A/N: This story is what happens when I rewatch the Vampire Diaries, become obsessed with Hulu's show Harlots, and am drowning in Restoration period homework. This story is strictly AU, and the characters ages will not align with the timeline of the show.
Enjoy :)
Chapter One: A Meeting at the Opera
It was 1763, London, and the streets were sick with magic. One in every five women sells their bodies for sex to make a living. But there are other women. Women who have something worth more than their bodies to give. A witch who sells her magic is no better than a harlot to her coven. Those rare ones who find a keeper, a demon soul to contract their protection, were nothing more than mistresses of magic, shunned by witches of all walks of life and spoken about like the scum of the earth.
Bonnie Bennet sat at her grandmother's side, murmuring a spell as she held a cloth to the old woman's head. Her dress, a simple cotton gown with a natural waist, represented the poverty the Bennets had faced long before Bonnie Bennets time, but her beauty surpassed any notions of homeliness and class.
"Any luck?"
Lucy Bennet stood behind her younger cousin, looking at the girl sympathetically. Lucy's dress was only slightly more extravagant. A gift from her new husband, a boring young gentleman from the Navy. His fortune was small and new, but it was enough to ensure protection that a Bennet seldom received. She put her hand on her shoulder. Bonnie stopped the spell and looked at her grandmother with tired eyes.
"Nothing is working," Bonnie said. She stood up, brushing off her cousin's touch, and paced the room. The small space was in disrepair. The paint was peeling off the walls, and a stench lingered. The neighbors sold poppy, amongst other things. But even here, the Bennets couldn't afford the rent.
"Magic can't fix everything," Lucy said. She sat where Bonnie had been and looked at the older woman with a frown.
Bonnie gazed out the window. Down below the city was bustling. She could see men carrying slabs of meat to the market. Children ran around, taking a break from sweeping chimneys and begging for food. Her eyes focused on a collection of girls with their bosoms pushed to their chins and waving handkerchiefs.
"No," Bonnie said. "But money can."
Lucy got back up and looked where Bonnie's eyes were focused and frowned. She could tell what her cousin was thinking, and she knew it would only lead to trouble.
"Oh no," Lucy started. "You are not going to be like Emily. The Bennets already lost one good name."
Lucy gathered her skirt and touched her cousin's shoulder comfortingly. She turned her so Bonnie was forced to look in her eyes.
"We are going to get through this," Lucy said. "She will get through this. But it has been days and you haven't left her side. Why don't you go visit Mr. Gilbert? I'm sure he will remind you why you don't want to become the next Davina Claire of this city."
Lucy smiled and Bonnie forced herself to smile back.
It was easier for Lucy. She had a husband. She had security. Bonnie had nothing but her Grams. That had always been enough. Bonnie never cared for a life of luxury, but without her Grams, she knew she would be walking the streets one way or another.
"Fine," Bonnie consented. "But I'll be back within the hour."
Lucy squeezed her hand.
"And we'll be here," she said. "Now go."
The streets were even filthier then the looked from up above. Bonnie walked them with confidence. Greek Street was the scum of London, but it was Bonnie's home and predominantly run by witches.
Almost all witches lived in London. It was safe there, and full of covens always looking for a new recruit. Some groups were more powerful. Their members tended to live in the nicer areas, leaving the weaker groups and the coven-less to roam the alleys and practice magic behind closed doors. Sometimes even the most powerful members were left to rot on the streets. Look at Davina.
The Bennets didn't do covens. Shelia Bennet had always been against witches working in such political organizations. They were corrupt with power and a danger to everything witches were supposed to maintain. But the Bennets were a respected family despite their lack of wealth. Wealth didn't mean much to witches. Magic did. Too bad the rest of the world only cared about how much money was in their pockets.
Bonnie turned the corner. Even if the air wasn't fresh and her Grams was still on her mind, it was nice to be out, and it would be even nicer to see the Gilbert boy.
"Bonnie Bennet," a voice sang.
Victoria Donavan, or "Vicki" as Bonnie had heard culls call her on the streets, stood at the street corner beside a cluster of other harlots, leering at the younger girl. Her hair was teased high, but not as high as her breasts. The protruded out of her tightly bound corset. She clicked her tongue.
