Happy reading and don't be shy about reviewing;)
I do not own either "Sailor Moon" or "To catch a thief".
Chapter 3 – Their colours speak
As the school day came to an end, an orderly row of young women departed from the North London Collegiate School. They kept their tones hushed and their expressions serene, while their conversations were breaming with excitement.
'Serena, how did you do on your test?' She had dreaded hearing that question during the entire day and even more so when she knew miss Melvina Taylor would be the one to ask. There was something about a good student who liked to flaunt her achievements that quite incensed Serena. Melvina was a decent sort of character most of the times, but this was not to be one of them.
'I actually did not study for this test at all, I was busy playing with my siblings. But this test was a game as well, simple indeed!' Serena thought unkindly, and not for the first time, that her smug smile gave her an owlish appearance. She decided to disregard the unseemly boast and address the original question.
'I did somewhat better than last semester, though it seems I still managed to fail. Oh, Molly, how did you do?'
Miss Molly Baker was walking alongside them and had been paying close attention to the exchange. Serena had always thought the girl pretty and smart, with the most perfect manners anyone could wish for. She was grateful for the friendship extended to her since the beginning.
'I did just fine, thank you. I must say, Serena, I just cannot believe you. How could you start on your lunch so early in the day? That was certainly uncivilized of you!' Her chiding words were belied by the mirth in her Scottish brogue. 'And you, Melvina, are quite vexing, treating this like a game! Why do you have to be so clever and outrank me yet again? You are such a jewel!' This last was said in a whining tone that drew giggles all around.
'Speaking of jewels, I heard that another jewellery store was robbed just nearby. There have been a lot of such thefts lately,' Molly elatedly added. She had a peculiar fascination for ghastly gothic novels and deprived much pleasure from lurid tales.
'It seems that Venus has been catching the criminals behind them.' Melvina found mysteries equally alluring and was an avid collector of material from the Gazette.
'Who is that?' Serena's innocent question stopped the members of the walking party. As she had a tendency of living in her own world and overlooking the happenings of daily life, no one was actually amazed at her ignorance.
'She is very well-known. She is a beautiful goddess of love and justice. Furthermore, all the newspapers rave about her and she is regarded with admiration in the city. Everyone knows about her! Rumour has it that she is actually an agent with special privileges within the Police,' Melvina recited with great solemnity.
'Well, I quite understand wanting to rob a jewellery store. Being surrounded by all the beautiful sparkling gems makes me long for a diamond ring,' was what Molly needed to add. One would never normally imagine she had a materialistic streak running straight through her heart.
'Is it not your family business that is competing with Garrad on the sale of diamonds?' Serena was not especially partial to the stones, preferring the brightness of rubies to their glitter.
'Indeed, since papa has started extended his importing business to Africa, the store has been doing quite well. I am going to inspect the new arrivals today, would you like to join me?' Molly was not adverse to a bit of boasting and bragging herself.
'We would be most pleased to do so,' was the grateful reply.
The shop in Mayfair was strategically placed between a renowned modiste and a hat maker with the distinct purpose of catching the eye of the ladies passing between the two stores. After all, the perfect toilette would not be complete without the final touch, a sparkling jewel. The impeccable windows only gave a glimpse of the understated and elegant interior, but Serena felt as though she was falling through the rabbit hole. The people looking at the jewellery cases resembled odd anthropomorphic creatures and their frenzied inspection of the colourful gems was nearly contagious.
'Mama has been working hard at attracting new patrons. I am delighted to find she has succeeded beyond expectation.' Though Molly tried to sound convincing, her voice lacked strength. Something was definitely not right, however Serena did not have the time to inquire when her friend's mother approached them with a patently fake smile on her face.
'Darling, I am so happy you came. Show your friend our store and ensure she receives an appropriate discount should she decide to purchase anything.' Her eyes gleamed with an unholy light and made Serena break contact and fuss with her gloves.
'Actually, if you will excuse me, I am expected at home. I will return some other day to admire the jewellery. Molly, I would be happy to call on you tomorrow.' Her rushed speech left no space for protests and she managed to escape before her companions could get a word in.
The noise of the street assailed Serena as she exited the crowded room and her senses were overflowing. Oddly enough, the murky sky and the unmistakable smell of the city comforted her. She could not explain to herself why she had felt such a strong urge to leave the place, she only knew that her irritation had been steadily growing until her nerves were scrapped raw.
Maybe it had been the shock of the day or maybe it had been the thought that papa would never concede to reward her with one of those jewels when she had been so undeserving. Whatever the reason, Serena pulled the letter she had received from miss Haruna in the morning from her reticule. She knew the teacher's poisonous words would cause a renewed argument regarding the suitability of her attending school. In a fit of unusual temper, she balled the paper in her fist and threw it over her shoulder, only to hear an unexpected noise.
Author's note:
*Merry Shelly's "Frankenstein" and Bram Stoker's "Dracula" are some of the gothic novels that met with great success in the era.
*Garrad proclaims to be the oldest jewelry store in the world.
*The diamond rush that began in South Africa in the second half of the 19th century flooded the market with gems.
*"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll was published in 1865.