Chapter Seventeen
~May 26~
“Sir, what an unexpected—but pleasant, very pleasant—surprise,” Mr. Cartwright, the grocer said upon opening his door to John that evening.
“I apologize for not having come around for the past few weeks. I’ve been extremely busy, I’m afraid,” John said, taking the man’s proffered hand.
“Of course. I would expect nothing less. That you come as often as you do is greatly appreciated, I can assure you. Please come in, come in.” The man led the way up the stairs and into their apartment.
It was almost as if John had never left. Mistress Cartwright was precisely where she had been the previous time he’d come and so was their little boy, playing on the floor. He did notice there were a few more candles about the room and that made him happy.
“Oh, sir, how lovely