"On your way to see Jeremy Gilbert are you?" asked Vicki. Bonnie stopped. She had never cared much for Vikkie, even before she had become a harlot, but she tolerated her because older brother was her friend.
"How are you doing, Miss Donovan?" Bonnie said, strained but polite. "When was the last time you visited Matt at Mr. Saltzman's?"
Vicki didn't react, she just kept clicking her tongue and looking over Bonnie as if she was a cockroach she had found in her morning's porridge.
"Did you make Gilbert a man yet, Miss Bennet? Did he finally deflower you?" Vicki jeered. A couple of the other harlots giggled. Bonnie stood her ground, sending the girl a glare. Vicki gave a snort.
"Well, tell Mr. Gilbert that I am available to present him with his manhood anytime he likes. I'll even give him his first fuck for free."
Bonnie clenched her fist and pushed past Vicki. She could hear her laughter as she turned the street.
The Saltzman boarding house was a small estate, like most city estates, but is was in good repair. Alaric Saltzman was a scholar well liked by parliament, and he had been a friend of the Gilbert family for many years. When they had moved to America, the had left Jeremy Gilbert, their only son, in his care so her could learn underneath Mr. Satlzman and aid him at his printing press.
Jeremy opened the door after the third knock, giving her a large smile. His smile was almost enough to rid Bonnie of all of her worries. Almost.
She had begun to fancy the Gilbert boy only a year ago. They had grown up friends. Bonnie used to play with his older sister, Elena, before she moved with her parents to the colonies. Jeremy had always been the nice boy. A good boy. But he had a grown into a man, a rather handsome one. Bonnie knew he would take care of her if he were her husband. But even if the Gilberts did not come from great wealth, to marry Bonnie would be a step down in station, and, unlike her friend Caroline, Bonnie was not looking for a marriage to raise her above her current social place.
"Bonnie!" cried Jeremy, unable to hide his excitement. If social protocol would have allowed for a hug he would have surely given it. He moved out the doorway to let her in. "I was hoping you would stop by. It's been so long since I've seen you out, I thought you might had become a vampire or something."
Bonnie gave him a serious look.
"Don't joke about such things!"
"Oh come now," Jeremy said as he shut the door behind her.
The Saltzman residence was not spacious but offered more room than Bonnie was accustomed to. A pretty maid curtsied as they started walking up the stairs to the printing press, a place of relative privacy.
"Please do not tell me you believe those whispers about demons and spells always murmuring throughout the streets. I thought you had more sense then that Bonnie Bennet," said Jeremy, his voice teasing.
"I will let you know, Mr. Gilbert, that I have plenty of sense. But I also have sensibility, which is why I do not humor such dark rumors," said Bonnie, hoping to bypass the matter.
Jeremy Gilbert, like most of the company Bonnie kept, was human. London might be full of witches, but most humans remained blissfully unaware of the magic right underneath their noses. They also remained unaware of the evil creatures that breathed down their necks.
"Bonnie!"
Matt Donavan grinned at her as he looked up from his parchment. He was inscribing whatever notes Mr. Saltzman had left him to be bound. Fortunately for them, Mr. Saltzman was not a strict Editor, and he would not mind letting his apprentices take a break. Although, Bonnie doubted the blonde boy was getting much done once she spotted the girl next to him.
Caroline Forbes had already gotten up from her chair and ran to throw her arms around her.
"I'm so glad you are here," squealed the blonde girl. "You are just in time, I was just about to inform Matt and Jeremy about the man I've decided to marry."
Caroline paused, expecting a dramatic reaction, but Bonnie just smiled. Caroline Forbes had been proclaiming what boy she would marry since she was twelve. It changed by the month, sometimes the week. The young Forbes woman had received many a proposal, but none of them were good enough to please the picky girl.
Caroline Forbes was born for the life of the upper-class. She was beautiful and charming. She had the voice of an angel and card skills that would put the devil to shame. She was smart, and smart enough to keep quiet around men so they believed her to be dumb. The perfect lady.
Unfortunately, the Forbes were not the upper class, but Caroline knew the right marriage could fix this. She was pretty enough. She knew she would eventually ensnare the right man.
