The afternoon shadows were lengthening when I finally rose and made my toilette. I decided to go to the market myself rather than to allow any of my girls to become lurid temptation to a random killer. Tying my hat in place I said to Gustav.<br/><br/>"No one is to go in or out of this house until I return. I do not care if a gentleman has blue balls and a cockstand to rival Stone Henge. Send them to Sadie's if he must be served. " I hated the tone of my voice but worry had sharpened it. I had nothing to fear for Gustav was as phlegmatic as he was large. He sat back on the bench by the fireplace and took out his eating knife witch which he cleaned his fingernails.<br/><br/>"No one, and I mean no one," I insisted, taking the woven basket.<br/><br/>"Yes, Mother Annalise," he agreed.<br/><br/>I left for the market with the sound of the latch being secured in my ear.<br/><br/>The market was winding down, the best of the produce and meat having already been sold. I did my best to bring good food into our house and was absorbed in choosing when a deep voice said,<br/><br/>"Good day, Madame Annalise."<br/><br/>I whirled around, knocking a bunch of parsnips from my basket.<br/>"Oh, forgive me Lord Ashton, you startled me."<br/><br/>The lord walked with me the rest of the afternoon while I shopped. The sun was sinking and he escorted me back to the house.<br/><br/>"Oh, by the by, Madame," he said, reaching into his coat pocket. "I found this on the street today and that I might belong to that juicy little hen that I am so partial to. If you would return it to her with my regards, then perhaps tonight she would show me special favor."<br/><br/>I looked at his outstretched palm. There lay a jet black crucifix. One that I had often seen in Daphne's hands.