She hadn't been able to stop thinking about the man from the market for the week since meeting him... It made her feel both guilty and exhilarated to know he was coming to see her with some of his wares. She had a clock but it was no ornate thing, just a plain one that hung on the wall of her parlor. She might just buy a clock, she thought, though it had been an excuse more than anything to see Frederic again.

She had just finished nursing her daughter when she heard the knock upon the door. "Just a moment, please," she called out to her waiting guests. She lay Niahm in her bassinet and moved to answer the door. Her smile was bright as she greeted the two fellows, "Welcome, do come in." She stepped aside to allow the two to pass.