"Perhaps we should let Bonnie have some tea before you tell her about your new beau," said Jeremy, exchanging a knowing glance with the Bennet witch.
"Oh yes, fine, but hurry! I have finally found the perfect man. Such a gentleman, and so high up in the world. You won't believe me when I tell you."
Matt gave an uncomfortable cough. He stood to pull out a chair for Bonnie, and the way he looked at Caroline did not escape her gaze. Matt had been in love with the girl for years but did not exactly meet Caroline's qualifications. It did not matter. He was promised to Elena Gilbert who would be coming to meet up with him in only a few weeks time. It was for the best. There was no room for love in London.
"How is your Grams doing?" asked Jeremy. He moved the pieces of parchment out of the way and placed teacup in front of her before sitting down.
"Better," Bonnie lied. It was easier to lie. There was nothing they could do to help her. Even if they did have the money (which they did not) to move Shelia Bennet to a proper house with a proper nurse, there was nothing ever given for free. Money was power, and it was not taken lightly.
"That's great news, Bon," said Caroline. She took her seat next to her friend. Her posture was perfect, and she held her teacup with precision. She gave Matt a cheeky look.
"You must be excited. Elena Gilbert is rumored to be arriving soon. You'll be an honest man soon enough," Caroline teased. "I hear she is beautiful like her mother."
Matt flushed, and Jeremy sipped his tea uncomfortably at the mention of his sister.
"Her uncle was supposed to bring her portrait to me, but he seems to have misplaced it," admitted Matt.
"Her charms will be a lovely surprise then," said Caroline, squeezing Matt's hand and offering him a kind smile. Bonnie felt for the boy. Caroline had no idea of her effect on a lad that actually cared for her.
"Speaking of surprises," Caroline continued, and Bonnie could tell that any patience she had left her promptly. "I have officially decided I will marry Joshua Rosza."
Jeremy and Matt both laughed, and the girls shot them confused glances. Bonnie tried to rack her mind for where she had heard the name before.
"Josh?" asked Jeremy. "Surely you're humoring us."
Caroline looked affronted.
"Do you doubt my ability to woo him?" asked Caroline.
"Yes," said Matt, but before Caroline could interrupt him, he continued. "Because everyone knows he's only interested in culls."
Bonnie snorted, and Caroline rolled her eyes, but she didn't look surprised.
"So was my father, but that didn't stop him and my mother from getting wed," said Caroline, unabashedly. She took a sip of her tea. "Besides. He's perfect. Not aristocratic, so socially are marriage is acceptable. But, he is the right-hand man to none other than Marcel Mikaelson."
Bonnie's blood went cold.
"You're trying to get in with the Mikaelsons?" asked Jeremy. He let out a low whistle. "I knew your ambitions were high, but I didn't realize you were planning to climb a mountain."
"Not trying, succeeding" Caroline corrected. "He's coming by my parent's cobbler shop to pick up his shoe, and I am going to convince him that he must propose."
"Caroline," Bonnie started. Her voice was slow, and she was trying to keep her calm. She had to remind herself that Caroline did not know any better. That she was innocent in all of this, and Bonnie wanted it to stay that way.
Caroline's eyes widened, and before Bonnie could continue she interrupted her.
"I know you don't like them because of Davina," Caroline said. "And that was her choice. But this is nothing like that. Bonnie, this is my chance."
Davina was not even part of the issue, but Bonnie knew better than to correct her friend. But the mention of the girl's name gave her an idea. She remembered Vicki on the streets, and Lucy's face as she brought up Emily. Then she thought of Grams, and how she would die and Bonnie would be left on the streets.
"You're right," Bonnie said, a plan forming in her mind. "I was actually hoping to get Davina a message. If I gave you a note, would you pass it along to Josh? He might be able to reach her."
Caroline furrowed her brows, watching Bonnie get up and grab a spare scrap of parchment. She grabbed a quill and dipped it in ink and began scrawling her message.
"I suppose not," said Caroline. "But what could you want to ask Davina? I don't think it's very wise to associate yourself with her. It wouldn't hurt you to think more about marriage."
