Chapter 1
As the smoke from the steam-train covered the platform of Moorgate Station, a young gentleman unboards it, stepping onto the cobblestone platform. Clad in a black trenchcoat and holding a suitcase, the gentleman calmly paced down the platform, acknowledging his surroundings.
"London seems to have changed since I was here…it's became rather…befouled, if I may say so." He thought to himself.
Indeed, Victorian-era London was not a pleasant sight, smoke from the factories painted the sky grey, the air was stale, and the people were definitely not a pleasant bunch to mingle with. But, this gentleman did not come to London to observe it's society, he came with only one thought in his mind.
To find Alice Liddel.
He sighed, and slowly pulled out a round shaped locket from his breast pocket. As it flipped open, an image of a little girl, not more than 10 years old, with black hair and bright green eyes. This was the Alice Liddel that he knew. It's been years since he last seen his childhood playmate.
"I heard that Dr Bumby's corpse was found smothered on this rail a few weeks ago!"
"You don't say? Reputable Dr Bumby? Why, who would do such a despicable act?" two ladies murmured as they walked past him.
"Houndsditch Home for Wayward Youth was also burned down after his death, and that demented helper of his, Alice, went missing…"
"Maybe she's responsible for his death?"
"The bobbies do not EVEN have enough evidence to put her in the gaol. Or even find her."
Did they say Alice? His heart began to sink. What has happened to you, Alice? He solemnly thought to himself. Confused and deeply choked by the infernal smog caused by the train, Richard Hargreaves, the man who came looking for Alice Liddel, hurried away from Moorgate Station. He knew of only one person that would know where Alice would be.
Nan Sharpe.