When Sweeney awoke, he automatically turned on his side and was disappointed to feel an empty cold mattress upon his open arm. He cracked one eye open and stared at the empty spot that Nellie usually occupied. His head raised and concern turned to disappointment when he remembered everything that had transpired these last few days between them. He could have almost dismissed those nights sleeping on the streets and Nellie hating him as a dream, but it was very real.

He sat up and was surprised to see that the baker actually had not left the bed but was sat further down a few feet away from him, a thin robe thrown over her shoulders and her knees up to her chest. He could see from his position on the bed that she was staring at the wall and had a sullen expression on her tired face.

"Nellie..." He said softly, reaching a hand to gently put it upon her shoulder.

He saw her flinch slightly and her head drop to look at his hand, but she did not say anything. Sweeney sighed and removed his hand, knowing perfectly well why her mood was so low.

"I know." He admitted "I'm sorry..."

She didn't respond for the longest time and the frosty silence that had followed them for the past few days had returned stronger and colder than ever.

"It was a moment of weakness." She said quietly. "I should never 'ave... I..." Her throat constricted with emotion and Sweeney was hit by how much damage he was truly inflicting. No matter how much he could try to rectify his mistake and work his way back into her heart, she would never truly forgive him.

Sweeney sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his hair he exhaled deeply. "I know you still want me to leave, I will. But I have to return to my shop eventually... I'll run out of money and..." Sweeney trailed off feeling silly. He didn't give a rat's arse about his shop or money anymore, he just wanted to be near her and apologize over and over again until his last breath.

"I'll think about it. " Was all she said.

Sweeney closed his eyes in fatigue. That was all he was going to get for now and he would have to accept it.

"I need to get dressed and ready, Edith is coming over soon - says she wants to take me out shopping for the lil one." She told him after some time.

Sweeney blinked; he didn't know how close the two ladies were. He supposed he shouldn't have been too surprised. The whole family were a bunch of rich misfits who actually had hearts of gold. It seemed both of them had a family member each for a shoulder to cry on.

"She doesn't strike me as someone who would enjoy shopping for a baby." said Sweeney, attempting to make some casual conversation.

"She's not...but I think she secretly wants children one day. She just doesn't want ta marry anyone she doesn't love." Nellie slid off the bed and wrapped her robe tighter around her as she headed for the door, eager to cut the conversation short "I'm gonna start breakfast."

Sweeney could barely get a word in before she was out the door. He stood and began searching for his clothes, ignoring the gnawing pit of loneliness in his stomach.

When he entered the shop, he found Nellie pouring Toby tea in one of the booths. The lad had his head resting on his palm and still looked half asleep when he saw the barber and waved.

"Mornin' Mista T." He smiled, then frowned "I didn't know ya were havin' breakfast with us."

"Mista T was just headin' off, love." Nellie said coolly as she placed down the pot and sat next to Toby, keeping her eyes down as she began to butter some toast.

Sweeney tried not to let it show how much her tone stung. He cleared his throat and nodded "Yes, I'll be takin' me leave now, thank you for allowing me to stay the night with you, Nellie."

The baker glared at his words and Toby could barely suppress the smug smile on his face as he put two and two together about what the pair were doing the other night. So there was still hope...

"But Mista T shouldn't go on an empty stomach mum! " Toby insisted casually. He turned to Sweeney and the pair shared a knowing look at each other "It's been ages since we've 'ad breakfast together just the three of us! Come an' sit!"

The baker glowered at the boy and sat forward "Toby, Sweeney is-"

"Well, I suppose I could stay for breakfast." Sweeney smiled, taking a seat opposite her "Thank you, Toby."

The barber helped himself to the pile of toast and scrambled eggs beside an eager Toby. Next to him, Eleanore huffed and sat back against her seat with a pout of frustration, her arms firmly folded over her chest.

"You need ta eat too mum." Toby said after a while. "Don't cha like it?"

"Of course." She said, a bit defensively. "I'm jus' not up for eatin' much first thing in the mornin'." She took a dainty nibble of her toast then placed it down on the plate.

"Is the baby makin' ya feel sick again?" Toby asked sympathetically.

"No love it's not the baby," She answered, her voice softer now. "Jus'...the hormones I guess..."

Sweeney sat quietly for the longest time, the overbearing weight of the silence sending him on edge. Neither of them hardly said a word and when Sweeney was aware of how much his presence was negatively affecting the baker, he swallowed his pride and placed his fork down as he moved to stand. "I think it's best I do leave..."