As she said this her eyes trailed over to Jeremy, who was already looking away with a blush. Bonnie was too rapt up in her writing to take notice. She finished and folded the note before handing it to Caroline.
"Joshua Rosza sounds like a lovely match," Bonnie lied. "Do you still drink that tea I gave you every morning?"
Caroline's brow furrowed as she stuffed the note between her breasts. Matt and Jeremy looked away.
"The one with that strange little herb your so obsessed with? Of course. It's delicious," said Caroline. She gave a laugh. "Careful Bonnie! One might mistake you for a witch if you keep insisting we drink your potions!"
Bonnie laughed with her friends and the four to speak gaily, unaware of the plan forming in the witch's mind.
Bonnie Bennet clapped as the young Opera singer gave her first bow of the evening. Red hair and rosy cheeks, the performer blew kisses to the audience. Even from her seat in the balcony, Bonnie could make out the two puncture marks on her neck, red and raw without the layers of white powder the girl surely had sweat off. Eyes traveling the floor seats, Bonnie wondered which member of the audience had taken a bite during intermission.
She had managed the seat only because one of the stewards owed Shelia Bennet for a bit of magic she had performed a few years ago. Bonnie felt out of place amongst the splendor. She had worn her best dress, which was nothing compared the silks she had seen the elite women wear around her. A moth amongst butterflies.
"Miss Bennet."
Bonnie turned what attention she had away from the stage to see a young woman pushing back the curtain to Bonnie's opera box and making her way inside. Short and slender, Davina Claire was a sight in a gown made of fine silks, and jewelry that could put the Queen to shame. She looked like a lady, not how Bonnie remembered her. She had been fifteen when she had last seen her: the girl who lived two doors down and worked in the factories. She had always been beautiful, but now, three years later, she was costumed to look like the prize she was.
All witches in London knew of Davina Claire. She had made herself infamous after refusing to participate in the ritual of her coven. Bonnie still did not know what the ritual pertained, but if the rumors were true she could not blame the girl for running. Most of the witches didn't. It was the arms Davina Claire ran to that made that made the rest of the London witches turn their heads.
"Davina," Bonnie said. She hadn't said the name in a while. No witch on Greek Street did, except underneath blanket of night and petty gossip. "Thank you for coming. I wasn't sure if you would have gotten my message."
Davina smiled but did not say anything as she took the seat next to Bonnie. She looked out at the stage where the young singer was beginning her final song. There was a control to her movements, a sense of nobility and grace that was foreign to Bonnie. Davina Claire was no longer the innocent, naïve girl that she remembered.
"I know you wouldn't have reached out if it was not important," said Davina, finally. "I am under no impression that I have suddenly returned to the witches' good graces. They will talk about you for meeting with me, but you already know that. That means you must be prepared for them to talk, perhaps prepared for them to talk about worse things."
As Davina spoke, her eyes trailed across the room to another opera box on the other side of the room, the one that Bonnie had been avoiding looking at all evening. Two men sat in it. Brothers, known throughout all of England for their great fortune and reputation. They were only two of five Mikaelson siblings. Elijah, the oldest brother and the wisest, and Kol, the wildest. Bonnie did not miss how Kol's eyes trained on them, particularly how he watched Davina.
Maybe the rumors are true, Bonnie thought as she caught Davina meet Kol's gaze. The possibility made her stomach churn. The conversation had just begun, and yet she was ready for it to end.
"It's my Grams," she told Davina. She clutched at her skirt, much less fanciful than Davina's. "She's dying, and I do not know how to save her."
"But you do," said Davina. She turned her head and looked at Bonnie, features expressionless, but the older witch thought she caught a hint of pity in her voice. "That's why you wished to speak with me. You wanted to know if it is as terrible as they say. If my choice was worth the rewards."
Bonnie stayed silent. She did not cry. She was never one to cry, but she had no energy left to fight all of the emotions that had been coursing through her the past few months. Her Grams sudden sickness, the debt that had fallen on them, the failure of magic to provide cures.
