“You’re a very sweet child, Mable,” she smiled, and it hurt a bit.

She reminded her a bit of Anne, but more energetic and less crushed by life. Would she have to demonstrate a phylactery for this one, too?

God save her. She was too good for this world.

“So many questions,” she breathed with a smile, trying to keep her eyes from watering.

She was a lady of the night; a teacher no more. It paid better, at least, and she received about the same respect albeit in different ways. Instead of being a symbol of royal treachery to families that needed their kids working, she was instead just a temptress of a different kind. Now she filled men’s heads with sinful ideas instead of children’s with thoughts above their station.

“Um, one,” she rattled off, putting out three fingers and tapping each as she addressed them. “I’m from here,” she admitted with a sheepish smile. “Two, I’m looking for your brother.”

Not to tempt him to a life of sin … unless he looked like he was made of money. Sorry, Mable.

“Three … my employer chose the name,” she smiled, stiffly. “Some occupations come with new names.”