Mrs. Lovett turned and buried her face in Sweeney's shoulder. Absentmindedly he patted her cheek, and a smile brightened her pale features. She yawned and closed her eyes. In a few minutes, she was fast asleep. Sweeney stared over her head out the compartment's window. It was pouring down rain. As he watched, a bolt of lightning struck a distant point, filling the sky with crackling light before fizzling into a large clap of thunder. Toby, wide-eyed, gave a start at the noise. He cowered into the seat, staring anxiously all around the cabin. Sweeney groaned and said, "Calm down, boy, it's just a bit of thunder."
Toby gulped and gave a quick nod then squeezed his eyes shut. Sweeney shuddered. Why that woman loved that cowardly little wretch was beyond him. Ah well; he would have to put up with it from now on.
He could not believe how quickly and utterly his life had changed. Only two weeks after that night on the beach, here he was going back home to London, completely and madly in love, with his landlady. Happily, she loved him back; he would have no trouble persuading her to marry him. First, of course, he would have to find the perfect ring. Not too gaudy, but not plain. Only the most beautiful of bands would grace his lady's delicate finger.
Never before had he thought of what he would do if he found himself irrevocably in love like this once more- only this time, knowing precisely how precious time was. That was why he felt an uncomfortable nagging constantly at the back of his mind telling him to hurry up and get on one knee already. But still...it would be hard to justify himself proposing after only a few weeks after declaring himself in love. He had tried to slow down the relationship, to keep his head cool, but he loved her so...
The object of his affections stirred slightly by his side. He froze; she quieted; he patted her hair once more before continuing to think on the matter.
He thought hard; he didn't even stop thinking when Mrs. Lovett woke up, nor when the conducter called, "Next stop, London!" nor even while they stretched and shuffled off the train.
It was when they stood in front of the shop while Mrs. Lovett unlocked the door that Sweeney decided he would propose the day after another joyous occasion. As they made their way inside, he glanced at the calendar.
Written on the square marked "June 14th", he counted one, two, three weeks ahead. Written on July 7th's square in Mrs. Lovett's spiky handwriting was "Johanna & Anthony- wedding".
He would propose on July 8th.