“The market? Well uh – “Bert’s words trailed off as he became aware of a growing awkwardness within.

He could usually deal with members of the public just fine. Women too with all their weaknesses, complaining, and modern ideas didn’t bother him either. But here, now, with this woman, he was rightly stumped. Turn those bloody ovens down man! His sense returned and Bert coughed slightly turning his head away slightly to squash any show of unmanly feelings that might have started to flourish. Softness vanquished, he turned his head back towards her.

“Well Miss, the Market is on my beat this morning. If yer feeling unsafe?”