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The Artist in London

She was standing on Tooley Street, having just exited London Bridge Station, a gentle breeze coming off of the River Thames. Severus was fidgeting and fighting a smile that threatened to break through his calm demeanor at any moment.

He refused to tell her were they were going, having practically dragged her out of Spinner's End almost before she had finished her coffee, declaring that it was her day off and she was going to leave the house.

She had followed him all the way into town's train station. He left her by the newspaper rack while he headed to the ticket counter. She watched bemusedly as he waved tickets triumphantly.

Now they walked silently, Elaine thinking about how strange London seemed after three weeks away. She didn't notice their trajectory until they stood before the pumpkin orange building that housed the Fashion & Textile Museum. She stared, looking between the modern building and her companion.

"Surprise?" He offered with a half-smile.

She laughed and led the way into the building.

Several house later they sat in a sherry and tapas bar, tucked into a quiet corner table underneath warm lights and rich wood paneling. The wind was whipping down Bermondsey Street, but the two figures hunched over a wine menu were oblivious.

Severus had braided his hair and sat with the tail between his thin lips, a startlingly youthful picture. Elaine had shed her coat and wool tam, her honey colored hair beginning to come loose from its pins.

"I didn't know you were interested in fashion, Mr. Prince." Elaine ran her finger down the menu pausing at croquetas, and the blue cheese, pear and walnut plate.

He shook his head slightly. "Usually I would say that fashion holds no interest for me, as you can clearly see." He motioned to his plain sweater.

"Where else shall we go today? Do you have anywhere to visit?"

A shadow passed over his face and his right hand twitched slightly, as though reaching for some familiar object. "No, there is no one I wish to see and nowhere I would like to go." He turned his head and stared hard out of the window, his dark brows pulled tightly together.

Elaine watched his transformation from charming companion to pensive escort with amazement. There were wounds that went deeper than she could begin to guess. Still, the fact that, in spite of old memories, Severus had brought her to London because he knew she would enjoy herself meant something.

She chewed the first bites of her tapas thoughtfully as Severus poured glasses of dark garnet-red wine.

"Do you think we might go look for furniture in the shops? I had some thoughts on the front parlor."

Her request was tentative but Severus's answering look was warm. "Are you certain? It is your day off, after all."

Elaine laughed. "If you are allowed to kidnap me, I think I ought to return the favor."

"I will allow it, just this once."

Pumpkin, #50

Fashion & Textile Museum at 83 Bermondsey Street.

José at 104 Bermondsey St, London.