Hey look out for that movin' van...

[romana_zindel]

Sunday, early afternoon, February 7 Main Street, and then in the Whitechapel Inn I pulled my hood up around my face as the afternoon wind blustered. Dragging my trunk behind me, I squinted around. Vision had never quite been my strong suit, but of course Pa had seen to it that I hadn't had cause for super-sharp eyes. The town seemed to be a bit deserted, shops seemed open but not many people were out buying. I frowned. It was a Sunday, wasn't it? Didn't town folk go out and buy pretty things on Sundays 'stead of going to church? Ma had made me swore not to slack on my religious obligations but I could already see that going to have a tea at, what was it called, the Dormouse, would be tons more interesting than reading my red leather book. Now, where was this place? The Whitechapel Inn. Ma had told me that Whitechapel was the name of a sleazy part of London before the disaster, but the inn was decked out proper, and to ask for the Vicomte when I got there. Valmont, his name was. Well, May (that's my sister, she's left at home 'cause she's a bit too much of a whipper-snapper to come with me) said that he was probably loads more good looking than Pa or our neighbor from five miles down the lane, Mr. Tarny, because he was a Vicomte and we have to capitalize his name and that I should write her and let her know right quick after meeting him and tell her everything about him, especially if he's married. I've a hunch that May wants the Vicomte to play the lead in her dizzying fantasies, which is just how May is. Haven't ever been one for all that pink-colored fluff, myself. I don't even really like talking to people if I can help it but Pa says that since I'm set up to be a waitress I'd better learn quick. My trunk's getting heavy and I just want to find the place already, I've been walking all day. Finally, a few store fronts down, I spot it, and I speed up. Tossing myself inside, I take a deep breath for a minute and straight my shoulders. Can't have me lookin' like a vagabond when I've come here for work, now can I?

[status: open!]