Moving to the window, she looked out at the sky. The sun wasn’t shining, but the bright and puffy clouds didn’t threaten rain.
Grabbing her bonnet from the chair, she brought it over her head, tucking wayward wisps of hair into the sides, and tied it into a bow at her neck. With her reticule looped over her wrist, she wrapped her cloak around her shoulders. It was time to finish exploring the part of town that she hadn’t seen the other day.
“Going out, miss?” Flora asked as she passed her downstairs.
“I won’t be gone long. I just want to familiarize myself with the town.”
The girl dipped into a curtsy and continued on her way.
Outside, the air was crisp. Jocelyn drew in a deep breath, filling her lungs with the clean air. Scents were different here than in Rochester. Rochester seemed so much dirtier. Unkempt. Crowded. When she walked the streets there, people were always around. It didn’t matter the street. The time. The day. There were always people everywhere.
But here, the streets were quiet. Sure, there were people, but they were far and few between. They smiled cheerily at her as they passed.
She went in the opposite direction of where she had gone last time. On this side, there was a bank and a tailor. She passed a mercantile. Curious, she entered, a bell at the top of the door announcing her entry. A cheery man with a welcoming smile greeted her.
“I dinna ken I’ve seen ye around here. Welcome. Are ye new in town?”
“I am.”
“Well, if there is aught ye need or are looking for, give me a holler. If I dinna have it in store, I can try to procure it for ye.”
She dipped her head in thanks. “That is most kind of you.”
Was everyone in this town so nice? She hadn’t met one person with an ill personality. She browsed the shelves of sweettreats and colorful candies that made her mouth water even though she’d just had her fill of finger sandwiches.
On another shelf were kitchen essentials. Flour, sugar, lard, molasses. Other items that one would use to make a meal.
Another shelf held personal items. Soaps scented with different herbs and spices. Lifting a bar scented with cinnamon to her nose, she breathed in deeply, closing her eyes. The smell reminding her of the morning buns the cook from her childhood used to make.
“Smells lovely doesna it?”
Nodding, she returned it to its space.
“My wife has me keep those in stock. They’re her favorite.”
She smiled. “Thank you for letting me look around. You have a wonderful day.”
He dipped his head. “Dinna forget. I’m here for all your needs.”
She waved goodbye and stepped outside. Next to the mercantile was a jeweler. She didn’t even pause at the window that boasted all things shiny and expensive. Unable to afford anything at the mercantile, she surely couldn’t afford anything in there.
Besides, she had no need for baubles. She had much more important things to spend her money on.
Like her babe. How was she going to be able to raise a child on her own? She had no husband. Or at least one she never wanted to see again. No home. Certainly, she couldn’t remain living in her room at the Thistle & Pig. That was no type of environment for a child.
It wasn’t the first time she wondered about her future, nor would it be her last. But most important of all was finding a safe place to live and raise the babe.
And what of Gunn? What would he do when he realized she was with child? She came upon a bench and sat down, ponderingher situation. Would he put her out on the street? What would she do then?
She might have to live in the tenements. She shuddered at the thought, but it would still be better than giving Victor access to her babe. The worry she felt over what he could do to an innocent being turned her stomach.
A couple passed by, smiling at her as they continued on their walk. A surge of longing tugged at her heart. They looked so happy. She wanted that. Wanted someone that would look at her the way that man looked at his wife as they strolled together, enjoying the evening.
Sighing, she pushed off the bench. She should head back to the inn.
“Good eve, miss.” A man addressed her as he approached. He was slight of stature but had a friendly face.
“Hello,” she answered, but as she moved to walk, he stepped in front of her.
