Depravity, A Beauty and the Beast Novel(7)

“Could you take some of the carrots to the bakery and see if you can trade for bread again?” Bryn asked, changing the subject.

“I’d rather not. It’s hard to catch Mrs. Medunge, and the baker refuses to trade.”

“I heard from Tennen that the baker looks kindly on you. I think you just need to ask again,” Bryn said.

I really didn’t want to approach the baker again.

“Is there nothing left of the coin we set aside for food?” I asked without a hint of recrimination.

“No,” Bryn said, turning away. “I’ll make do with a soup tonight, but meat and bread would be appreciated tomorrow.”





Two


I forced myself to approach the baker after three days of little game or harvest from the estate. Taking my time, I walked to town with my bag slung across my chest. The wilting carrots thumped against my hip with each stone-kicking stride. Because of my musings and lack of concentration, I didn’t see Tennen and Splane idling against the tinker’s building until they spoke to me as I passed.

“Well, hello, Benella,” Tennen said.

Startled, I turned to face him instead of ignoring him. His eyes narrowed on me. I looked around at the light foot traffic and saw no one near enough to help me. The baker’s side door opened and Sara, looking flushed, stepped out with a loaf of bread.

My eyes darted from her to Tennen. He shook his head slowly.

“Bad timing,” he said harshly.

My first instinct was to run, but I knew they would catch me before we cleared town. While trying to think of a way to avoid a beating, I gained the baker’s attention, and he called to us.

“You boys walk your mother home. Benella, come inside and let’s see what goods you have to sell.”

Run and risk a beating or face the baker?

“Not so much better than the rest of us, now, are you?” Splane said softly.

His statement confused me. How had I ever given them the impression I thought of myself as better? I had crouched, hiding behind the crates by the baker’s shop for hours, cold and hungry, waiting for Mrs. Medunge to appear. The whole village was poor with the exception of the baker. Shaking my head, I turned and walked toward the horrid man.

Sara didn’t meet my eyes as I passed her, not that I blamed her. I hoped for her sake, the baker’s price wouldn’t climb any higher.

The baker grinned at me in welcome and held the door open, but I stopped a few feet away, reached into my bag, and offered him a carrot for inspection. From the corner of my eye, I watched the Coalre family walk away.

“Come now, Benella. There’s no reason to do this outside. Come in.”

“I’d rather not. Are you interested in trading carrots for bread, today?” I asked bluntly.

“We’ve enough carrots. Perhaps we can come to some other arrangement.”

Swallowing a gag, I took a moment before answering.

“I think not.” I placed the carrot back into the bag and turned to leave with the hope that both Tennen and Splane would be well away already.

“Benella,” the baker said. “I’ve always thought you a pretty thing. My mother commented the other day on how pleasant you are to talk to and reminded me of my very unwed status. Perhaps, it’s time to change that.”

I ran and didn’t look back.

I caught up with Father on the path to our cottage. At the sound of my thumping feet, he turned with a smile on his face.

“Anything interesting from the estate today?”

I slowed to walk beside him, heart hammering and stomach heavy. How could the baker even hint at marriage? The thought of his heavy body pressed against mine sickened me.

“Bini, what’s wrong?” Father asked, stopping. His blue, watery eyes studied me with concern, really seeing me for a change.

“The baker hinted at marriage.”

“Ah...” he said enigmatically. “And that upset you?”

“Yes. I know I won’t be able to live with you forever, but I would choose a man I could care for. One that wouldn’t smother me in my sleep with his girth.”

“Bini,” he chided.

“He’s not a good man, Father,” I said firmly, hoping he would understand.

“Then, don’t take his hint seriously.”

Having his support calmed me. We walked the rest of the way home in silence. Bryn had no supper waiting when we returned home.

“No bread?” she asked. I shook my head and handed her the carrots.

“No worries, dears,” Father assured us. “I wasn’t hungry, anyway.” He drifted to his study, leaving me to face Bryn’s frown.

“Did you even ask?”

“Yes. He was quite clear that he wasn’t interested in trading for carrots. I told you, I only have luck with his mother.” I didn’t like her tone, especially when I knew she had coin hidden aside that could have bought the bread.