Hello Friends! Long time no post. I hope you enjoy the update and I hope you are all doing well. - Sevy14
Jude had taken me home and while he sat up top with the driver, I was left in the back. Alone with my thoughts I fretted and my fingers fidgeted. A murder had happened, Jedediah was all sorts of grumpy or moody or perhaps this is him focused, I did not know. I had not thought it possible that he speak to me with even more of a clipped tone yet, he had, and yet, it was clear that it was possible. In the back of my mind I noted that I had not yet had the displeasure of giving him cause to truly get angry and lose his temper with me, though I was certain at times I pushed him to the brink of that. Before I knew it we had made it back to the house and Jude with his surprising manners and even more surprising delicate vocal tone was guiding me out of the carriage.
"Jude," I said, turning to look at him before opening the door to the house, "Are you... Would you like to come in and baby sit from the living room or-or something?" I ask, immediately disliking my slight stutter.
He shakes his head. "No Mrs. Shine, that will not be necessary." He replies and shrugs his shoulders as if that movement indicated how he could ever keep warm.
I nod and furrow my brow. "Are you sure? It is quite chilly tonight. I would hate to have to find another babysitter because you were frozen solid in your duty." For his part he gives me a look and I smile, amused with myself. Sighing I pushed the door open, "Alright well... I know you have a key so feel free to come on in if you are getting chilly." I say.
"Thank you Mrs. Shine." He replies.
I step through the door and shut it, feeling somewhat guilty at the man out on the cold on the step. The fire in the living room was embers now and I moved about stoking them and adding some large pieces of wood to the fire, at least for now, I had not wanted to get my nice clothes dirty with the dust from coal soot. I looked about, the quietness of the place suddenly striking me as to how alone I felt and how much my life had changed in just a short amount of time. I kicked off my shoes and removed the socks covering my feet, smiling from the warmth provided by the fire. I allowed a minute or two to pass before I exhaled hard and stretched. With a second sigh I moved about the couch and lit a lamp, opting to go change into more comfortable attire. I was thankful as I moved up the stair that Shine had endless rugs and kept some of the chill from my feet. My room was cold, colder than I recalled it was the previous night and I quickly disrobed and found what I was sure Shine would think were ratty pants that had at one point belonged to my Father that I had taken on the last terrible snow. I donned them and chuckled at the irony that I had packed these despite my irritation and hatred at my Father. My dressing gown and bathrobe would no doubt add to the warmth I was seeking. I took a pillow from my bed, a journal that I had previously bought and made my way back down stairs, intending to settle for the night before the fire. I was thankful as I made my way to the first floor that the living room was at least heating up. In a chest in the corner I found a throw blanket, one of nice fur and fabric, of course I thought rolling my eyes and pulled it out. "Guess this will do." I muttered hoping that Shine would not be upset that I was using the blanket. Like so much of the items in his home it was hard for me to tell what was for show and what was for use.
I had found some bread and an apple and put the diced food on a plate, noting that we needed cheese while in the same breath acknowledging I could perhaps figure out how I could be a better wife in the area of the kitchen and food preparation. It was clear that Shine could cook some due to his solitary nature, but really, if people were to call, it would be up to me to prepare a meal and at the very least, be able to have some food prepared to not embarrass him. I shook my head as the teakettle screamed, that was all thoughts for another day. I made two cups of tea. After setting mine down I tightly tied my robe about me and moved from the living room to the front door and sighed before pulling it open. Jude, perhaps startled to see me there had a look on his face as he leaned against the side of the house. "Uh..." I faltered and kicked myself internally for it. "I um... I made tea. Here." I say and thrust it out towards him.
He looked at the cup in my hand and back to me before taking it. I offered him a small smile. "Thank you Mrs. Shine." He said.
I nodded. "You are most welcome. I-I will be in the living room so please knock or-or come in if you would like to escape the chill or if you want another cup." I spat out the words and watched as he took my face in, like Shine, no doubt reading every single thought and emotion.
Again he repeated, "Thank you Mrs. Shine." But did not say anything save startling me by downing the hot tea in what looked like one gulp. I was sure my face registered surprised. He handed it back, "I am okay Mrs. Shine. Wouldn't want the boss-Mr. Shine thinking I am slouching while babysitting you." He says, the smirk that crawls across his face was in good humor and I had the sense to give him a smile in return.
With a nod, "Very well Jude. The offer stands." I say and he nods and then turns his attention away from me and looked back up the drive. It was my cue to go back inside, I knew this and I shut the door softly with a shake of my head.
I spent the evening on the couch writing in my journal about the last few days and about the man who know kept me. Detective Inspector Jedediah Shine.
Thank you for reading this short chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Please check back again later for more. - Sevy14
