Les Disparus et les Défunts: Part II
#FanFiction #EstherAndErie by @art_of_goulwenr
#Wss366 #MastoPrompt
The two continued in silence. Mademoiselle D’Arcy graded papers while the girl tried not to fidget.She glanced shyly at the headmistress a few times and then timidly took the croissant left within her reach.
Putting aside the last paper, D’Arcy stood. “Come, Bridget. It’s time to grace the sheriff with our presence.”
The sheriff stood in the entry hall, looking uncomfortable. Lady D'Arcy was pleased that he was muscular with a tan that came from spending time outdoors. However, the stain of tobacco juice on his mustache spoiled the effect. Most of all, she noticed an odor of corruption about him. It was an intangible, fishy aroma reminiscent of moneylenders, touts, and monte banks. It wouldn't take long to make him one of her tools.
“Oh dear, I assumed you’d been let into the parlor. What must you think of us?” D’Arcy’s tone seemed contrite, yet she made no move to lead him to the said parlor.
The man hastily took off his hat revealing a bald #pate. “I’m sure you're busy, madam.”
“Indeed, things aren’t as they should be with poor Miss Nightly leaving us. She will be missed—Bridget, you may go.”
The girl hurried off, glancing back only once.
“I’m afraid I have some bad news. You’ve had a passel of it this winter with Miss Everston vanishing and now Miss Nightly’s passing away. We found the child you reported having run off last February. Under a bridge. We were hoping the missing money would be with her, but it wasn’t. It's a sad affair anyway you look at it.”
“Gracious, I’d hoped she had run off home. The money will be missed, but a child's life.” D’Arcy shook her head sadly, covering her mouth. "Perhaps the person who found her picked up the money to return it?"
“I fear not, Miss. You see, only her arm was showing above the snow.”
“Oh dear, I think I will be faint. Could you help me into the parlor on the left?”
She did indeed look faint to the sheriff, with her hand covering her mouth.
#MicroFiction #TootFic #Victorian #NMFic #SliceOfLife