The crowds were thinning as we meandered deeper into the market. We picked up our pace, stopping at the stalls and picking up what we needed while exchanging only a few words. Unfortunately, most of the fresh selections were picked out already, leaving only the mediocre pickings at the bottom of the barrels. Fair enough, I was not a chef at some classy diner, so I dealt with the choices I had. The apples, in particular, I did not mind, for I always cut and peeled them anyway. Jane, on the other hand, was a fair bit more picky than I was, filling her basket halfway full.
“Terrible selections. I’ll have to revisit in the middle of the week, at this rate.”
“Sorry.”
She laughed. “What are you apologising for?”
By the time we left the farmers market and roamed into the street market, Jane was cheery again. The larger streets coupled with a myriad of different vendors always brought a twinkle to her eyes. Goods of all shapes and sizes, from hand-crafted toys to furniture, imported rugs to suits and dresses, small trinkets to kitchen wares. A seamstress by vocation, she paid particular attention to the dresses on display, stopping to take a gander, sometimes giving them a feel and striking up a conversation with the merchant.
We were on our way back when we ran into a familiar face. A school teacher, coeval to Jane and I, with a pointed face, black hair, and dark brown eyes. Though she taught in the country, she and her husband lived in the city. I knew her well from her family’s acquaintance with my father. Her costume was rather dark, as it always was, matching her dark features; a black blouse, trimmed black cloth jacket, grey skirt, her waist wrapped with a wide belt, head topped with a black velvet hat and a ribbon. Jane was the first to spot her, turned to the side, watching one of the merchant stalls.
“Why, good morning, Agnes!” she piped.
“Good afternoon, Jane.” The woman turned and flashed a stern smile at the two of us. “Elisa, dear! You’re looking fairly posh today!”
I smiled sheepishly. I was wearing a white, long sleeved ruffle blouse and the flowering skirt. My jacket hid the ribbon in the back, but it was still an uncommonly coloured navy blue skirt. The ruffled collar still stuck up above the jacket’s, despite being completely buttoned up. And of course, I donned my usual straw ribboned hat. “The wardrobe was running a bit thin this week.”
“Oh, come! There’s no need for a lady to excuse herself to a bit of dress up.”
“Do agree!” Jane chipped in. “I’d forgotten you had such garments in your wardrobe!”
“Her father was a wealthy man, after all. I daresay you’re looking fancier than I am today.”
“Never such a thing.” With renewed attention on my attire, I recalled the looks the men gave me earlier in the day. “How is Edwin doing?”
“Oh, you know, busy as always, that man.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Never mind him! What about you? It’s been some time, hasn’t it? Are you still running the flower shop?”
“Yes.”
“… And is it well? Business is well?”
“It is well. It is summer, after all.”
“Good to hear… Very well… Are you still living at your father’s estate?”
“Father’s estate was torn down long ago.”
“Oh… right. Sorry, dear.”
I shrugged. “I couldn’t manage it, so it was sold. It’s serving a better purpose now.”
“Is it now? Who bought it?”
“A farmer.”
“Ah! Good for you, indeed.” She nodded, staring off into the distance between Jane and I. “Good, indeed.” Snapping her eyes back on me, Agnes adjusted the basket in her arm. I noticed it carried nothing but bread and green vegetables. “Then, where are you staying, right now? Did you find yourself a man?”
“No, no,” I chuckled. “I live at Father’s cottage.”
She blinked, her words stumbling at first. “The… cottage? You don’t mean, the one out in the woods?”
“Yes, that one.” I was familiar with what would come next.
“Is that safe, dear? All on your own?”
“I have a cat to keep me company. You remember her, don’t you?”
“A cat! A cat can’t fend off a bear or a beast like a man could! Better a dog, for that matter!”
“The forest isn’t as dangerous as the papers puts it, you know.”
“Is it not…? Well… regardless… there are thugs to think about. Out there, especially, where there is no one to hear you scream.”
I kept myself optimistic. “Who would follow a peculiar woman out of the countryside and into the woods if they’re all scared of it?”
“You’re a rich lady,” she sighed. “You know… criminals are desperate people—”
“Not really… I mean, I’m dressed fairly well today… but I don’t think anyone recognises me. Father did well to keep me out of the public eye.”
“Well… Look out for yourself. I’m not trying to sound like… like I’m off my rocker, or anything—”
“Your concern is duly noted,” I assured.
“She’s fiiiiine,” Jane joined in. “It’s safe there. I walk there all the time, and there’s always children out, playing in the fields.”
“Well…” Agnes took a breath. “Fair enough, then.”