"What?" Toby frowned.

"Good." Nellie snapped.

"But Mista T ya haven't eaten much of ya breakfast!" Toby protested "And Mum could really use yer help making the morning rush food for tomorrow seen as she's bin so tired."

"Toby enough!" Nellie snapped making the boy jump. Her cold eyes mellowed somewhat but her mouth set in a firm line as she placed a hand over her stomach "I'll be fine, enough with this foolish chatter."

Toby looked hurt and cast a sympathetic look to Sweeney who returned his gaze. "Don't worry," He told him and Nellie felt herself growing jealous at the bond that had grown between them. "I'll be back in a few days, Richard will let me stay at his home for a while - then I'll simply work in my shop and rarely bother you unless you need something of me."

"We won't." She said coldly, feeling her eyes grow moist "Please jus' leave, now."

Sweeney felt his chest tighten at the sight of her teary eyes and he took that as his queue to leave. Tucking in his chair he took his coat and bags in hand and made for the door when he spotted a carriage pull up near the shop from his position by the window. He sighed internally; it must be Richard.

"I'll see you soon," He uttered quietly to the both of them, not expecting an answer form Nellie and not sticking around to hear any response.

Once he was out of the shop Nellie sighed and stared blankly at the table, the bags under her eyes darkening from her emotional exhaustion "Toby, go to the bakehouse and draw yerself a bath in the tub. I'd like ta be alone for a while..."

Toby regarded her blank stare with sad eyes. But he did not protest. Once he was out of the shop and had descended the stairs to the Bakehouse, Nellie's face crumbled, and she brought a hand to her mouth to stifle her cries.

He was gone, and that was for the best.

But it still hurt so badly.

~oOo~

"Sweeney, this is Eliza, my wife." Richard placed an arm around Eliza and smiled tenderly at her "Sweeney will be staying for a few nights with us, darling. Just until we help him get back on his feet."

Sweeney listened to the exchange with lowered eyes feeling nothing but embarrassment. He was ashamed to be standing in such an extravagant manor with such a handsome couple. They owed him nothing and yet Sweeney owed them everything right now. Clearing his throat and managing to raise his eyes a little he mumbled "If that is alright with you, miss. I wouldn't want to be a trouble to your family..."

"Not at all," Eliza said sweetly but Sweeney could tell she did not approve of him being in her house, not that he could fault her. Sweeney had heard Nellie complain about this woman many times, how stuck up and pretentious she was. As of now, he would not have believed such a thing. Eliza was very welcoming and as kind as she was beautiful with her blonde hair and rosy-cheeked face. Yet there was a cold detachment to her eyes now and then, particularly when she smiled that made Sweeney believe that she was being disingenuous.

"I'll call Elizabeth," She said to the two of them, "She will need to greet you properly." As she made her way to the stairs of the hall Sweeney stopped her in her tracks.

"That won't be necessary, Mrs Sykes. Beth and I are already acquainted."

Eliza's smile slipped and she could not help the scorn that marked her face. The very nerve of this man to come into her home and disrespect her so by making himself comfortable with her husband and addressing her daughter by her pet name? She could tell that he had picked up on her face and so she smoothed her expression into something more inquisitive "Oh? Darling, I didn't know the barber and our daughter were acquainted. When on earth did they meet?"

"Beth is still good friends with Nellies boy, darling. And you know she can't resist popping into the shop to get her cakes. " Richard smiled widely, very aware that his wife was trying her best not to show how angry she was becoming. He had told her weeks ago that he would try and encourage Beth to make new friends since Eliza had been flabbergasted to learn that Beth and Toby were becoming closer. But it wasn't the first lie he had told his wife and it certainly wouldn't be the last. "Anyways, myself and Sweeney have somewhere to be tonight, so we'll be on our way."

He stepped forward to kiss her on the cheek as she stuttered. Quite frankly things had become sour between them once again and he had grown tired of her pushiness these days. He still loved her and was confident that they would make it work, but in order to do so, Eliza was going to have to start taking some responsibility.

"Wh-when will you be back?" She asked the pair as they made for the door and Richard threw his coat on.

"Oh probably not till late, men's business." He smiled, tapping Sweeney on the shoulder signaling their leave. "Bye, dear."

