Rose tapped her foot on the ground, waiting at the fountain. Earlier that day she'd gotten a note from a delivery boy, asking that she come here to meet with someone who wanted work. But none had shown up and she was tired. 'I've too much to do to be waiting around' she thought and turned to leave when a man crossed the square, a notice in his hand. He stopped in front of her, looked down at it and then back up at her. "You Mrs. Molyneux?"
"I am, “ Rose looks over the man and nods. “and you must be the you man that sent me the missive." she replied as she reached out her hand.
He took her hand firmly in his, before dropping it down to his side. "Giles Callen, ma'am. An' I heard you were looking for help t' fix up a millhouse." He studied her, his mouth curving up in a smirk. "Beggin' pardon ma'am, but I weren't 'xpecting someone like you t' be runnin' no mill."
"Well,” Rose replied, crossing her arms, “and since it were my husband's business I believe I know a thing or two about how a mill's run."
"A'right, fair 'nough I reckon. Care t' go inside an' talk? Probably more t' your likin' than talkin' business out in th' open square."
Rose motioned towards the tavern and made her way to the stairs. "Indeed, though my business is hardly going to interest anyone passing by."
As they entered the Pony, Rose brushed off her dress and headed to the counter, where Barliman looked up from his paperwork.
"Mrs. Rose, how are ye today?" Barliman said with a smile, before looking behind her at the man. "Can I 'elp you wit' something?"
"No, it's alright Barliman, this gentleman's with me. I'd like a pitcher of ale and two mugs sent to my table, and whatever's on special for supper. I've some business to discuss with him."
Barliman looked the man over, before nodding. "Be right up, Mrs. Rose," he replies, then looked pointedly at the man before turning to grab a pitcher.
"So," Rose said as she headed to a nearby table, "Tell me what you know about milling?"
Giles followed Rose to the table and sat, taking out a dagger to pick at his nails. "Well," he started, but turned as a serving girl brought a large platter and set it down. He watched the girl plunk down a pitcher of ale and two mugs. "Yer food'll be out soon," she said. Giles reaches into his pocket and pulls out a silver, slipping it into the girl's hand before she has a chance to protest. "''ere, t' get yourself somethin' nice." The serving girl's eyes widened and she quickly nodded and raced back to the kitchens. "Now," Giles said, turning his attention back to Rose. 'Honest truth is I don't know shyte 'bout millin'. But I do know how t' hammer a nail an' paint a wall. An' from what I hear tell, that's what ye're needin'." He poured himself a mug of ale and sat back. "Or am I wrong?"
Rose reached over for the pitcher and poured her own ale, before replying. "No, you've the right of things. Needing some fixing up, been needing it since my husband passed. Got one man already, but there's a fair piece of work to do. I can't pay a lot now, but once the mill's running again I can make up for it."
Giles tapped his fingers against his mug and chewed on the inside of his mouth for a moment. "Well, an' what's not a lot t' you, if you don' mind me askin' Mrs. Molyneux?"
"Rose, please," she replied and shook her head before leaning in to give him a number. "But like I said, there'll be more once the mill's working again."
"Well, it's not quite what I were 'xpecting ..." he started to reply, running his tongue along his teeth. A thump on the table had him turning his head, and he thanked the serving girl before looking into the bowl of stew she'd set in front of him. "Boar stew ... mostly," she said with a grin, pushing Rose's bowl across the table.
"I won't ask what the rest o' it is," he replied with a playful grin, and winked at the girl as she turned to head back to the kitchens. "So, you're willin' t' swear t' payin' this up once th' mill's makin' coin 'gain?"
"I assure you, young man, I've never broken a promise in my life. If I say I'll do a thing, then I mean so. And that I'll swear on my husband's grave." She set her mug down and reached for a spoon, stirring her meal.
Giles nodded and swallowed, then waved his hand in the air. "'gain, fair 'nough. Tell you, I'll come by an' take a look 'round th' place. If it seems worth m' while, then I'll agree t' come work fer you."
"I'll be up and tending my chickens early, so you can come by anytime after the sun's showing." she said, apparently satisfied with his responses.
The two remain quiet as they eat, Rose using the time to study the man across from her. Finally, putting her spoon down, she pushed the bowl away. "Tell me about yourself," she said. "You're from 'round these parts, I believe you said?"
"Yes ma'am, I am," he replied, reaching for the pitcher. "Born an' raised nearby to Staddle. Done the usual stuff a man can do 'round here. Worked down at th' lumber camp, offered out as a farmhand. Done some fishin' and trappin'." He leaned back and smiled at her. "Whatever I've got t' do t' make a bit o' coin, basically."
"That's good then. Prefer to have someone as knows how to do an honest day's work. You sound like you'll fit in fine at the millhouse." Rose stood up and reached for her coin purse to pull out the payment for supper.
"Mrs. Rose, no need. I'll take care of this," he said, lifting his hand up.
Rose pursed her lips to argue, but his expression changed her mind. "Alright. I must be going. Got some supplies to pick up before I head back home. Remember," she says, looking down at Giles, "I expect you by early tomorrow."
"Of course, Mrs Rose. I'll be there afore th' crows can e'en start singin'." He raised his mug to her and took a drink.
"See that you are. Until then, a good eve to you." She brushed her dress off and headed to the door.
