Chapter 2

September 7th, 1940
London, England

“Come quickly now, or you’ll be late!” James hissed.

He stood in the shadow of his house, glancing fervently around for some sign Charlotte was on her way.

“You’ll laugh!” Charlotte complained from around the corner.

“How could I ever laugh at you? I’m sure you look fine,” James said, walking to where Charlotte stood.

She sighed and moved from her slouching position to face him. James let out a chuckle and Charlotte dashed back to the blackest shadows.

“No, you really look great, it’s just I’ve never seen you with so much make-up on,” James said as he saw the look in Charlotte’s eyes, like she was on the verge of tears.

“But. . .” she began but was cut off.

“If you don’t leave soon, they wont let you in. Now this was my present to you and you had better take it with the most grace. Now get your little bum in gear and go to that ball and have a good time!” James pushed her out of the shadows and into the street.

“You’re not going to walk with me?!” Charlotte asked.

“A lady cannot be escorted to a dance by a mere middle-classman.” James said before he scampered away into the darkness leaving Charlotte alone.

The walk to The Spyglass was short, but alone at night in the streets of London was not the best thing for a girl who had barely yet turned seventeen. The previous day had been her party, and as a present, James had given her one of his mothers old dresses to wear. Since her death two years ago, his father had not been very lively and hadn’t even noticed when he had snuck it out of the house for her.

It hung off Charlotte’s frame like a wispy shawl, pale blue and so sheer it almost looked gossamer. A silver slip peeked above the top, barely visible. It had the lowest neck line Charlotte had ever worn, but the way it hung off her shoulders seemed to fit perfectly.
The night took on a sudden chill and Charlotte regretted her decision not to bring a jacket. She didn’t own one that wouldn’t draw attention to herself by wearing a poor mans coat, but maybe she could just leave it outside. . . .

Charlotte was just thinking of turning back when she heard a voice from behind her.

“Now what’s a fine lady such as yourself doing out alone in the streets of London at night?” said a man’s voice.

“I-- um-- am going to The Spyglass for the ball tonight.” Charlotte whispered, not turning around.

“Fancy that! As am I. Shall we go together then?” he asked, maintain his advance.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Charlotte stuttered.

“Tisn’t more than a few blocks,” he continued softly.

Just then, he appeared in front of Charlotte and she got her first real look at him. His hair was slicked back across this head; black with gel. A big, beak-like nose took up most of his face, but his smile and eyes showed Charlotte just what she needed to analyze him. His smile was crooked with amusement and perfectly white teeth implied vast amounts of money in his family. And his eyes. His eyes sparkled with excitement for the coming night, glints of chocolaty brown speckled throughout the intense green.

“Come, we shall go together and have a brilliant time,” he said wrapping his arm around Charlotte’s. “By the way, my name is William.”

“Charlotte,” she said before remembering she was suppose to keep her identity a secret.

“A very pretty name for a beautiful girl.” William whispered in her ear.

Charlotte blushed and bit her lip to keep from giggling.

Up ahead they could hear soft music coming from The Spyglass. She couldn’t tell what song it was, but it was getting louder by the moment. They turned around a corner and the smell of expensive perfumes and cigarettes enveloped them. A dim light filled the street and they both quickened their pace.