Evening, I hope you enjoy the update. - Sevy14


The rest of our ride to the Policemen's Ball was done in silence. I did not look over at Detective Inspector Shine, I let my mind wander as I watched the streets go by. Eventually though, we started to slow and then stop altogether. As we were stopped I made to move but Shine indicated with a slight shake of his head we were not yet getting out. A part of me was relieved, suddenly nervous. Another part was curious. Afterall, this was something completely different and I knew no one save Shine who would be in attendance. Our carriage started and stopped for a few minutes before we pulled up to the London Museum of Natural History.

"Come along then, Mrs. Shine." Shine said, his voice low, but not harsh. I almost thought I caught a sense of trepidation but if I did, Shines face didn't let on.

He held a hand out for me and I grasped it, steadying my breath as much as my body when I exited the carriage. "Thank you." I say softly. I looked up the freshly cleaned stairs and saw a myriad of people lining it. Some employed by the museum for the event, others clearly meant to be attending. All of them had their eyes on Shine or perhaps, on me. I had wanted to shrink away at that moment. If he sensed my internal reaction he did not say anything, his hand on the small of my back though, brought me back. I looked up at him, noting his jaw was set. He offered his arm and I took it, letting him guide me up the stairs. As we made our way nearer to the front doors I inquired softly, "Will Constable Jones be here?"

He doesn't look at me, eyes forward. A slight nod, "He should be, yes."

I nod, although he couldn't see it. "Well there's one person I know." I reply softly. I wasn't sure he heard me and I did not repeat it.

"Detective Inspector Shine, welcome!" A cheery voice greeted my now husband. The man at the door held the door open, "Mrs. Shine."

"Hello." I replied, dipping my head and offered the man a small smile. The tone of my voice surprised me and I hoped that neither he nor anyone looking noticed my shock.

Shine steered us through the doors and straight ahead, nodding his head at the occasional greeting from a man here and there. I had wanted to inquire about each person but I had the good sense to not, lest Shine did not want to talk to some of these men. I kept my eye on a swivel. The space was large and beautiful. I was certain that Shine noted my wonder and awe of the space, and I was relieved that he did not speak on it. Eventually though he slowed our pace and I looked over at him before seeing a group of men towards a corner of the room.

"Alright," he starts, head shifting to look at me. "Through there," with a jut of his chin, "are some of the wives or partners of the men in this room." I nod, but don't say anything. I wasn't sure what I could say. "There are other Detective Inspectors and our superior officers, Emmylyn, don't(!)" he emphasized, "Call us 'Coppers'." That last bit was low and I was certain only I could hear.

"Yeah sure." I replied.

"Go on, and play nice." He said. Tone a bit gruff. I couldn't tell though if that was him putting on a front or if it was him readying himself to be interrogated by his colleagues about me. I looked up at him for a moment before moving away. I didn't look back, although I wanted to. I offered myself a wry smile at the idea that I actually wanted to be by his side and not far away and free.

I made it through the entryway and found a group of women varying in ages standing off to the left and to the right, I noted that the group to the right wore finer clothes and I surmised they were the wives of Shine's counterparts and superiors. They looked at me, their eyes sweeping up and down and I noted two of the women say something and the others in the group smile, definitely the women tied to superiors.

"Can we help you?" One of them said. She wore a dark maroon dress and the women crowded about her. She was the one in charge, clearly.

I made my way over, "Good Evening." I greeted. She didn't reply and the others looked to her and back again. Continuing I introduced myself, "My name is Emmylyn, Detective Inspector Shine's wife."

At my introduction her eyes lit up, "Oh! You're who he married?!"

Nodding, "Yes." I said.

"Well, I-" she said, her tone haughty, "Am Caroline Abberline, Chief Inspector Abberline's wife." The smile on her face was sure and I knew that falling in line here was what was expected. By her, the other women and Shine.

"It is very nice to meet you." I say. The silence fell about us and seconds passed before I spoke. "I um… I have never been to one of these." I peer at her. "Am I supposed to introduce myself to every group of women here?" I smile and look down, away, like the ladies at the whorehouse taught me, "I do not want to impose on your conversation or be rude to anyone."

She nods and the women about her offer looks of knowing, although not sympathy, nor did any of them rise to help me, opting to let Caroline Abberline speak. "You may," she says as she sniffs and look about, "walk about and meet the other wives, but there are going to be many here from all over London." I nod. "The men will be in there for some time, talking about work or boxing. No doubt Detective Inspector Shine will be inclined to discuss his fights in the ring."

