ok so a little update. I'm finding it easier to do shorter chapters more often as I have an internal default of writing 4-5 pages. (Occupational hazard

Wwoeo14

For three days leading up to Jenny's birthday, Vastra locked herself in the library with her two ledgers trying to sort out what Jenny was worth. She hated every minute. Being use to a very different economy, she felt like everything she tried to do cheapened Jenny and the work she did. In her mind, she and Jenny were equally deserving of the income they made together. Training Jenny was a sheer joy, except during her brief rebellion.

On her private ledger, Vastra noted the improvements that Jenny brought, and the subsequent increases in income as they took on ever more difficult cases. They were even able, thanks to Jenny, to do some private and corporate investigations, which were always very lucrative. Anything that Jenny 'owed' her for training was more than made up for in the ways she trained Vastra.

Vastra doubted that Jenny would understand, so on the ledger she would share with her, she included an apprenticeship fee. Apprenticing detectives wasn't common, so Vastra made a guess. Jenny worked at least half of her time on detective work. They entertained quite a bit, and Jenny served as butler, in Vastra's eyes.

Jenny reviewed her own version of the ledger. She knew with the 12 pound advance she would owe Madam, but didn't really mind. She also knew the teapot she broke was really worth more like a pound.

When the day arrived, Madam Vastra first presented a gift of a vanity set for the occasion. Jenny's beautiful hair deserved a proper brush and comb, not the old broken ones she used. Such gifts between mistress and maid weren't uncommon, but the fact that it was brand new would be unusual. Jenny was so happy, she combed her hair and left it down for the rest of the day - a treat for Vastra to behold.

Next they sat at the dining room table with each woman nervously brandishing a ledger. As usual, Jenny found Vastra's evaluation to be generous but ultimately fair. It was hard to get her mind around the idea that Madam would pay her the salary of a grown man. It was a certain amount of guess work and different ways to interpret the same time. After some negotiations, they determined that Madam Vastra owed her 20 pounds!

Jenny asked about the £12 advance. Madam Vastra had submitted the ten pound fee as an expense to Scotland Yard, who had paid it freely. Jenny still had the other two pounds in her own savings. Jenny knew not to spend her money carelessly, and had little desire to spend much.

That evening the house was full of their eclectic group of friends. By intentionally building a community of inverts, they had contacts from all over the city, from different classes, immigrant groups and religions. This network was a secret weapon in their investigations. They always had someone to help them understand the setting of any case they investigated.

Tonight wasn't about networking or solving crimes, it was a celebration of Jenny Flint. There was a band and dancing, food from around the world, and lots of fun and games. Jenny danced through the night with many girls who would gladly take her home, or even off into a quiet corner, but she showed no interest. Jenny and Vastra captured the room as they moved together in sweet harmony. Vastra even let Jenny lead.

Parker's gift to Jenny was a drive around London at night. Some people may have thought it inappropriate for Jenny to ride up front, but that was part of the fun. They talked about everything and nothing. Parker noted all the girls showing an interest in Jenny.

"I'm just not interested in any o''em."

"That Christina really broke your heart?"

"Who? Her? Yeah she 'urt me, but I'm not thinkin' about 'er. I 'ear she's been sent to some kind of girl's reform school. I 'ope she pulls 'er life together, but that's all. "

"Is there someone else?"

"Perhaps, but I'm just afraid she don't see me the same, and it'll be bad for me if she finds out."

"Madam Vastra?"

"How can you tell?"

"I see you two together all the time, there's a real chemistry between you, you're a wonderful team, I'm sure she can tell you're attracted to her. "

Parker knew much more than he let on. Vastra had confessed her feelings to Parker, along with her uncertainty about Jenny's age and dependance.

"But she isn't interested in me?"

"I didn't say that. She clearly cares deeply for you, but I imagine it weighs on her that she is also your employer, and doesn't want to take advantage of your youth or position."

"So it's impossible?"

"Give it time".