Chapter 2
Sweeney remained silent for a while. Mrs. Lovett's breath was warm on his neck. "By the sea." That was what she'd said on their picnic. Now he came to think of it, it wasn't such a bad idea. He needed to get away, clear his mind. Suddenly he jumped up.
"Mrs. Lovett, pack your things. We're leaving."
"Excuse me Mr. T?" she asked getting up herself. "Where are we going?"
"By the sea. Isn't that what you wanted?"
"Well…"
"Then pack up."
"Mr T…"
He seized Mrs. Lovett's waist and turned her around.
"My pet, trust me" he said.
Mrs. Lovett loved Mr. Todd and that's why when she looked in his eyes she found it impossible to say no.
"All right. I'll go pack" she said and left.
Sweeney packed his razors, the photo of his family and a change of clothes.
Mrs. Lovett went in her room to pack. "By the sea" he'd said. Then a plan was formed in her mind. She packed a few dresses, her make-up, light and warm clothes, shoes, her money and valuables, some kitchenware and flour. She met Mr. Todd after a while.
"What's all that?" he asked.
"Just a few things."
Sweeney thought women spend all of their time either in the kitchen or in front of a mirror when there are far better things to do. He could think some very interesting things they could do… Much more interesting indeed. He didn't even think such things with his Lucy but this woman was different. Lucy was pure, Nellie was, well she made him think impure things. The image of her naked back not very long ago kept popping up in his mind. He tried to push that image away.
As they were walking down the street they noticed a carriage coming their way.
"That's our transportation, love" she said and stopped the carriage.
A man was already inside.
"The carriage is taken" said the coachman.
"Well, maybe we're going the same way" she answered and looked at the man inside.
"I'm going to a small town by the sea. You probably have never heard of it. It's called Crystal Shore from the crystal clear water."
"What a coincidence. We actually wanted to have some vacations. Crystal Shore seems quite nice. I suppose you'd like some company too. Traveling alone isn't very pleasant."
The man looked at her.
"I suppose so. Come along then."
Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney got on the carriage and left London.
Mrs. Lovett sat next to Mr. Todd and the other man was sitting across them. He seemed friendly and it was easy to tell from his rather expensive clothes that he had a lot of money.
"Are you from Crystal Shore Mr. … what's your name?" asked Nellie.
"Jones. Edward Jones. No I'm not. In fact I've never even been there before. I just retired and bought a house there to relax."
Mrs. Lovett and Mr. Todd looked at each other. They had the same idea.
"And where exactly is that house, Mr. Jones?" asked Sweeney.
"Next to the sea. I have the address right here with the deeds."
"Then we wish you a happy retirement" said Mrs. Lovett. She turned to Sweeney and added "What a lovely view." She wanted to change the subject so as not to rise suspicions.
Somewhere around noon she took three pies out of her bag and the three of them had them for lunch. Mr. Jones complemented her on her cooking.
Soon it was dark. The coachman stopped at an inn to have some dinner and then they were back on their way. Mrs. Lovett fell asleep next to Sweeney and slipped in his arms. He tried to push her the other way but at the time she was holding his waist tight.
"Your wife must love you a lot" said Mr. Jones.
"Excuse me?"
"I can see it in her eyes."
Sweeney thought of Nellie's eyes. It was true he had seen feelings in them, but love? It seemed a bit too much. He looked at her. She was fast asleep. He was tired too. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Nellie was seeing her regular dream. She and Mr. T. walking where the waves crashed on the sand with their feet under the water every time a wave crashed. She was holding his arm and resting her head on his shoulder. He was next to her, happy and in love singing an old tune. She closed her eyes feeling safe.
When she opened them however the dream was different. Mr. T was gone. She tried to call his name but her voice didn't come out. Then suddenly the shore disappeared. She was in London under a very bright sun. She walked to her shop that was not her shop. She saw a young couple in front of the building. It couldn't be. No. It was just not possible.
It was Benjamin Barker and his wife Lucy. They seemed happy and in love. Mrs. Lovett approached them and tried to talk to him. But he couldn't see or hear her. Lucy turned to her.
"He is mine Mrs. Lovett. He loves me, not you."
"Nooo!" Mrs. Lovett screamed.
Lucy transformed into the beggar woman she had been the last years of her life but he didn't seem to notice.
"He'll always love me. He'll never love you."
"He will. I can be twice the wife you were."
Mrs. Lovett pushed Lucy away and held Sweeney who now looked like she knew him.
"I'll make you happy, love. I swear I will."
He still couldn't see or hear her but she kissed his lips softly anyway.
The carriage tripled on a rock and Mrs. Lovett woke up.
"Where am I?" she asked in confusion and then remembered everything.
The two men were looking at her and she realized she had to come up with an excuse.
"Just a vivid dream. Nothing to worry about" she said and tried to smile.
"We are nearly there" said Mr. Jones. "Why don't you two stay in my house until you find something to rent?"
"What a lovely idea!" said Nellie and looked at Sweeney who grinned slightly.
"Perhaps you could make some meatpies too. The least we could do is have Mr. Jones here for dinner, my pet."
After a while the carriage stopped.
"Here we are" said the coachman.
They got off the carriage, took their belongings, paid him and he left. Then they all headed for Mr. Jones's house.