And when I’ve done a hard day’s work I want my rest, you’re sure,
And it’s grand, it’s great to spot this when I’m entering our door.
Chorus
There’s the missus making dumplings, the kids all singing hymns,
And last week’s heavy washing all hanging about;
When I think to marry Hannah, cost me seven and a tanner,
Then I say—it’s money well laid out.
Ruby chuckled at the chorus. Eli wasn’t surprised she had a clear high voice. His tenor blended with hers, and he rather liked how they sounded together.
I went to church one Sunday, and I thought the change was great,
But what give me the knock was when Bill Scraggs brought round the plate
He’s never liked me since I called him a mangy pup,
So when I give my bit, you should have seen his nose go up.
Chorus
There’s the missus making dumplings, the kids all singing hymns,
And last week’s heavy washing all hanging about;
When I think to marry Hannah, cost me seven and a tanner,
Then I say—it’s money well laid out.
And he had the blooming impudence to try it with his teeth,
Looked hard at me and bended the tanner about,
Well, he pinched it on that Sunday, and he got a month on Monday,
Then, I sez, it’s money well laid out.
The end of the evening came too quickly for Elijah. As he helped her with her cloak, his grandmother called to him from the kitchen. He excused himself and went to see what she needed.
“She’s lovely, Elijah,” Grandmama whispered. “Have you kissed her?”
His eyes went wide at the question. “Grandmama!”
“I’ve lived too long to mince words. You better do it before someone else does,” she said, wagging a finger at him.
He kissed the top of her head. “Promise.”
Tonight, they would not walk, he decided. He hailed a hackney and helped her inside. It was time. He sat next to her, taking her gloved hand in his.
“Ruby,” he said in a hoarse whisper, trying to tame the emotions that assailed him.
She faced him, a smile on her heart-shaped face. She placed her other hand on top of his. “Yes?”
Did she sound breathless? Devil it, nodcock, just say it.
