Clara had been in London a week before she caught word of about where Ethan might be. Her original lead, The Traveling show was long gone from London, having left weeks before her arrival. It was last seen making its way north. She asked around hoping anyone knew if the American gunslinger was with it when it departed, but no one knew for certain.
She gathered news of any American in town matching Ethan's description. Asking shopkeepers, inn owners, barkeepers, police officers, and even some of the street children. They gave her a few possible places to check, but nothing concrete to go on.
She had another problem approaching. Money. The amount she brought with her was slowly dwindling and without it, her next destination will be living on the streets.
She first tried to find a position in some of the shops by her current lodging, but she was turned away. Clara had hoped to bookstore would have taken her but, alas, the owner was under the impression a woman's place would be better suited in the home then trying to discuss the meaning behind Homer's writings to clients.
He then tried to sell her some tasteless romance novels, stating they were his most popular sellers for his women clients. Suffice to say, that will be the last time she shops there.
She now was on her way to a nearby sewing factoring in hopes there are any positions available
Her skill was more in embroidering decorative doilies and such, not sowing clothes, since that was what she was taught the "proper" lady should spend her time on.
For all her etiquette training, there was little she had to support her in this new working class life she was now living.
The factory door stood open allowing the sounds of sowing machines to carry into the street. As the got closer, the voice of a man yelling over the noise could be heard, "Oi, Ladies. Pick up the pace! You're not paid to tittle your thumbs".
Stepping closer Clara called out to him, "Excuse me sir, are you the owner of this establishment?"
Turning to her, he stopped a moment to look her up and down before answering her, "Depends on what you looking for sweetheart."
Holding back a cringe she replied, "I was wondering if there might be any positions available at the moment".
Pointing to a side door, he huffed, "out that door you should be able to find the boss." He turned back to the workers, "Parker, You don't get paid to take breaks! Move those hands!
Through the side door she was taken to an outside area that could possibly be where they load the clothes for shipment. Clara continues her search for the owner. It didn't take her long to find two man standing conversing to the side of the building. As she got closer she caught a little of the conversation.
"Come now Robert, isn't there someone you can spare for a bit." pleaded the man on the left to the balding man on the right.
"I'm sorry Vincent, but I have no workers to spare right now. Why not try the sweathouse down the street? Surely one of them would take you up on your offer."
"The sweathouse?!, have you seen the shape of the stuff that comes out of there! I would sooner have my actors perform in the nude then in something produced in that ragamuffin place."
Chuckling, the balding man replied, "then I'll be sure to attend the next show. It's sure to be a surprise to the senses."
Seeing the conversation leading nowhere the man on the left took his leave, brushing past Clara on his way.
Clara walked up to the balding man, "excuse me sir, I didn't mean to overhear, but is it correct you don't have any positions open now? I had hoped to find employment here."
"I'm sorry miss, but I don't have any jobs available right now", he said as he started walking back towards the factory door.
Feeling dejected, "do you know of any other places nearby that might be hiring?'
"No, but the gentleman that just left is looking for someone to hire. You should try catching up with him."
Thanking the owner, Clara hurried off to try and find the man who just left.
The Man was a surprisingly fast walker. He was already halfway down the street before Clara caught sight of him again.
Picking up her pace, she called out, "Sir. Excuse me, Sir!" Catching up with him, she reached out and touched his arm, startling him.
"Sorry sir. I called out to you, but you didn't stop. I just came from the Thomason factory looking for work and he sent me your way saying you had a position in need of filling."
"That is true, but I'm looking for a skilled worker not an amateur. Do you have any experience with needlecraft?"
"I have been taught since a young age how to embroider and cross stitch." Trying to show more confidence then she felt, "I have confidence in my skill that I will be able to complete any task you need done."
Turning to her he offered her his hand, "We shall see about that. Seeing as I have no other candidate, you have the job for now." Pointing his finger at her, "but if it's not up to par. You're gone and don't expect payment before you go either." turning to leave he stated, "I expect to see you tomorrow at nine a.m. sharp."
Excited by this news, Clara almost forgot he didn't say where she was to meet him at.
Calling out to him, "Sir! But where do I go tomorrow to meet you?"
Throwing his hands up in a dramatic gesture he shouted back, "the theatre of course. Nine o'clock Sharp." And then he was gone; fading into the crowded London streets.
Sorry it took so long to post. iv'e been tied up with school assignments and my work schedule. Summer semester is over in about a week so besides work i should have some more time to post. thanks to all the love and feedback i've received in my reviews and pm's. you all are awesome and i hope you like where i take the story. like i said in the first chapter, i already know kindof how the story will end, but not everything else yet. i'm hoping to start writing the next chapter in the next day or two depending on my schedule. Much Love ~ Storm