I shrug, "I really would not know. We've only just wed." I looked down, feeling unsure for a moment. "Are we permitted to look about the museum?" I inquire. "I'd very much like to look at some of the exhibits."

Again she sniffs. "Yes, but Fred cautions about wandering." The women about her nod in agreement as if they too have heard this. "I am certain DI Shine would not be too pleased with you wandering about."

I offer a wry smile, she was not wrong. "No… I suppose not." I follow her gaze to see a group of three more women enter and pause, noting the glare they give Caroline. I glance at her and see her mouth morph into a taught line. "Well I will leave you all be." I say, wanting nothing to do with whatever drama there may be brewing. "Thank you, Mrs. Abberline, for being so welcoming. I was very nervous to attend this evening." I lie.

Her eyes not leaving the group of women. "Yes, yes of course. Do come to me if you have any questions or require assistance."

I nod, but she does not see. "I shall. Ladies." I say, offering the group a smile before backing away.

Walking away from the women I found my way to the waitstaff and inquired about the powder room before following their direction and taking myself off there for a moment alone. Behind the closed door I let myself exhale and breathe. They had been nice enough, the 'Queen Bee's' but still, cool and I knew it would take more than a singular meeting for me to get into that friend group. After few minutes I heard voices growing near and I exited the room, making my way out into the museum. I had never been here and instead of rejoining the women in what essentially was a sitting room, I wandered about.

I was enchanted with the various specimens in the museum. From the adorable to the weird, I couldn't look away. I was lost in the exhibit and I knew that I wanted to come back and take in everything the building had to offer, from the top down. Maybe, just maybe, I hoped, Shine would let me sit in on some of the lectures. I had seen a flyer with various days for speakers and I had folded it tightly and then put it up my sleeve, to talk to Shine about later.

I knew this evening was meant for me to connect with other women, but I preferred to be on my own. I wasn't very good at small talk and I suspected I would have embarrassed Shine or made him look bad. Which, I figured, would be very bad for me. Eventually though I made my way around the first floor except the room that Shine and his colleagues were in, finding myself back amongst the women. I took a deep breath as I re entered the room, noting there were many more women than before and of course, I did not recognize any of them. I began to head towards the side of the room, away from everyone when a movement caught my eye. One of the women next to Caroline was waving. Making a slightly confused face I looked to my right or left before waving back. She gestured for me to come over and I steeled myself with a deep breath as I made my way to the group.

"Hello." I greeted them again.

"Hello." The woman who waved at me said. "My name is Anna, my husband, Jacob, works with Chief Inspector Abberline."

I smile and nod, "Oh alright." I say.

"Caroline and the others will be back, they're in the powder room." She says. I nod and look at the other women about her. Perhaps picking up on the awkward silence she says, "This," pointing to her left, "Is Constance Arrow, her husband is in charge of J Division."

"Hello, nice to meet you." I say, offering the woman a small smile. She dips her head but does not speak.

Anna continues, indicating to her right. "And this is Bethany Arbuck, her fiance, William, has just been promoted to Detective Inspecter in charge of G Division."

"Hello! Congratulations." I say, not quite sure how to congratulate her on the achievement of her husband. I was so terribly awkward with small talk.

Thankfully, Anna continued. "So, you disappeared, everything okay? Caroline didn't frighten you off?" She inquired, her eyes scrutinizing and so were Bethany's.

I shake my head. "Oh no, I wanted to look about the museum. I have never been and I kind of got lost in thought looking at everything." I give her a small smile. "I am certain I will be driving Detective Inspector Shine mad with my requests to come here."

For her part Anna gives a smile. "Yes, Jacob does not like to come to places like this, he would prefer the fights." Both Anna and Bethany giggle at this nodding. A shared experience then.

"I've never been to the fights." I say. "I have heard a lot about them though…" my voice trails off for a minute. "Have either one of you been to the fights?"

They both shake their heads, "Oh no." Bethany answers. "William said that is no place for a respectable lady." Anna nods in agreement.

Before I answer, Caroline's voice cuts in. "What is no place for a respectable lady?"

I turn, as do Anna and Bethany, the center of our circle now focused solely on Caroline. It was clear she was their sun. "Oh, uh, we were talking about how the men prefer the fights to coming to the museum." I say. Caroline nods. "I uh, I said that I would probably drive Detective Inspector Shine mad with requesting to come here."

"You have never been?" She asked.

I shake my head, "No." She nods. "Bethany mentioned that her fiance-"

"William." Bethany interjected.

