Chapter Five
"What do you mean?"
Nell sank into a chair in the office of the bakery. She thought she might be sick.
"I'm sorry Nell. I told them they're all pig-headed fools, if that helps." Mr. Elliott rested a comforting hand on her shoulder, "They just won't allow the transfer to a single woman."
Nell swallowed dryly, "So, you'll have to sell?"
The old man sighed, "Looks like it if something else doesn't come through."
"And there's no way I could buy," she whispered.
"If you're married by the end of the month, the transfer can go through, legally." Mr. Elliott told her.
She laughed a sad laugh, "Be serious."
"Well, it's worth a shot."
"I don't want to marry." she insisted.
Mr. Elliott looked at her knowingly, "You've had your heart broken, lass. The pain won't last forever. Sooner or later you'll have to learn to trust again."
She knew he was right. Deep down she did have a yearning for love. True love. A real love that could hold her, protect her...heal her past wounds. She'd done a great deal of that on her own, but still it would be nice to just...be held.
"Thank you for everything you tried to do for me, Mr. Elliott."
"I'm still intending to transfer, little lady. We'll find a way."
Nell was a realist. She knew that the bakery would never be hers.
Later that evening Sid looked at the clock. Only an hour until his shift was over. He promised to help out at the Red Lion this evening, but his shift was dull and going by slow. Not to mention the very worst part, no drinking on the job.
"Father! Am I happy to see you!" Sid exclaimed as Father Brown walked through the doors.
"Well, it's no coincidence I'm here. I came to see you."
"What about?"
"I've just been to see Nell." Father Brown pulled up a seat at the bar and leaned in close to talked to Sid.
"Oh yeah? How's she doing?" Sid asked curiously.
"Not good," Father Brown replied.
Sid almost dropped the glass he was cleaning. "Why? What's the matter?"
"She told you about the Elliott's moving to Cornwall, and leaving her their cottage?"
"Yeah." Sid answered.
"Mr. Elliott has just been told that the town won't allow the bakery to be owned by a single woman. Especially not an unwed mother." Father Brown said.
"What? That's ridiculous! What about the cottage?"
Father Brown shook his head sadly.
Sid cursed out loud, earning him a look of disapproval from the Father.
"Sorry." he muttered, "Poor girl really had her heart set on that."
"Yes, well...I thought you could bring her some dinner when your shift is over. Maybe cheer her up?" Father Brown suggested.
"She don't want to see me, Father. Guaranteed."
"She needs a friend right now, Sid." Father Brown assured him.
Sid wanted to argue more, but he knew there was no use. So when his shift was over he boxed up some dinner and made his way to the caravan. He found Nell sitting by the fire in the fading sunlight. The baby was sleeping in a basket nearby. She was staring into the fire so intently that she didn't hear Sid's approach.
"Anyone home?" Sid called as he got closer.
Nell jumped. "Sid! You scared me. I didn't hear you coming."
"I noticed." He held out the bag of food, "I brought you some dinner."
Nell looked at the bag curiously, "Why?" she asked.
"Nell." Sid shook his head, "Can you just say thank you and take the food please?"
She fought hard not to be offended. Finally realizing that he was right she took the bag from his hands.
"Coincidentally I brought enough for two," he grinned at her, "So I hope you want company."
Nell smiled at Sid, "Sure."
Sid's heart melted a little. He was already attracted to her, but he could feel something more was happening. Something he wasn't sure he wanted to happen, but he knew he couldn't control.
As they ate he gently probed her with questions about herself. He tried not to be too obvious, but being Sidney Carter he failed miserably.
"By now I'm sure Father Brown has told you all about me."
Sid blanched.
"I thought so. You wouldn't be spending time here with me unless you felt sorry for me." She stood up, "Save your pity, Sid."
She turned away to pick up the baby, but Sid caught her hand in a instant and turned her around.
"You save your pity, Nell. Yeah, Father Brown told me about you, but I'm here 'cause I wanna be." he told her sternly.
Sidney loosened his grip on her arm, only just remembering her past trauma. "I'm sorry."
"Why? I'm a single mother. Unwed. Damaged goods." she shrugged.
"Haven't you heard about me?" he asked with a sly grin.
"I've heard a lot about you, actually." she said sarcastically.
"Ha ha very funny. Well, actually I meant that I'm known for fixing what's broken."
He slid his fingers down to Nell's hands and grasped it in his. She looked at Sid's hand, and the full meaning of his words sank in.
"Sid-"
"Hey, we can take things as slow as you want. All I know is that I've been goin' crazy thinking about you. Since he first time we met and you threw me out of my own house." he winked at her.
"I'm a mother, Sid. Bub comes first in my life..."
"I just want a chance to spend some time with you. Both of you." he said.
He stepped closer and wrapped her up in his arms and kissed the top of her head. She wanted to resist. Everything in her past was telling her not to trust, to run away, to fight. However, there was just something about Sid. It felt so pure, and Nell found herself melting into his embrace.
Thanks to those who read this story faithfully! Or if you're new here, welcome and I hope you enjoy!