A/N: Sorry. Work hours have sucked, which means that all I've been doing recently is work and sleep. I finally got the chance to write some more, so here it is. The lyrics are from "Villikens and his Dinah", which evolved later into "Sweet Betsy of Pike". It's the song that's heard in the tavern in Oliver, just if you were curious.
Fic starts here:
The sun had set and the day had begun. The crowd had begun to gather, the drinks were being poured and already the shouting was starting. Nancy folded her arms and leant against the wall, studying the crowd for potential clients.
"Law of averages, Nance. You don't get many one night, but you'll be busy the next." Bet grinned. "So I won't see you until tomorrow!"
"Here's hoping!" Nancy smiled back and watched idly as Bet walked off, drinks in hand, into the boisterous crowd, who had begun to sing one of their favourite drinking songs.
"Go,
dress yourself, Dinah, in gorgeous array,
And I'll get you home
a husband both gallant and gay…"
He had come back! She was sure it was him, even though her memories of the previous night were rather hazy. Was there any more money to be made there? She began to approach him but stopped when she saw that he had sat down at the nearest table and had asked something of the nearest girl. Nancy bit her lip in anger at the thought of a lost client, but her annoyance soon subsided when she watched the girl leave and return a few minutes later with a plate of stew. Perhaps she could approach him later, then. Turning to leave, she realised with horror that his eyes had drifted from his meal upwards, to where she stood. He knows I've been watching him. Oh God. She stood in a stunned shock, uncertain of what he must think of her or what she should do. Fortunately, Nancy was spared the decision as to what action she should take, because the man had smiled and motioned for her to sit by him. She obeyed.
"Still lonely, I see… or was that your name?"
"Nancy, actually." She hesitated. "And yourself?"
"Bill." He paused a moment to take a mouthful of stew. "So what were you doing staring at me, huh? What were you thinking?"
"What I have to in my station. I gotta eat, ya know."
"I know. Lucky for you I don't take offence at being stared at. Not by women, at least." He grinned. "You ain't busy tonight, are ya?"
"Not that I know of."
"Good, 'cause I'd hate for you to have to turn some other fellow down just so you could stay here with me."
Nancy couldn't help but smile. "What makes you think I would choose you over any other bloke?"
"'Cause -" He signalled the girl once more."There ain't too many blokes around with my good manners." The girl returned holding a mug of gin, which she offered to Nancy. "Drink up." Nancy did as she was told. When she had finished, Bill pushed his now empty bowl aside. "And now to business. Come on." Nancy stood up and followed him out of the tavern, meeting Bet's eye as she did so.
"Now, all you young men, don't you thus fall in love…"
A Jew with greasy red hair smiled as he saw the two finish their conversation and leave the tavern together.
"And, all you young maidens, mind who you clap your eyes on…"
The singing faded as they walked into the darkness of the streets. Nancy turned into the alley and reached to lift up her skirts when she felt Bill's heavy hand on her wrist.
"You insult me."
His remark confused her. "What? I - "
"I'm a respectable gentleman." He laughed. "I want a bed and walls this time. Follow me." Continuing to grasp her wrist, he lead her out of the alley and down the streets. A baby cried somewhere and she could hear two women arguing about something. A man's scream suddenly cut through the chilly air.
"Does it scare ya?"
She looked up into Bill's face. "No."
"Good." He reached into his pocket with his free hand and withdrew a key. He suddenly veered to the left, and thrust the key into a tiny door at the side of one of the decrepit buildings. "It's just up here." Up a set of stairs and to the right, he opened the crumbling door and lead the way into a tiny room. A white dog looked up as the door opened and growled at the newcomer.
"Stay, Bullseye." Bill commanded. He turned to Nancy. "Come on, you won't get bitten. But I can't say the same for the dog's behaviour." Nancy laughed and, at ease, entered. Bill smiled and shut the door behind them, ensuring that it was once again locked before turning to business.