When the door shut, Eliza's jaw tightened and she stood still processing just what exactly had happened. She was not used to Richards blatant taunting of her, though she supposed every man had his breaking point and she had been hard on him as of late.

A shuffling from behind her pricked u her ears and she turned to look up the stairs to the first floor.

"Did you call my name mother?" Beth poked her head over the banister at the top of the stairs, her long brown tresses falling around her nightgown clad shoulders.

"No." She said without looking at her "Go back to sleep."

Beths face fell, and she reluctantly turned, picked up the small pup at her feet and padded into her bedroom, slamming the door loudly as she did. Below her, Eliza growled at the disrespect she had no doubt learned from her father and that blasted boy.

With this Mr Todd here now she was going to have to make some changes around here. Beth was the least of her problems right now. The sooner as she got rid of this barber the better.

~oOo~

Later that evening on his way back home, Sweeney parted from Richard in order to divert back to his shop in order to grab a few more things in preparation for the 'events' that would transpire in the next few days. While he had to admit that the notion of finally getting to Turpin was a wonderful, he only really wanted to see nellie. The wintery nights were darker than usual, and he knew she would be beginning to close up for the evening. A perfect excuse for him to catch her after hours as she was usually very busy with customers.

As he approached, he was a little surprised to see how little customers were in her shop, at this time usually the place would be jumping with people coming home from work eager for a quick dinner. But no there was only a handful of people in the booths inside and one man outside.

The door chimed and he stood shivering in the scarf Richard had allowed him to borrow by the door, hoping Nellie would notice him wherever she was. He caught sight of her body as she bent to place two pies down for a customer.

"There ya go loves." Her usually cheerful voice was heavy with fatigue and when she turned to meet his gaze, he frowned in concern at the state she was in. She looked utterly exhausted and thin - save that was for the little swell around her stomach and the looseness of her corset. Her eyes were ringed with dark circles, and she was paler looking than usual. Nellie's eyes turned cold at the sight of him, and he kept his gaze down as he approached.

"I'm not here to cause a scene." He said, hoping she could hear his sincerity "I just need a couple of me things from the shop - where are the keys?"

She eyed him warily but pointed in the direction of the parlor "In the vase on me mantel. Put it back an' don't wake Toby, he's not feelin' well..."

Sweeney swallowed and made his way into the parlor, aware of her gaze on his back as he left. Nellie breathed a sigh of relief and placed a hand on her stomach as her breasts heaved. She had not been anticipating his return so soon after they had made love the other night. She had thought she had made it clear that she did not want to see him - but of course the tenacious bastard just had to show up, didn't he?

Her breathing picked up and she felt herself beginning to flush with heat as the now familiar feeling of a rising panic attack threatened to take control of her body. Nellie stood by the counter and braced her hands on the ledge, attempting to quell the rapid beating of her heart and the growing wetness behind her eyes. A little ripple of movement in her stomach took her off guard and she rubbed her hand over the area in order to soothe the both of them. "It's alright my darlin'..." The gentle movements pressing against her hands began to calm her and she breathed heavily as her heart began to slow. "That's it, mama's okay..."

Her head snapped to the side as Sweeney passed her in order to get to the stairs of his apartment. He gazed at her briefly, but she did not return it, eager to remain as invisible as possible. Frantically wiping at the counter with her cloth she considered going up and seeing what exactly it was that he needed and telling him to hurry up, he was taking his sweet time and she was not in the mood. When a good five minutes or so had passed she could not take the wait and threw down the rag angrily, storming up the stairs to the shop.

As she entered, she found Sweeney rummaging around in his dresser. He jumped at the sound of the bell and Nellie had to catch herself from smirking slightly at the reaction, usually it was her who was jumpy. With her hand still on the door she put the other on her hip and sighed at him "Wots takin' so long?"

"Sorry, I thought I might have had some letters - from Joanna." He said, closing the draws, behind him Nellie fought hard to keep her expression neutral "I wasn't sure where you might have put them for when I returned." At her silence, Sweeney pressed "Did Joanna send anything for me?"

Exhaling heavily, Nellie shook her head.

"Oh." The hurt was evident in his voice "Well never mind then..."

From her place at the door Nellie shifted on her feet "So wot exactly did ya need from 'ere? Ya said you were collecting things, wot things?" Her voice took on an edge of a smirk for she knew he was most likely making excuses just to come and see her. She knew perfectly well he had been by earlier to take his clothes, razors and money.

