“I hear the county plans to shut down the rail before it comes to that.”
Jane trained her attention on the man, visibly dismayed. “No, never!”
The man shook his head. “Infuriating, really. Something about fortifying the borders.”
“Fortifying? Against what? Barbarians and old wives tales?” she quipped as I resumed my browsing. This time, their voices stuck as they were hurled back and forth over my shoulders.
“Baffles me just as much as you, dear.”
“Imbeciles, I tell you! All of them…”
“Amen.”
“… antiquated men of class. Spend some time in the streets, why don’t they? Then perhaps they’ll clue in on what all the unrest is about.”
“I wouldn’t count on that. They’re quite dense.”
“When is it scheduled for decommission?”
I silently picked out some produce into my basket.
“I don’t know, dear. That’s the frustrating part about this whole kerfuffle.”
“It figures…”
“Got word from a mate of mine. Said his buddy worked on the rail, right? He told him he and the boys were being reassigned into the city. Didn’t say when.”
I handed the merchant my basket. “Sir.”
He took it without a word to me, thumbing through my selection as he continued his story. “He did further enquire why all the boys were being swapped off the rail, but the top brass would always dodge the question. Took some investigation from all the boys to find out it has something to do with the military.”
“Right. The military.” Jane nodded away, her voice rather brittle. “Brilliant.”
“Knowing them, they’ll probably reserve the line for themselves. Transport their soldiers or whatnot.”
“Always playing war games. This military.”
The merchant looked up and rested an arm over the handle of my basket. He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “And just between me and you, miss, I think they’re about to get their war. Have you heard of what the neighbours are doing?”
“Neighbours?”
“The Leopolds.”
“The produce, sir,” I interjected.
“Hm?” He glanced down, lifting his arm off my basket. “Right. Two quid, ma’am.”
I opened my handbag just as the man handed back the basket. I awkwardly stopped to receive it, tucking my arm under the handle and twisting my wrist until it slid into the nest of my elbow.
“What are they up to?” Jane resumed. I reached in my bag again.
“Word has it that they’re sheltering spirits.”
My fingers stopped. A chill went down my spine.
A puzzled look arose from Jane’s face. “And?”
The merchant shrugged. “I mean, sure, whatever they fancy. But that’s sure to draw the ire of the army, which is just itching for a fight.”
I reached out towards him. He opened his hand and collected the payment, checking it for only a brief moment before pocketing it. In the same motion, I withdrew my arm and tapped Jane on the shoulder as I turned back towards the streets. “I’m going on ahead.”
She glanced after me and abruptly cut short her conversation. “Ah! I must be on my way then.”
“Cheers, lass.” A short moment later, he called out after us. “Stop by again!” There was a clop-clop of boots behind me as Jane rejoined my side.
There was a clop-clop of boots behind me as Jane rejoined my side.
“Blimey!” she exclaimed, shaking her head.
“We’re still on the streets,” I reminded her.
“Yes, yes.”
I checked my bag, counting up the coins before pulling the string shut. There was still plenty left over. The purchase cost much less than I expected. I guess I have Jane to thank.