Rain drenched the girl's hair and clothes, making her shiver uncontrollably. She was not sure where she was or where she was headed, but she knew she had to keep going.
"You there, girl, what are you doing out 'ere after curfew?" Joy twirled around quickly to see a stout man who could be none other than the Beadle. She gasped and shook her head, frightened half to death.
"Go on, beggar child, get inside." The beadle shooed her off, "I'll let you get away with it this time." He sneered, "but you had better not let it happen again."
Joy nodded her head, extremely frightened, and began to run, she kept running until she fainted, landing in a large mud puddle outside of a few shops.
___________
Joy woke up, chills running up and down her spine. She found herself inside a somewhat clean shop lying on a cot. She blinked, twice, her shining brown eyes sparkling.
Where am I? She thought, curious, and a little bit afraid.
"'Ello, love, you up now?" a pale-skinned, reddish-brown haired female smiled warmly at her.
She nodded, and then sneezed.
"Gracious, darling, you were out there freezing in the rain, all alone, I don't know what would've 'appened 'ad I let you stay out there a moment longer!"
Joy smiled gratefully.
"How about some gin to warm ye' bones, eh?" she stood up and turned around, then, as if realizing something, she jumped and twirled around. "Oh dear, I completely forgot me manners! I'm Eleanor Lovett, and the man over there is Mr. Sweeney Todd, now, let me go get you some gin, yes?"
Mrs. Lovett walked out briskly, satisfied with her introduction. Joy looked around the sparse, gloomy room to see a small washroom, a barber's chair, a small table, a large window and another cot. She stared into the shadows, trying to find the man Mrs. Lovett had mentioned. She was hindered in her search because loud, racking coughs invaded her chest. Mrs. Lovett appeared by her side and felt her forehead.
"Don't worry dearie, you'll be feeling better right quick. Now, have some gin." Mrs. Lovett poured a bit of the clear liquid down Joy's throat.
"Now, since you are going to be staying her for a while, I'll need to know your name." Mrs. Lovett said kindly.
Joy nodded, but how could she tell Eleanor that she needed paper and a quill to tell her anything? She sat up to find she was wearing a nightgown, presumably Eleanor's, and looked carefully around the room for an inkpot, a quill and paper. Upon finding her desire, she pointed to those things on the table. Mrs. Lovett looked curiously at her and walked over to the table, took the items and handed them to Joy. Joy scratched carefully on the paper:
Thank you kindly for taking me in. My name is Joy Lucia Grey. I cannot speak; I am a mute, but I can speak quite well on paper, and I can mouth things. I –
At that point, ink blotches fell on the paper because of her racking cough.
Sorry, I hope that my being here will not hinder you. I will be glad to help with whatever I can. Thank You very much.
Joy handed the paper back to Mrs. Lovett and waited for her response.
"Oh, my dear, I am so sorry! And no, you will not hinder me, or Mr. T. Now, go back to sleep, you need your rest."
Joy smiled and closed her eyes, grateful for their kindness.
"I'm going to check on the pies in the oven." Mrs. Lovett said, after realizing that Joy was asleep. "Mr. T, will you stay with Joy for a bit?"
"Fine." Sweeney Todd said darkly.
"That's the spirit." Eleanor rolled her eyes and went down the stairs.
Sweeney got up and looked out the door to make sure Eleanor was gone. He walked over to Joy and looked at her carefully.
She looks so much like Lucy. He thought. Her brown eyes, her pale skin, her hair… demit, Todd, what are you thinking?