Sweeney's eyes grazed over the shop in a panic, when they settled on the black kettle by his dresser, he picked it up and stuttered "This. I'm... in need of tea."

The deadpan expression on her face did little to make the situation less absurd to him and so he bit his cheek at his lame excuse.

Nellie shook her head in exasperation "I thought I told ya I didn't want you here."

"I needed the kettle." He retorted.

"The fuck ya needed the kettle!" She snapped, folding her arms tightly "If ya think I'm gonna make the same stupid mistake I made the other night by crawling into bed with ya you're very mistaken!"

"I don't expect you to do anything of the sort." He cringed "I wanted to see you for gods sake! I miss you is that so bad?!"

Nellies throat constricted when she attempted to retort and so she resorted to shaking her head as she closed the shop door and walked towards the window. Sweeney watched her cautiously as she pressed two fingers to the frosted glass and gazed at the streets below "A year ago I woulda been thrilled ta hear you say somethin' like that. Now it only hurts."

Sighing in dismay he placed down the kettle and joined her by the window, standing almost shoulder-to-shoulder with her. "I know. It hurts me too."

The glass frosted from her breath as her chest steadily rose and fell. Sweeney's eyes fell to her hand, now against the window and he fought the urge to hold it. She would be the death of him one day and god he loved her. It was strange how not even so long ago he had been strongly against his feelings for her. His transition from the man he was to the man standing here today was drastically different. He knew he still had a lot to make up for and a lot of learning, but it was a change caused by her and it was a change that he admired.

"That's not your scarf." Nellie's voice took him out of his stare, and he looked down at the soft navy-coloured scarf around his neck.

"It's Richards." He told her, the intensity of having her so close and her gaze on him stopping him in his tracks.

Nellie smiled somewhat tiredly "Thought so, blue ain't yer colour love."

Her eyes raised from the scarf to look at him and for a brief moment before she turned away, he saw that very familiar twinkle of warmth in her eyes that was present every day since his return from Australia. A look he had taken for granted and needed to see. There was no doubt in his mind now that she still loved him.

With a newfound sense of certainty, Sweeney stuffed his hands into his pockets "Other than the kettle-" He smirked as she rolled her eyes at that "- I also came here to give you this."

In his hand was a gold ring and Nellie simply stared at it, a whirlwind of emotions going through her head. For a moment her heart soared and then she was grounded in reality, this was their agreement. The thing that was supposed to keep her business afloat. Suddenly she wasn't so happy anymore.

Hesitating slightly, Sweeney reached for her hand and when she did not resist, he slipped the ring onto her finger and considered how lovely it looked on her finger. Then he brought her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss against her knuckles "There." He said, "Now you won't have to listen to any horrible rumors from Mrs Mooney."

Nellie smiled but her eyes grew wet. She did not have the strength nor the heart right now to tell him that he was too late and that this ring on her finger would do nothing to quell the rumors. Earlier in the week, an angry Turpin had come by the shop and berated her in front of all of the customers. Nellie suspected he had heard the rumors from Mrs Mooney and was doing his best to hurt her without assaulting her this time. And so, he had gone for her reputation and business.

Naturally she had reacted by threatening him and was pleased to see some of her regulars coming to her defense - however the damage had been done and as soon as he had left with a gloating smile on his face the judging eyes of all her customers had soon been upon her. Since then, her sales had already started to decline drastically and barely anyone was coming to her shop. She was losing money fast and with a baby on the way and a growing boy she could hardly sleep at night for fear of losing everything.

"You're too late." She said honestly "Rumors have already spread and me bumps becoming obvious- they've decided I'm a whore - so they won't let a whore serve 'em." She decided against telling him about Turpin, she did not want to set him off into one of his murderous rages. It was strange, since finding out about her pregnancy, the things that mattered so much to her months ago didn't seem so important to her now. While once she had wanted Turpin dead, now she simply wanted to be left alone by him. By everyone.

Sweeney's eyes widened and soon his face twisted in hate. So that was why she was facing a decline in customers - because of her pregnancy. Fresh shame washed over him at the predicament he had put her in. No wonder she looked so exhausted. This was his doing, and he was putting her and the baby at risk of poverty again.