"I have no money," Bonnie said. "She will die soon, and I have no money to save or myself. But I do not know if I can do what you have done. If I could sell, if I could give up—
"Yourself?" supplied Davina. She pursed her lips. "Your magic? Become nothing but a whore in the eyes of the witches."
The word made Bonnie flinch.
"I never said I believed you to be a harlot," said Bonnie.
Davina gave a dry laugh, and once again Bonnie could see how the girl had aged.
"But don't you? A normal human gives herself to a man for rewards. A witch's self is her magic, so is it not the same when she sells it? Does she not become a mistress in the eyes of her coven when she signs her gifts to the will of someone else?"
Davina paused. Her eyes trailed across the room at Kol once more. He was still watching them.
"I don't regret it," Davina said as she stood up. "The Mikaelsons saved my life when the witches wished to take it. If you want to save your Grams, this choice will do it. If you're serious, I will have my friend Joshua come to you with some names—Vampire clans on the market for a witch. I do not doubt that a Bennet could strike quite the deal."
There was a coughing sound and both Davina and Bonnie turned to see Kol standing behind them. He wore the grin that he infamous for, but there was a tightness to his posture as he looked between the two girls.
"I hate to cut what I imagine to be a sweet reunion short," Kol said, "but we just received word from brother dearest that we are needed."
Bonnie knew whom Kol spoke of and was surprised to see Davina keep her composure. She supposed that living with the awful creature for three years had numbed her. Bonnie did not know if she could ever be so numb. Maybe she already was.
Davina took Kol's hand, and Bonnie noticed the Original vampire squeeze the young girl's hand affectionately. Davina looked back over her shoulder at Bonnie just as she was about to leave.
"I'll be in touch," Davina said. "Perhaps I will see you again, Miss Bennet."
They left, Bonnie looked across the Opera House to see Elijah was no longer in his box seat. The Opera singer was belting her last note. The curtain would drop soon. The show would be over.
The carriage moved quickly through the streets of London. Davina looked out the window, watching the buildings pass by. The stars were out in the sky, and they were beautiful.
"Do you know what Klaus wants this late at night?" she asked. Kol held her hand, tracing her gloved fingers with his own. There was no heat to his touch, and yet the contact made her feel warm. Kol had always managed to make her feel warm.
"I'm sure it is just one of his fits, darling," he said, soothingly. But Davina knew him too well. She could tell he was anxious, as he always was whenever Klaus requested her. Requested would be a polite term. After all, she was his property.
"How did you enjoy the Opera, Elijah?" Davina asked the older Mikelson who sat opposite them. He was reading a pocket book, looking unconcerned with the haste at which they were moving.
"The singer was mediocre at best," He commented, not raising his eyes. "But I always did have a soft spot for an Italian ballad. I was pleased you invited me, Miss Davina. Although I am sure it was not for my benefit."
Davina felt Kol's grip tense, and she squeezed his hand to soothe him.
"I appreciate your willingness to let me speak to my friend."
"More curiosity than anything, Miss Davina," said Elijah. He flipped a page in his book. "I will say, I did not know you had ties to the Bennets."
"I have ties to no one," said Davina. "Not anymore. But Bonnie is an old acquaintance and smart company. Forgive me, if I admit that sometimes your family can be quite tiresome."
Kol smirked, and even Elijah's lip quivered upwards
"I cannot fault you there," Elijah said.
"See brother," Kol said. "This is why you must speak to Nick about letting me take Davina out on some proper dates. The girl will go mad with just us and the walls of the estate for company!"
Elijah's lips turned down again.
"Ah yes," he drawled. "But I fear your temptation to steal Niklaus' witch is too great. A carriage ride into town could turn into a run for the States. Best for you and Miss Davina that I don't raise the matter to him and dig your graves."
Kol opened his mouth to respond, but Davina squeezed his hand. Their eyes met. Davina could tell he was hurting. She hated that she hurt him.
"It's fine, Kol," she said. She gave a small smile, her voice joking despite the strain apparent in her gaze. "Such is the life of a mistress."
A/N: The only pairings that are certain are Kolvina and Klaroline. I'm not sure who I would like Bonnie to end up with (although, I doubt it will be Jeremy). Review who you think Bonnie should have a romance with, if anyone.
Thanks for reading!