Mrs. Goose smiled at the bowing young man, taking stock of him. Nice manners. Well bred. Someone who was at least well off, considering his well-groomed state, enhanced by his finer speech. This was no ordinary peasant. Not that it mattered in the least; Mother Goose liked all folks of any standing equally. It was just worth noting, as it gave insight into their personality and tastes, helping decide the course of a conversation. Or their tastes in baked goods. The prim and proper seemed to prefer tea and crumpets to milk and cookies.
"Not at all, young man. My fault, I fear. I was just too absorbed in this fine cart of apples to notice my surroundings."
During her appraisal of the man, one thing stood out clearly in he mind.
"You aren't from around these parts, are you, dear? I try to make it my business to know all the local folk, and I am quite sure I have not seen you around before. On behalf of the entire village, allow me to wish you welcome. We don't have much in the way of entertainment, but we are a pleasant sort, for the most part, and enjoy the company of visitors."
Truth be told, it was really her that enjoyed visitors. The more the merrier.
"Folks 'round here call me Mother Goose, or Mrs. Goose, if you prefer."
Rather than asking outright, she waited to see if he would respond in kind. She was rather curious as to who this stranger was, and why he had stopped in her particular little village.