His thoughts briefly drifted to the meeting himself and Richard had attended before he had come to the shop. They had met with a former associate of Richards to discuss the vulture's demise and had set their date. Initially he thought of telling Nellie but considering the stress she was currently under he thought better of it - there was also the matter of his promise he had made months ago to her; to stop killing. While he had broken it long ago when he murdered George, he would be lying if he said that the promise was not weighing heavily on his conscience now.

"Can you afford food?" He asked after a moment.

Nellie shrugged morosely "Right now we can. But I'm scared, Sweeney. If it's like this for the rest of the month I won't be able to afford much. I just don't wanna be here no more...I don't feel safe. All these men roamin' about, people don't know who to trust anymore..."

Sweeney frowned. He knew perfectly well about this supposed 'gang' that had been threatening the city. Richard had explained that it was the reason he now carried a pistol on him and was so paranoid when his daughter left the house unannounced to go see Toby. This was no place to raise a child, that was for certain.

"When the baby is ready to be born, I'll take you to the sea, all of us." He told her.

Nellie stared at him and lightly shook her head "Don't make promises ya can't keep, Sweeney."

"I mean it." He said firmly, stepping closer to take her by the arms "When everything is over. It'll be just us. You, me, Toby and the baby - we'll be happy. It's what you deserve."

Her lip wobbled a little at that and she lowered her eyes as Sweeney pressed a kiss to her head and quietly said his goodbyes.

"Sweeney," She called stopping him as he made for the door. When he turned around expectantly, she smiled at him "Don't forget the kettle."

A genuine laugh came from the barber as he turned, took the kettle and with a heartfelt look, left the shop. Nellie turned to watch him leave out the window, a familiar longing in the pit of her stomach as she watched him go.

~oOo~

Two day later, on one cold evening, Richard Turpin hissed as he stretched from his desk and began clearing up his paperwork. For the last few nights, he had been working well past midnight to finalize all manner of paperwork regarding convicts and heathens. As of Arthur Sykes term as prime minister, there had been a significant change to the way things were being done in the city, laws and bills were being passed that made it very hard for death sentences and it was becoming a grievous nuisance to everyone that worked in the courts.

No matter, with any luck now the old ways would be back, and Sykes would be out of term by new year. His brushes with death were indubitably affecting his health and rumor now had it that he was coming down with some sort of malady. With any luck it would finish the stubborn bastard off. He was growing very tired of the family's hold over his work.

Once he had locked and secured the main entrance, he made his way down the marble steps of the courthouse to wait for his coach. He had finished up earlier than planned but Beadle often scheduled a carriage for him on time no matter how late or early he finished up.

The night was cold and particularly frosty. A few singular oil lampposts flickered along the street as the only source of light as the moon was absent tonight. Turpin yawned and glanced at his pocket watch to check the time. Just as the chill was beginning to seep into his bones, a carriage turned the corner and a lone man in a hat driving approached.

"Mista Turpin." He addressed pleasantly.

"At last." The judge snapped. Ripping open the carriage door he flung himself inside and closed the door loudly, signaling the man to move. The carriage glided down the London streets at a pace much slower than the judge would have liked but he was far too tired to argue.

As they made the way home, Turpin's attention suddenly turned to the baker on Fleet Street. Ever since Joanna's escape his mind had been elsewhere but he was beginning to realize that the likelihood of her returning was rare, the sailor had made off with her and he was convinced that the couple had a part to play in it, perhaps even Richard Sykes too. His hand fisted tightly at his side. No one dared to plot against him, especially not some whore and her impoverished barber. With a click of his fingers, he could ship him off to Australia just like he had done with the last one. He had no qualms about history repeating itself.

The carriage coming to an abrupt halt broke him out of his thoughts "What on earth-?"

He poked his head out and soon realized that in his tired state he had failed to notice that the route they had taken was completely different to that of the one he would usually take back home. As of now they had stopped at a derelict street with very little light. Cracking open his carriage door, he called to the driver angrily "Why are you stopping here? Get a move on you fool!"

"Fraid I can't do that yer honor..." Came the driver's response and for a moment Turpin thought he recognized that voice. At once the Turpin became on edge from his lighthearted tone. He moved to fully open the door when it was suddenly opened by someone else. Turpin almost doubled over when he came face to face with the cold smile of the barber from Fleet Street.

Behind him, the other carriage door ripped open and there stood Richard Sykes dressed like a commoner in a bowler's hat and gloves; his driver.

Turpin frantically glanced between the two grinning men, his heart racing with fear. "What the hell is this?"

