Gregory was certain that after this stop at the bookstore that Josie would be done with her shopping for the day. He was both happy and disappointed at that fact, as spending time with her was proving to be pleasant but being out in the crowds was less than palatable.
When Josie stopped and bought a simple bouquet of flowers he simply assumed that it was for her own enjoyment. He should not have assumed anything since the next place she stopped was the cemetery. Violet did not need to ask why they were here, there was only one reason she would come here; and he immediately adopted a somber attitude as they walked into the cemetery.
He was surprised that this particular cemetery was so close to the main section of town, but since her parents were somewhat wealthy they had access to a better cemetery than most. Gregory realized that if her father had not been disowned by his family that he would have had a nice spot in a marble tomb somewhere on the family estate. But as it stood this was a fine place to spend eternity, with lots of trees surrounding the place; and even the noise from the street seemed very dim and distant as if the somber nature of the place absorbed all sound. It was the kind of place Gregory would live if living in a cemetery was not seen as something a crazy person would do. In fact he still might do it and codes of conduct be damned, it was so peaceful it spoke to him on a deeper level than a city or countryside ever could.
The graves of Josie's parents was farther back than he had anticipated, but where they were lain to rest was a cheerful spot where the sun could still reach even through the thick leaves of the mature trees. The headstones themselves were very simple but well cared for. Amongst the stone he could see remnants of previous bouquets left like small offerings to her parents.
Josie knelt down and placed the flowers between both headstones. It seemed that her parents ghosts would have to share the offering as she probably did not have the money to buy more for some time. She stood up quickly and took his hand and they headed back out of the cemetery. In any other situation he knew a man might say something to cheer her up, but she did not need cheering up. He could sense her mood and it was not depressed, perhaps thoughtful but she did not seem like she was in the mood to reminisce in any way beyond visiting her parent's graves.
She gave him a small smile as they left the cemetery, and immediately the sound of the city came back at them full force. It was disorienting after the peace and quiet of the cemetery. She looked at him and her smile broadened. "I say that perhaps we should head back to the school, we can perhaps get some food and sit in the garden. I can read and you would have plenty of time to draw." She watched him waiting for his to either agree or disagree.
Gregory smiled and nodded, "I think that sounds like a wonderful plan," and with that they both headed back to the school and a late afternoon tea.