"Yes William," I offered a light smile, "Had told her fights weren't a place for a respectable lady." I looked about. Quietly continuing, "I don't know about those type of things though."

Caroline nods, giving me a once over. "Yes well the fights they go to are dirty and the women who attend are there because they're paid to be." She said, her voice cool, "None of us should ever be caught at one of them." She says this looking around. The women about her nodding, faces almost solemn. I wanted to roll my eyes.

We stood there in silence. I held my body still enough trying to not fidget or mess with my gloves. The women looked about, seemingly content to silently judge the others in the room. After some time I took a deep breath, the noise catching Caroline's attention.

"Is there something you'd like to say?" She asks.

"I…" I wasn't quite sure what I was trying to say, I did not want to be rude. "I do not mean to intrude upon your group." I finish. She doesn't say anything or really react. "I am grateful that you have let me stand here, but I feel like I am perhaps the reason why your group maybe isn't chatting…" My voice falls away. "I just, I was just going to say I can go off on my own if you would prefer." I hold her gaze, hoping to not be taken as whiny or rude for mentioning this.

To my surprise, Anna answered, not Caroline. "These events are always weird the first time around." She gave a genuine smile. "I remember feeling the same way." I nod. "Besides, it is appropriate for you to be standing with us considering your husbands station."

I nod, "Oh… okay." Nodding slightly still. "I really am new and do not understand much of this. I appreciate your kindness." I give her a smile.

Caroline steps in, "You have very recently married though, yes?" Tone light-fake I noted.

"Yes. Just a few days ago." I respond, holding her gaze and refusing to me unruffled by her tone.

She nods. "Did you know him before?"

"I met him the day before, but aside from that I had only known him through rumor." I say. I continue, "There are lots of rumors about him."

At this Caroline chuckled. "Yes, there are." Her amused face gave mine a once over. "I am relieved that you know this about DI Shine."

I nod. "Hard not to. He is kind of famous in that kind of way, I think." I say. Hurriedly I say, "I do not mean that rudely towards him just that… Well you don't hear much about policemen like you do about him."

She nods and the other women about do so as well. "No, you do not." Her face returned to the hard look it had previously. "Do not be caught up by fanciful tales that some speak, rumors often have some basis in truth." She says.

Her frankness catches me off guard and I was certain she caught my look before I recovered. With a nod I reply. "I-I won't." I wasn't certain if she was implying something or just speaking generally.

She offers a curt nod. "Good." Before I could respond she clears her throat, "Speaking of the devil." She indicates with a slight movement of her head. I turn as she says, "It looks like Detective Inspector Shine is ready to depart."

Shine is there at the door, hawk eyes looking about the room before settling on me. Even from the distance I could tell they were dark. Perhaps the evening had not gone well for him. I swallowed, turning to the group. "It was very nice to meet you all." I give them a smile. "Thank you for being so gracious and kind to me."

Caroline nods, "Of course." Both Bethany and Anna reply with nods.

"I hope you have a good rest of your evening." I say, "Good night."

Anna and Bethany speak first, "Good evening." In unison again.

Caroline, "Have a good evening, Mrs. Shine."

I offered them one last lingering smile before turning and crossing the room to meet Shine. He stood just outside the door. As I drew near I tried to study his body language and face but he was unreadable, at least to me. As I reached him I greeted him, keeping my face neutral and hopefully in a manner that he found appropriate. "Hello, are you ready to leave?" I ask.

His eyes look past me and then fall on me again. With a slight nod, he answers as he holds his arm out, "Yes." The clipped response was all I god.

Right… "Okay." I say softly, taking his arm. He guides me back through the main hall and out the door. My mind was racing with thoughts of this evening, did I do something wrong? Should I have not wandered looking at the exhibits? Did I say something wrong? I couldn't have, I barely spoke to anyone. As we descended the steps of the museum I had to walk fast to keep pace with him, his strides far longer than mine and I wasn't sure if Shine was attune to that or if he just did not care in the moment.

"Evening Detective Inspector Shine, Mrs. Shine." Jimmy said as he pulled the carriage up to meet us.

Shine did not greet the driver. I offered him a polite smile, "Evening." I replied softly.

Shine opened the door and held a hand up to help me inside, he was rushed or rushing. I gave him a look, but took his hand and got into the carriage, sliding over, noting he followed suit quickly. "To the station Jimmy." He said shutting the carriage door behind him.