From his pocket, Sweeney unsheathed his razor and said wolfishly "Payback."

~oOo~

The following morning at Arthur Sykes modest flat on Downing Street, the Sykes family sat and had breakfast together for the first time in many weeks. Amongst the lovely spread of food and fine china tea set, Arthur sat at the head quietly, his weariness made apparent by the dark circles under his eyes. Despite this he turned to his daughter Edith and asked merrily "How was your trip to Scotland Darling?"

"Very good, father. The fresh air did me well." She smiled at him.

Opposite her, Amelia and Richard sat in silence and Edith couldn't help but glare at her younger siblings over her teacup. Amelia had been in a strange mood all day, barely speaking and hardly ever contributing to the conversation, not that Edith didn't mind the silence - her little sister did have a tendency to natter far too much - but she was not even making an effort to engage in conversation with their father. Next to her, Richard spooned around his porridge but barely ate, his one hand resting under his chin as he could hardly seem to keep his eyes open. He had shown up late as per usual and only just arrived a few moments ago from doing god knows what.

"And what were you up to last night that excuses your tardiness hm?" Edith enquired after a sip of her tea.

Richard returned an identical glare at her from his place at the table "I had business to attend to." He said coolly "Nothing you would know about since your refusal to get a job."

"Richard." Maud scolded from her place next to her husband. "Edith has been working hard on her writing since giving up her work. You should be kinder."

"The book that you have been writing for about three years now? That one?" Richard quipped.

"Not that you would know anything about creative writing, Richard. You haven't got a creative bone in your damned body," said Edith

"Please, no damning at the table." Arthur groaned, rubbing his head. "It's too early..."

Richard sat up straighter, his temper wearing thin considering just what exactly he had been doing last night and who exactly for. "What pray tell sister, is your problem this morning?"

"My problem is you showed up over an hour late whilst we were waiting for you, not only that you have hardly visited father this past week because you have been so tied up with that barber from fleet street!" Edith's outburst surprised him and a pang of guilt wormed its way into his chest when he realized she was right about their father.

"Oh, Eleanore's husband?" Arthur asked cheerily "How is the man? I could do with a shave soon actually."

"He's not her husband." Edith grumbled "The idiot thinks he can put a ring on her finger and that excuses his actions as a poor excuse of man. For whatever reason Richard believes him and has been allowing him residence at his home."

"Really?" Maud questioned.

"Who I allow into my home is none of your business." Richard snapped "And I'll thank you to mind your tone when speaking about him, Sweeney and I have become good friends and you will not insult him in front of me."

An awkward silence passed over the table and Edith simply stared at him like he had two heads. She couldn't believe the nerve of her brother to befriend the man who had said and done such cruel things to Eleanore.

"Are you unaware of the things he said to her before he left?" She came "The obscene way he treated her after he found out he was fathering her child?"

"What?" Amelia, Maud and Arthur said in unison.

"They argued, I've heard it all already - it was no excuse for her to lock him out of his own shop and allow him to grow sick on the streets." Richard protested firmly.

"You go ahead, and you ask your little friend, Richard." His sister hissed "I guarantee you will not like the answer."

A frosty silence permeated the room and from his place Arthur sighed woefully "I would have expected better of the two of you." At the hurt looks he got from his son and daughter he elaborated coldly "Openly discussing their private lives, have you no sense of shame? What Eleanore and her partner decide to do is of their business. If she had wanted to share her pregnancy with us privately, she cannot do so now, Edith."

From her seat, Edith lowered her eyes. If there was one man who could scold her and reduce her to a mere child, it was her father. Despite her age, she still felt crushed whenever he expressed his disappointment. Another reason why she had not told him about why exactly she had broken off her engagement to her childhood sweetheart and the abortion. He simply wouldn't understand.

"I'm sorry father, I just wish Richard understood what sort of man he was associating with." She mumbled.

Richard frowned at her. He thought better of his initial response to snap at her and thought more candidly about her words. Of course, he was aware that the couple had argued, so badly that Sweeney had willingly left and Nellie had refused to let him return. The barber had admitted to saying some terrible things, but he did not go into detail. Now he wanted to find out, if had caused Edith to be reacting this way, Richard knew it must have been extreme.

"How was your day darling?" Maud elected to change the subject and focus her attention on Amelia.

Amelia jumped a little when she realized she was being addressed but quickly forced smile "Oh, fine mother. Just fine."

