said Hannah, dusting her hands off. She walked to the middle of her room and turned around, examining her belongings. The first thing she always did when she got to a new place was organize her things. She wasn't the neatest person in the realm. In fact, her father always reprimanded her for being a slob and a pack rat. Oh well. She was in Corus now, on her own. She took a deep breath and skipped over to the open window. Outside, the people of Corus were beginning to pick up their goods and move everything inside for the evening. A mother with three young children was trying to get a loaf of bread for dinner, but the baker seemed to be adamant about his hours of sale. Shaking her head, Hannah turned and went out of her room, glancing at herself in the mirror on the way.
Downstairs she met George and his mother.
Sit down dear, and I'll get you a bit to eat said Mistress Cooper.
Oh, okay. Thank you Hannah replied. Hannah ate her stew quietly and listened to the conversation. It sounded quite interesting.
So now, the poor boy doesn't have any job, and his poor mother is beside herself. I can't help but have pity on her, she helped me for so many years. Her husband died five years back, and left her with seven children! Seven! Can you imagine? I'd offer her help, maybe an extra job or something, but she refuses to have anything to do with the Rogue.
cried George, She wont accept your help because of the Rogue. You aren't even in the Rogue really, and anyway, what did the Rogue ever do to her?
She's convinced the Rogue is what killed her husband. I don't know why. He was murdered, and they never found the killer. And you know how it is, when tragedy strikes. She just needed somebody to blame.
Well I think she's a bloody biased, no-good, rump-fed-
Mistress Cooper slapped him on the hand with her spatula. You may be a grown man, but I'm still your mother, and as long as you're in my house you won't be using that sort of foul language. She shook her head and turned back to her concoction on the stove, clucking her tongue.
Right then, said George after a minute, I guess I'll be off then. Thanks mother, it was wonderful as always. He kissed the older woman on the cheek. Take care of yourself Hannah, or your mother will have my hide. See you round Midwinter! He grabbed his bag and rushed out the door. Mistress Cooper saw the look on Hannah's face and said
It'll be just fine doll, you'll see. He always leaves like that, I think he has a hard time saying good-byes. I'm not a total stranger, and you'll have plenty t'keep you busy. She kept stirring the pot on the stove. It seemed as if she was waiting for Hannah to say something.
Would it be all right if I went for a walk? I'd really like to see the city, it's been so long since I've been here.
Sure, just be back before its too late. You have to find a job tomorrow she winked at Hannah. And take a little cover so as not to catch a cold.
All right. Hannah stood and walked towards the door. She hadn't really heard what Mistress Cooper had said, her mind was on the city already. Thanks for the stew! she called absently over her shoulder as she closed the door.