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Baldwin smiled politely at the woman, never knowing when she might become useful to his investigation. “No, thank you. But could I get another cup of coffee?”
“This is yer third cup,” the woman said, leaning closer to him. “Ye must really be enjoying our coffee.”
“It is true,” he said as he picked up his cup and extended it towards her.
“We also serve food, and it is nearly midday.”
“Perhaps after my next cup I will order something to eat.”
The woman glanced at the empty chairs next to him. “Are ye expecting someone?”
“I am not.”
Glancing over at the next table when they burst into laughter, she asked, “Why not join their lively conversation, then?”
“I prefer to be alone.” He reached into his pocket and removed a few coins. “Will you ensure that no one is seated next to me?” he asked as he extended her the coins.
The woman looked down at the coins and her eyes grew wide. “Yes, Mister.”
“Thank you,” he said. “What is your name?”
“Sarah,” she replied as she deposited the coins into the pocket of her white apron.
Baldwin tipped his head in acknowledgement. “What a beautiful name.”
A rosy blush came to her cheeks as she averted her gaze from his.
“If I was to join a conversation,” he began, “which one do you suppose I should join?”
Sarah pressed her lips together before saying, “The table in the corner is discussing the skirmish over in America, the table next to it is discussing Prinny’s excessive debts, and the one next to ye is discussing the merits of workhouses.”
“I’m afraid those subjects are of little interest to me.”
Leaning closer, Sarah lowered her voice and said, “At night, a group of men come in to discuss things that are much more serious in nature.”
“Such as?”
“The state of the government and whatnot.”
Baldwin put his hand up. “I am not interested in doing anything illegal.”
Placing the tray onto the table, Sarah sat down next to him. “I never said they were doing anything illegal,” she assured him. “But they do keep their voices hushed and stop speaking when I deliver their coffee to them.”
“That is rather odd, is it not?”
She shrugged a half-shoulder. “It is not unusual here. The men don’t want women to overhear their conversations.”
“That is terrible.”
“I am used to it,” Sarah remarked.
“Are any of those men here now?” he asked hopefully.
Sarah’s eyes scanned the room. “I don’t see any of them now, but they usually come later and stay till closing.”
An older man with white hair shouted across the room. “Sarah!” he exclaimed. “Get back to work!”
Sarah hastily rose from her seat and grabbed the tray. “I apologize for tarrying. I will go get yer coffee now.”