"Youve been awfully quiet today, are you well?" She fussed, placing the backs of her fingers against her head.

"I'm fine mother, I'm just feeling very tired today." She softly swatted her hand away and placed her hands in her lap. Under the table she pulled the sleeve of her dress down further to cover her darkened wrist. The force of Charles hands the previous night had fortunately only marked her arms and wrists, she was grateful that said areas were easy to cover.

"How are the girls and little Arthur?" Her father asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

Amelia smiled a genuine smile this time "They're well, father. They miss you a lot."

"I miss them." He said morosely, and Amelia had never seen him look so drained before. "Tell them whenever I next get the chance I will see them and take them out for ice cream."

"It's a little cold for ice cream at his time darling." Maud placed her hand on her husbands with a giggle "They might catch a fever."

"I suppose you're right, dear." He nodded. Another heavy silence seemed to weigh on the older gentleman this time and after a moment of staring at his wife's hand he cleared his throat and addressed the whole table. "In fact, I wanted to talk to all of you for some time now. The situation..."

The three looked between them in anticipation. Neither of them truly wanting to address the curse that had plagued their family for so long. The weight of the violent acts against them and the anticipation and paranoia of further attacks had clearly been in everyone's mind at the table. Particularly Arthur.

"I want all of you to start travelling with a companion and bodyguard of sorts. Do not go anywhere unplanned or spontaneously. Don't let your guard down for a second." Arthur told them. "Particularly with the children, do I make myself clear?"

Amelia nodded but Richard did not, his father's sternness inadvertently throwing a wrench in his plans. If he had to be constantly chaperoned by someone from morning till night, how could he possibly continue what he was doing with Sweeney?

Opposite him, Edith too seemed to oppose this. For her own reasons of course, she had no children or partner, but she always had to maintain control of her life.

"Father." Edith began "We are already under a lot of protection; we really needn't listen to some foolish threats-"

"Foolish?! Threats are threats, I have nearly lost my life twice." He cried "The two of you were there at the attack on my speech. Six people who chose to support me died! One of them a little boy! You nearly lost your eye! My god Eleanore could have lost her child so do not sit here and give me a lecture about what you know what is best-!" His voice rose and rose in volume until he was cut off by a sudden coughing fit that bent him double over the table and had him gasping.

"Father! " Amelia immediately sprang into action and was at his side in a matter of seconds, rubbing his back.

Richard rose from his seat also but was stopped in his tracks by Arthur's wheezing protests. From where he stood he sent a cold look to Edith who's eyes dropped to the table.

After a moment Arthurs coughing subsided and he was able to gently push Amelia away and speak again to a much quieter and sombre family.

"I can't take much more of this," He admitted, and Edith's eyes grew moist at how frail and vulnerable he was in this moment "I want the best for this country, I want the best for all of you when I am gone."

"Father." Amelia gasped, rubbing his arm and shaking her head as tears swam in her eyes "Please don't talk like this. We don't want you to get hurt anymore, you're sick. This whole thing is killing you." She turned her eyes to her siblings with a rare look of determination that reminded Richard very much of Edith "We promise to do anything that will make this easier, even if it means having a bodyguard through the day. Don't we?"

Now both Arthur and Mauds eyes were on the Sykes siblings, Edith and Richard began to internally squirm at the dilemma. Richard swallowed but could not bring himself to speak when Edith was the first to answer.

"I suppose I could hire some people to escort me places and watch my home." She said coolly, now eyeing Richard before turning back to her father. "If it would ease your pain."

"It would." He confirmed softly.

Richard sighed and rubbed his head but nodded "I'll make sure something is in place for the children, as for me I'll figure something out. I've thought about purchasing a pistol...perhaps I could obtain one just as a precaution." He lied, subconsciously feeling the swell of the gun in his breast pocket and hoping it wasn't visible from the outside.

Edith scoffed but Arthur seemed pleased at that, and the terse atmosphere settled into a more pleasant one. However, all Richard could do was halfheartedly listen to the jovial talk whilst fidgeting in his seat, swiping his thumb absentmindedly across his knuckles he winced at the bruising.

The skin was tender on his knuckles from the assaults he had carried out the previous night. If Edith knew what exactly had made him so late, she would have torn her hair out - not that he didn't think she would support his decision - but he knew she would call the whole thing rash and dangerous. It was hypocritical almost, how Edith Sykes had a taste for the rash and dangerous in her younger days but was firmly against himself or Amelia taking part in anything even remotely perilous - perhaps it was an older sister thing - he didn't care. For once he was going to act rash and he was going to do it for her.

