I could not help but laugh as we fled through the streets of London. The reason for which we fled, I still did not understand. All I knew was that by the end of all the fuss, my feet were as sore as I could ever remember them being. Through this, I laughed. It was all I could do to stop from crying.
"Mr Todd," I giggled as he dragged me alongside him. "Mr Todd, where are we going?"
"Far away," he said simply, as if I were to know where such was.
"Where is far away?"
There was barely a pause before Mrs Lovett said gleefully 'France'.
I smiled as well, although it could not be said I knew where that was exactly.
Mr Todd stopped abruptly as we found the docks. I could not recall ever seeing them, and was therefore shocked out of my wits to see a boat. Not only that, but a ship. I remembered the fairy story I had only just finished reading. It spoke of a ship. I smiled dreamily, thinking about that thrill of reading.
There was silence for a short while before Mr Todd finally kept us moving towards the ship. I saw him speak to the man standing by the docking port of the ship.
"Only a little while left, Toby," I heard Mrs Lovett mutter to the little boy that had come with us. I looked at him briefly, not fully understanding.
"You're Toby?" I asked.
He nodded politely.
"Why are you here?" He looked rather offended, although I'm sure the question had come out as kindly as I could put it.
"I wanted 'im 'ere, love," Mrs Lovett said. I wrinkled my nose.
"I asked Toby."
"I'm here for Mrs Lovett," Toby said quickly. I smiled. Before another word could be said, Mr Todd took my hand again and led us towards the ship.
"We're able to sail here," he said simply, directing his speech at Mrs Lovett.
"I would 'ave thought this'd be the prisoner's ship."
"It is."
I could not comprehend it, and yet there was silence that I understood very well. Something told me that we were not to be on this ship. Or, at least, there was a danger about it. I pulled on Mr Todd's arm.
"Are we allowed, Mr Todd?"
"Of course," he said assuringly. At least, it assured me, rather than the tone being such. Yet I still had to be almost dragged along to step foot on the wood. For a few moments as we walked I shook my head exasperatedly, not wishing to move an inch. Yet, with enough coercing, I was finally swayed into stepping foot onto the planks of wood.
"Don't be difficult," Mr Todd whispered into my ear. His words were harsh, but I was glad at least that his tone was soothing.
"I won't."
"Johanna, I wish for you to listen to me," he said the moment we were all on the ship. Mr Todd placed his hands on my shoulders, pulling me to face him. "I don't want you to leave my sight on this ship."
"I won't," I repeated, looking about me. Mr Todd seemed to grow impatient as I did so.
"You do understand me, don't you, Johanna?"
"Of course, Mr Todd."
"Then what did I say?"
"Not to leave your sight."
"And do you understand that you must not?"
"I know, Mr Todd," I said airily, starting to fidget. "Please, Mr Todd, leave me be now."
He did not move for a moment, but sighed finally and let me free from his grasp. Mr Todd did not leave me for very long, and very soon had at least one hand on my shoulder. I began to notice less and less as I felt the floors move beneath my feet. I clutched onto Mr Todd's coat jacket.
"What's happening?" I asked fearfully. He seemed as if in realisation of some sort and pulled me towards him.
"Do not fret, Johanna."
"I did not fret! I simply don't know what's happening."
"Ignore it," he said quietly, whispering into my ear and rubbing my arms for warmth. I wriggled about, trying to move away from him.
"Why are we moving?"
"We're leaving London," he said simply.
"Why?"
"It's…not for us." This last part of the sentence was added rather indolently, but I took no notice in it. I was far too frightened that we still seemed to be moving.