I looked over at him a question on my lips, but opted to not voice it. He sat, back straight and face slightly furrowed, eyes closed. I observed him. After a few minutes my curiosity got the better of my good sense. "Did I do something wrong?" My voice seemed loud, even as the cobbled stone seemed to crackle loud as the tires rolled over their uneven surface. He cracked his eyes open and shifted his gaze to me. In that moment I wish he hadn't, the intensity behind them was piercing. I swallowed. This, I thought, this was the Jedediah Shine, the one the rumors were about.

"No." His tone low, the word clipped. His eyes never left mine.

I nod, once. "Oh." I say, not sure what I could say. I could feel my stomach tighten at the intensity of his gaze. "Well…" the silence takes over and I finally look down, breaking the contact between our eyes and finding a deep breath. "Well uh did something happen?" I ask. He does not answer, nor does his gaze soften. A sniff of his nose was the closest to a response I received. "Um… are you upset?" I ask. "You seem… very angry or-or something." I say. I don't look away, I wasn't sure if I could.

"It is nothing to do with you." He replies before turning his gaze out the window.

I nod, though he couldn't see it. 'Thank goodness for that.' "I am relieved to hear that." I mutter quietly. A little louder I continued, "You just seemed upset with me is all." I look back out the window.

I hear him sigh. "Should I be upset with you?" He asks. I couldn't place his tone.

I look over, sharply. "No." I say, my voice sounding indignant. There wasn't a reason I think.

He nods. "Good." As he speaks we pull up to the K-Division station. He opens the door stepping out. "Come along Mrs. Shine." He says. His tone was cool, a command with no negotiation indicated as an option.

I look at him but slide over and step out, letting him help me even though I didn't really need it. The act, it seems, was still on. I turn as he starts to walk away, "Good evening Jimmy."

"Good Evening Mrs. Shine." The driver says, his cheery tone the nicest thing I had heard all day I noted. Which was sad, very sad.

Shine led me into the station, the eyes of the evening Constable and other men about lingered on us, no doubt questions on their lips. Into his office Shine led us, stepping back after opening the door to let me pass. Once through I turned stepping to the side to get out of his way as he moved past, shutting the door firmly. I stood there, awkwardly, unsure of what to do. This Detective Inspector Shine made me feel unnerved, as if he would strike at any moment if I breathed wrong.

"You may sit there," Shine indicated with a hand at the chair across from him, "Or, you may rest on the couch." he said.

Nodding I looked back and forth. "Will uh… will we be here awhile?" I inquired. Not really searching for details as to what was going on but something to indicate if I needed to settle in for a long wait.

He gives me a once over, the sweeping look cool. "Do not," he says, "leave this office."

I nod. I was annoyed he hadn't answered but clearly whatever I thought or wanted was not a priority at this moment and something was going on. He had removed his jacket, hat and gloves, laying them neatly behind him on the shelf. He cleared his throat and was rolling up his sleeves. It felt like I was tempting my fate, I dared to ask, "Do you think I could have some tea?" I dared ask.

He moved about the desk, past me. "I will have Constable Emington bring you some tea." He said. Shine paused at the door and gave me a look but I couldn't decipher it as I looked back at him. Without another word he opened the door and stepped through, shutting it briskly.

I released a held breath and sunk onto the couch. With a shake of my head I looked about rubbed my hands against my upper arms. A light knock on the door drew my attention and I stood just Constable Emington, I assumed, opened the door.

"Oh hello." I say feeling exposed and vulnerable all of a sudden.

"Mrs. Shine." he says, "The Detective Inspector said you would like some tea?" His hand with a full cup of tea, the steam coiling upwards in his hand a book and newspaper under his arm.

I nod, "Oh yes, please." I say. He moves across the room and puts it on the desk before backing away. "I uh… I am not certain what is going on." I softly. "Should I be worried? He seemed quite cross."

At the door Constable Emington nodded. "Oh, well they brought someone in. Seems a right mess what happened." He said, his voice low.

I nod. "Oh, alright. Thank you for the tea." I say with a smile.

He nods. "Of course it is no trouble Mrs. Shine. The paper there and the book are yours to read, no accounting for quality or taste though." He chuckles. "They're what we have laying around. DI Shine thought you might get bored." He exits Shine's office and shuts the door.

I nod. "Thank you, I appreciate the thought." I say as he shuts the door. Moving across the room and I sit in a chair at the desk, tea in hand and smile at the warming sensation. To myself I say, well at least there's something to do.


Thanks for taking the time to read. I hope you're all well. - Sevy14