A Dreadful Splendor

by B.R. Myers

At the police station, someone kind put a blanket around me, but I couldn’t stop shaking. Several of the girls had attested that I’d pushed Maman. Miss Crane took an officer to the side. Money exchanged hands. Then she was in front of me, helping me stand. “Come home, Jenny. Your room is waiting for you.” I could tell from her tone that I had no choice. She owned me now. Maman was dead, and I would never be the same.

“I hope you don’t mind that I called you by your nickname,” she said. “Even though this is our first meeting, I already consider us friends. I’m so pleased to finally make your acquaintance.” Then she gave me the slightest of curtsies. I noticed she was holding Mr. Lockhart’s cane. “Although I wish it were under different circumstances.” “Me as well. You don’t have the key, do you?” I asked, raising one cuff. “I can give you a hand.” She tossed the skeletal arm I’d seen her point toward Mr. Pemberton. She laughed again. The sound echoed off the rocks and resounded inside my skull. “A dungeon affords a lady all kinds of props,” she said. “Something I’m sure you can appreciate in your line of work.”

“Miss Timmons,” he finally said, breathless. “You missed the stables entirely.” “Call me Genevieve,” I replied.

He turned to me with a sly grin in place. “I may take advantage of my time there to tour some properties for my own use. Any requests?” “Requests?” I teased. “Not suggestions?” “How else am I to tempt you?” I blushed, imagining all the ways. “Rolling hills,” I answered. “Very well.” “And a forest of trees,” I added. “Perhaps a river or creek—but far away from the ocean.” He cleared his throat. “Indeed.”

She nodded with a slight smile on her chapped lips. “I was going to make you into something special. Something amazing and unforgettable. With your beauty and my brains, we’d never want for anything London could offer. We could’ve owned the city.” Then her expression crumbled, aging her a million years. “Instead, you’re going to rot in jail.” I took a step closer, nailing her in place with my stare. I had never talked back to Miss Crane in such a way. She growled like a cornered dog.

“Oy.” Drusilla leaned over my shoulder. “Good or bad?” I refolded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope. “I’m not sure, but at least I know where it came from,” I said, pointing to the return address. Drusilla winked. “Bring me back a croissant.”

I ran to him, eager to share the news of my new family. But once I was in his embrace, I forgot about talking, and kissed him instead. Maman used to say that love meant heartbreak, but I had learned that love was also the cure. Gareth lifted me in his arms and swung me around. My eyes were closed tight, but I could see my entire future. The heart sees.