Well, I'm back with an update. To those of you who have stuck around, thank you! I hope you enjoy this short chapter. - Sevy14


I had come downstairs before Detective Inspector Shine. I was nervous and did what I could to not pace. Since he had really left me with no instruction or inkling about what type of event I would be attending with him, I was feeling somewhat insecure about my attire and my whole look. I had decided to go against what I saw so many women do and allow my hair to sit naturally, the gentle curls folded nicely about and had framed my face. Having grown up in a whore house I was no stranger to make up and other beautifying methods that women used to enhance their features but that was not me. I had always felt odd when the girls at the whore house had put make up on me and dressed me up like their little doll and so, I opted to go with a soft color upon my lips, and softly applied. I had noted as I made my way down the hall and stairs that I was worried about what the Detective Inspector thought of my appearance, which was silly and foolish as I would not care on a normal day. I had not cared earlier. But still, I did hope he didn't think I looked like a silly child playing dress up and that he liked the dress he spent so much on, without so much of a look.

"Emmylyn." I hadn't heard him come down the stairs.

"Oh!" His voice took me from my thoughts and I jerked my neck to look in his direction. I noted that he gave me a once over but his face was impassive. I could not tell if I felt like that put me at ease or made me worry more. "Is this… okay?" I asked softly, looking down at the blue dress, a hand pulling slightly at the fabric.

With a nod, "Yes. It is suitable." I replied to her. Noting that for the first time she seemed unsure of herself, the reason for her uncertainty though, I could not place and did not want to take time to. She cleaned up well though, thankfully. I thought. "If you're ready, it is time to leave." I say as I gather my hat, gloves and coat.

Shine, for his part, I acknowledged looked impeccable. I suspected his coat cost more than everything I owned. The man knew how to dress. Although how he afforded it on a coppers salary I couldn't tell. I didn't think he was rich or well off really but I didn't know more about the guy past rumor. "Where are we going?" I inquired, moving across the room.

As we stepped through the door, I answered. "Policeman's Ball." She offered a hum in response but said nothing else. "You will not be cold?" I inquired, she did not have a shawl or coat of her own. She shrugged and looked quickly over at me before looking away towards the waiting carriage.

"You said to get a dress, you didn't say anything about accessories." I answered as evenly as possible. It was true but I was kicking myself as I could have gotten a shawl, but I was unsure in the store and Jude, as patient as he was, would have been no help if I asked him, I had assumed.

I had wanted to roll my eyes. How very literal of her. "Right well… It is chilly this time of year once the night sets in." I countered.

"I'm sure I will be alright Detective Inspector." I replied to him. He helped me into the carriage and slid in after me. I noted that he sat on the opposite side. I had been thankful for that. Once the door shut and our carriage lurched forward I looked over at him, "Besides, if I raise a big enough stink, perhaps one of the local firemen can give me their coat." He looked at me sharply, annoyed at my answer I thought.

"There will be no firemen present." I say to her. I offered a small smile to indicate I was jesting with him.

The silence between us sat and I fidgeted with the gloves on my hand. "Well if no firemen will be present, who will be there?" I inquire, purposely looking out the window. "Obviously other coppers, but who-"

"Emmylyn, do not call us coppers. Not tonight, or ever." I say sharply. She isn't looking at me, on purpose I am sure. I regretted inviting her as all the things she may say were flashing through my head.

I look over to see him giving me a look. "Well?" I raise an eyebrow. "Anyone who is important that I should feign adoration to?" This time I don't look away.

I was not able to tell if she was serious and inquiring so she could prepare or being a brat. "My superiors will be there, as will their wives or partners." I reply. She nods. "I suspect at some point you and the other women will be left alone in one of the rooms to entertain yourselves."

I make a face. "Why?" That did not make sense.

"Because we'll be talking work and it is not something a woman should hear or be a part of." I counter, noting her irritated look.

"Well that is silly." I say and expel a short burst of air. "I'm going to get bored." I say. Really more to myself than to him. Before he can answer I contine, "Do you think any of the coppers will bring one of Fathers girls?"

This was not something I had thought of. I offer a slight shrug, "I cannot say." She looks back out the window. "Would you have liked that? If one of those girls was there?" I inquire. She doesn't turn her head but I catch her eyes slide my way as she shrugs, a nonverbal answer that doesn't tell me one way or another.

"Will anyone there be my age or are they all older?" I ask, my voice soft.

The shift of tone from playful to insecure again hits me and I look her up and down, observing her body movements. She was still enough, but nervous and trying to seem calm. "I am sure some of the younger men will have partners there. Although, they may not be who you should engage with." I state. At this she looks at me.

"Why?" My tone was harsher than intended. If it bothered him, he didn't react. "Everyone there is married to or-or with a copper, why wouldn't I engage with them?"

"Policeman, Emmylyn." I say cooly. "I will not," I emphasize 'not', "Correct your terminology again." She holds my gaze, unfazed. "The reason is because those women who are married to or with my superiors are of a different class than, let's say, that of a constable.

I nod. "Well I think that is silly. Shouldn't I, as your wife, engage with everyone attached to one of your men? Would that not look better and go over more smoothly with them instead of treating some like dirt?" I ask pointedly.

"Emmylyn…." I pause. "Do as you like." I say. "But as much as this evening is about me showing you off," I bluntly state and I could see her surprise at it, "It is also about you getting to know them and them, seeing you for the first time." She nods, our eyes lingering on one another's for a moment before she looks away. I exhale deeply. "But yes, it is better for the morale of my men if their women don't think that I view them as low, you are not wrong." She does not acknowledge that I spoke and I let it go.

The rest of our trip was done in silence. I pondered what it was like to attend such a fancy ball with Detective Inspector Shine. Did his superiors think of him the way the public did? Were they impressed with him or scared or, did they think him a bully and sod? I knew he was right of course. Women were as bad as men, worse maybe, when it came to how they treated new comers and those they felt were beneath them.


Thanks for reading and sticking around. Happy reading and writing to all of you out there. - Sevy14