearts that e'er I had

They'd wish me one more day to stay

Lucy was smiling on the couch behind them as Ben sat down on the bench next to Nellie as they continued their duet.

But since it fell unto my lot

That I should rise and you should not

I gently rise and softly call

Good night and joy be with you all

Sweeney was in awe watching Nellie sing and play. The same memory she felt was rising in him as well as he found himself humming to the tune. He wanted to be by her side as he was that day but all strength had left him in the moment and he remained rooted in his spot as if he's feet were nailed to the floor. Alas, his heart beat strongly with hers.

So fill to me the parting glass

And drink of health what e'rr be falls

And gently rise and softly fall

Good night and joy be to you all

Nellie finished her song slow and steady, alone, back in the present, back in the Grimsby inn. With all the customers watching with mouths agape and awaiting their applause.

So fill to me the parting glass

And gather as the evening falls

And gently rise and softly call

Good night and joy be to you all.

Nellie's hands left the keys. The silence in the room seemed to last for hours until the uproar of applause stroke all at once like thunder as the customers clapped their hands and whistled. Smiling modestly, Nellie made her way back to Sweeney's side. In truth, his reaction was the only thing she cared about. She slid up next to him.

"Well done." He muttered handing her his mug of ale. "The Irish folk song?"

She took a swig of his ale holding onto the mug. "I'm surprised I remembered how it went."

"I'm surprised that I remembered."

She looked up at his face. the crowd around them seemed to fade away, and it was only them. He remembered? He remembered singing it with her all those years ago? A grin spread across her face as her heart melted.

He turned to face her, they're proximity growing closer. "Pet?"

"Love?"

"Margery! That was so lovely my dear." A slightly drunk Monica sang wrapping her arm around Nellie's shoulders. Nellie muttered her thanks and tried her best to smile after the woman so rudely interrupted a moment between her and her barber. Nellie continued to smile awkwardly at her, she wasn't leaving. "What tune was that?"

"An Irish folk song. Something old."

Monica nodded, she was still hanging onto Nellie, her breath reeking of beer. "You have Irish descent then?"

"Yeh Scottish. Actually."

"Oh!" she hiccupped and finally pulled away, "You look like a Scottish woman." She said touching a strand of Nellie's hair. With that she finally stumbled away throwing herself at other people to chat with. Nellie faced Sweeney who had been patiently waiting this entire time. She knit her brows in confusion. "Do I actually look like a Scottish woman?" Nellie asked.

"I've never met any so I don't know." Sweeney shrugged. He set his cup of ale down. Nellie laughed softly. "How about a stroll?" he placed his arm out for her.

She took it following him to the door. "And what if we get lost?" Nellie smiled.

"I hope we do."

In the end, they missed the celebration in the inn, as they made their way back to the seaside. They sat in the sand and finished what they started from earlier that morning. They were lost in the amount of time they've spent with their kisses in the sand. Until Sweeney positioned himself a top of Nellie and tugged at her corset laces, she shivered and sat back up. She placed her hand over his halting his unknotting. Looking into his eyes she whispered, "Let's go to bed."

He nodded in understanding, helping her back on her feet, they walked back to the inn.

Song above was The Parting Glass. I was referencing the version sung by Peter Hollens. Go listen to it, it's amazingly beautiful. Please review, thank you readers.