Disclaimer: I own nothing, except my own creations.
"Blast and bother."
Fanny released a long suffering sigh as she sat down on her newest chaise and faced her sister one afternoon. "I suppose I will just have to keep trying for a son. What an inconvenience that is."
Amy averted her gaze and declined from responding to the latter comment. She found that particular aspect of marriage quite favourable. Instead she offered commiserations on the former. "I am sure you will have a son Fanny," she replied earnestly.
The well-dressed woman snorted. "Easy for you to say little one. You've already got two sons with that man of yours."
"Yes, but I..." Amy tried to speak, but Fanny waved her off.
"At least I have my enterprise to keep my busy. Could you imagine if looking after a screaming brat was my sole responsibility?" She shuddered.
It hurt to hear of her niece spoken of in such terms, but Amy swallowed and appeared interested. "Enterprise Fanny?" she queried confused. "Do you have some type of work?"
Fanny snorted in an unladylike manner. "You could call it that."
"Oh what are you doing Fanny?" asked Amy, horrified at the possibilities.
"Oh don't give me that look," dismissed the older sister. "I have a lifestyle to maintain, and this is the way I am doing it."
"Fanny?" Amy asked, a pit of fear growing in the pit of her stomach as she realised just what it was that her sister was doing.
"Think of it as meeting a need, a niche in the market if that helps you," feigned Fanny. "You little prude."
The revelation that her sister was operating a high class brothel stunned her.
"Why I could even speak with your husband and..."
"Fanny!" interrupted Amy, blushing scarlet as she protested.
"Oh relax little one," scolded Fanny. "I was only teasing." She paused. "Only partly though, as I don't cater to that level. We have high standards and a minimal fiscal obligation."
She looked down at her younger sister. "And besides, it is not like he could look at anyone but you. It's quite sickening to watch frankly."
Amy Dorrit walked home with trouble in her heart.
And Alicia Sparkler grew up knowing she was the child her mother never wanted.