thedispatch | (no subject)

Alright, darling. I'll be packing.

[ After a quick rise of her hands, she gets back to it. Packing enough to hold them over for a few days, she takes their bags into the kitchen to fill whatever space she can with non perishable goods. A separate pack holds their water. Lastly, she'll fetch the bedding. Going through everything that they'll be leaving behind, she can't help but feel a bit sad - but the only things that she can't bring herself to leave are her mother's jewels and William's violin. ]

[ Fully cleaned and clothed, William pauses to watch her packing the last of their things. At the sight of his violin, William gives a soft hum. He'd thought of bringing it, but decided it would merely take up needed space. Seeing her view it as important enough has him silently agreeing. ]

Anything else you wish to add? If not, I will load this into the cart.

I think that will do it.

[ Cupping his cheek, she manages a smile. ]

If I dwell any longer, I fear I'll get too sentimental.

[ He was going to mention the dress he'd had made for her, but he doesn't wish to upset her any more than she's been, today. ]

Best not to, then.

[ He gives her a brief kiss before hoisting the bags up in his arms. The carriage is loaded, leaving space at the rear for the chest. Then, William unties the man's horse from their fence, allowing it to hurry off wherever it pleases. Their own are hitched to the cart, then he returns to help Grell lug the chest outside. ]

[ Leaning into the kiss allows her reprieve, even if for that fleeting moment. Once they've both made it to the cart, she's quick to nestle against him-- and then falters. She won't be able to do that in public, she must remember... With a huff, she scoots to put some space between them. ]

[ There's a brief look around to make certain no one is there to see them. Then he takes Grell's hand in his, giving it a short but reassuring squeeze. Without even a glance back towards his home, William gives order to the horses to start them on their way.

The night sky is out by the time they reach the docks, which gives them perfect cover to dispose of the man's body. Unfortunately, the chest is not salvageable with the blood that's stained it, so they don't even bother opening it before pushing it off the end of the dock. With no one around to see them, William takes a few minutes to stare out across the Thames. ]

Rot in hell, bastard.

[ Grell mutters, crouching as she watches the water settle. It's an enormous relief, this moment of quiet in the still night air. ]

So... Where have you always dreamt of going?

[ Had he ever really thought on it? Seems not. ]

France would be the shortest trip.

[ Looking up at him, she breathes a snerk. ]

Well, we're not to be scrutinized there, if what I've heard is true. Aside from being English.

Perhaps that is the best choice, then. As far as your first point goes. Do you know the language, at all?

I could navigate a cosmetics shop, but I don't believe that's what you were hoping to hear.

[ A hum. ]

[ That gets her a side eye and a frown. ]

No. I am limited on my own knowledge of it, as well.

[ A frustrated huff indicates that maybe another country will be equally as hard to settle down and make a new life in. ]

[ A content little smile is all she gives, in return, as she reaches up to take his hand. ]

Thankfully, you are a very talented violinist. Your music will speak for you.

[ His frown fades at the compliment. ]

Do you think I should persu it?

Absolutely, yes.

[ Using her grip on his hand, she helps herself up to face him. ]

If we're to start over, we might as well choose to do what brings us happiness, font you think?

[ He hums in agreement, nodding briefly. ]

What will you choose, then?

[ Eyes venturing wayward, she thinks for the briefest moment-- and then, chuckles a bit, in spite of herself. ]

I'll be an actress.

I would have guessed theatre, in some form.

[ It's a nice feeling, getting to know someone so well. Grell's quickly become the closest person in his life. It makes William wonder why he'd been so hesitant to open up to people before. ]

[ That only brings warmth to her eyes. ]

Of course you'd know.

[ That smile fades just so, as she takes another look around. ]

We should go, I think...

We should.

[ He lets go of her hand and mounts the carriage once more. ]

You will have to direct me towards the warehouse. Unless you've thought of somewhere else.

[ Climbing up after, she pulls her coat in tighter against herself. ]

Perhaps the warehouse is a bit much. They'll have to figure out where to begin looking first... What if we were to travel as far as we could stand it tonight and stay at an Inn? Catch a boat by morning?

Honestly, my thought was that I would attend work tomorrow. As a means of clearing any initial suspicion. Not that they have much reason to do so, but it would avoid having anyone visit our home to ask if we knew anything about his disappearance. They would simply ask me at work.

[ It will be a lesson on keeping the truth a secret and lying through his teeth for the first time ever, but if it's what he must do, he will do it. ]

The warehouse may be our best option, for tonight.

[ Brows knotting, she breathes a worried sigh, but nods. ]

Alright.

[ And so, she points the way. ]

We will leave promptly after I'm finished.

[ A bit of reassurance as he steers the horses in the proper direction. Once they arrive, William looks for where he can rest the carriage mostly out of sight. ]

We should be able to take the entire cart inside. I'll just need to see the lock.

[ As she remembers, it is a code-based padlock - and the code has not changed, either. In fact, it's likely been unused in several years, as it takes some effort to maneuver and unlock at all.

With a grunt, she fights the door's wheels to get rolling, but once she gets it far enough, she'll wave William through with a puff of breath. ]