Early in the afternoon, Rose and Merry make their way to the market. The day, clear and cool, provides an ideal walk. The conversation between the two women, however, is stilted and forced as Merry juggles Althessia in her arms, the child seemingly unfazed by the tumble she'd taken from the bed just the day before.
Merry pauses at one of the stalls along the road, Althessia squirming in her arms. She sets the baby down, and keeps a close eye on her as she toddles towards the boxes of colorful fruits and vegetables. "You know, Mrs. Rose, you didn't have to come with me. I could have gotten these for you."
"Hmph. And likely as not have headed up to the tavern ... or off to that fellow's house." Rose purses he lips as she moves forward to pull an apple from Althessia's grasp, setting it up on the counter to pay for. "Just as well I came along."
Merry mutters under her breath, "Like I need a nanny,” as she looks over the various produce, before getting the attention of the stall's merchant. They spend a few minutes haggling over price and quantity, before finally coming to an agreement, much to Rossiath's surprise. Merry pays for the foods and accepts the bag from the vendor, shifting it to one hip and she bends down and scoops up the baby with her free arm.
"Shall we head back to the house then?" she turns to ask Rose.
"We've done everything we need to do in town, and I've still to prepare supper. I promised Cuthberd I'd bring along a couple of my meat pies, as he's not one for going to town to eat with his leg and all." She starts off in the direction of the mill, Merry racing along to catch up.
“He complains a lot,” Merry comments and comes to a sudden halt as Rose turns to waggle a finger in her face.
“You have some respect for the man, young lady! Sure and he grouses, but after all he's been through he's a right to speak his peace if something's bothering him.” Rose turns and strides up the road, forcing Merry to keep pace, despite her full arms. “Asides, I can't imagine it's been easy on him since he lost his leg. Though from what I've heard tell, he's lucky that's all he lost that night.”
Merry spends the rest of the trip home muttering beneath her breath, stung once more by Rose's sharp tone. Ever since Althessia's accident, it seemed that Rose found fault with everything she did and said, and she was growing weary of it. However, she had held her tongue, not wanting to get into a fight and have the older woman send her away.
Once they arrive home, Rose grabs the bag from Merry with a nod and heads towards the kitchen, while Merry heads to the nursery to settle Althessia down with her stuffed toys. Merry sits on the floor with the baby, using her toys as puppets to weave a fantastical tale about a girl lost in the woods, much to the child's giggling delight.
“You're lucky,” Merry says to the baby after she finishes the story, reaching over to brush Althessia's hair from her eyes. “No one yells at you or tells you you're dumb or treats you like you don't know anything.” She smiles down at the baby and lifts her up into her lap to cuddle her, before standing up. “Come on, I should get you ready to sleep.”
Once Althessia was settled in her crib, Merry heads to the kitchen to see if she can help with the meal. Rose, pausing from stirring the filling to the meat pies, turns and points towards a mound of dough on the table. Merry nods and heads to sit down on a stool, grabbing a rolling pin and the two women work in silence.
“Mrs. Rose ...” Merry started, but was interrupted by the older woman's raised hand.
“Listen child, I know I've been hard on you the past couple of days. But by every right, you've earned it. Running off into the wilds with no real plan, almost getting yourself killed. Althessia's accident – well that was just an accident, truth be told, and I imagine even I wouldn't have been able to foresee it.” Rose puts down the stirring spoon and turns to study Merry, the girl's eyes serious and intent on what she was saying. “But running off like you did … well you know better – should know better.” Rose nods emphatically at the last words and reaches over for one of the pie shells Merry has made.
“But Mrs. Rose,” Merry frowns, looking dejected and more than a bit guilty. “I only wanted to help. Immalaine, she's my ...”
“I know she's your friend child,” Rose replies before Merry can finish. “And I'm worried for her as well. But the others, they've gone to get her back. That man, Ceolfred, he seems the capable sort and Zandrianna's a good head on her shoulders. What you can do to help is stay here and help me take care of the mill, and the baby.”
“Now you sound just like Rath,” Merry mutters petulantly.
“Ha!” Rose snorts, as she arranges the meat pies on a tray. “I'd have not given him credit for that much sense. But it's good to know, as he's to be working here making repairs to the mill-house.” Rose's eyes take on a contemplative look and she nods briefly. “Alright, let me set these pies in the oven to bake and we'll go over the chore list for tomorrow. And,” she adds silently, “I've another missive to write … Someone needs to make sure this girl stays out of trouble.”
Later that evening, after Rose had sent Merry to deliver two of the meat pies to Cuthberd, telling her she should head to the cottage to sleep after, Rose sat down with a mug of tea. Charcoal stick in hand, she set to writing.
Mr. Rath,
It seems to me that I require assistance with more than just repairs to the mill. The young lass, Merry – whom you are already acquainted, requires someone to watch over her and make sure she stays out of trouble and doesn't make any other foolish or rash decisions. I'll, of course, add it to what I pay you for the repairs, if you'll keep an eye out for her.
Rose Molyneux