When the conversation turned to his uncle David's return to London, Richard finished his tea and made to stand - already perfectly aware of the tricky situation surrounding Uncle David. He did not need to hear it again and so thought this a perfect time to make himself scarce and go back to where he knew his friend and their fresh catch were waiting for him.

"If you'll excuse me, everyone. It's been a lovely breakfast, but I really had best return to my work."

"Fine, fine" Arthur waved him away, too engaged in his conversation to be offended by his son's late arrival and swift exit. Richard nodded to his family members, placed his hat atop his head and made for the door, aware of his sister's suspicious gaze boring into his back. Upon exiting the manor, he walked to the gates and made to enter his carriage when Ediths voice slowed his pace.

"Somewhere you need to be?"

Richard internally growled before facing her. My God she was a pest. "Yes, as you very well know. I have a lot of paperwork to catch up on."

"Are you having an affair?"

Richard blinked in surprise and then burst out laughing "Oh Edith why on earth would you think a thing like that?"

She gave a one shoulder shrug that reminded him a lot of Beth and smirked "Seems like everybody can't seem to get along with their spouses these days, which is precisely why I don't keep any around." She folded her arms "If you are seeking some happiness in the arms of another woman, you ought to do the right thing and break it off now while you have the chance."

Richard gave her a look "No. I'm not having an affair; you know I would never cheat. I just so happen to prefer work over home, so I don't have to see my wife."

Edith pursed her lips and leant against the door, seemingly satisfied in her questioning of his whereabouts while also secretly feeling quite sorry for her younger brother. Deciding to change the subject and bring up a new one that had been playing on her mind all morning she stepped closer to him and away from earshot. "I'm worried about Amelia."

Richard furrowed his brow "Why? What's wrong with her?"

"She and Charles are not getting along, and I know the bastard is saying cruel things to her, she's not herself." Edith glared. "You saw how meek she was at breakfast - I've not seen her like that before - for god's sake I'm usually asking her to pipe down every five minutes."

Richard stood in contemplation, his mind whirring until finally he shook his head "Well I'm sorry but I'm not sure what there is to do about it, you know how she defends him every time we try to talk to her..." Edith bit her lip at that and Richard gave her a gentle bump on the shoulder "Why don't you worry about father and mother in the meantime while he's getting ready to pass his bill. Amelia will be alright, you know she's often sensitive after fights."

Edith looked uncomfortable for a moment. She did not usually press matters regarding Charles, unless to insult him. Amelia had grown tired of it and so whenever she tried to enquire at the state of their relationship Amelia shut down and refused to say a word out of stubbornness.

"Would you talk to her when you have the chance? She never listens to me but you're better with her, softer - I'm too harsh for these sorts of conversations, she never opens up to me."

Richard thought silently. He loved his little sister dearly, but she was still painfully naive and didn't always know her worth - if he had it his way, she would have never married Charles and been set up with a good kind match, not the first man that got her pregnant.

"Of course, I'll speak to her," he said "But I doubt it'll change anything..."

This time Edith sighed "I know."

"I will speak with Mr Todd as well, I won't completely ignore what you said Edith - if he has done something wrong to Nellie then I will confront him about it."

Edith looked wearily between them "Just be careful around him, there's something that I don't trust in the man. Eleanore was in pieces when I last saw her, she's struggling to stay on her feet and worries for her baby's future. But she does not want to stay with a monster."

Richard raised his hand to stop her speech, hearing enough. "Do what you're still doing, check in on her and give her whatever she needs - we owe her a lot. She needs a lot of kindness."

Edith nodded but then raised her brow at him. "And what has Mr Todd ever done to deserve your kindness?"

Richard smirked as he shrugged "He gives free shaves."

Edith's eyes nearly rolled to the back of her head as Richard closed the door to the carriage and made off down the road to the makeshift prison where one Richard Arnold Turpin was currently residing under the predatory eyes of Sweeney Todd.

A/N: I know its been so long since I updated but I am alive. Unfortunately, writers block and many different ideas have taken over and I've been struggling to get back into writing this story for a while until recently. But I'm back and I'm still determined to carry on! So whoever is still reading thank you so much for being so patient x