They arrived at the jewelry store shortly after. The girl gasped upon stepping inside. The shelves glittered with precious gems, and delicate necklaces shimmered in the morning light.
Nerine smiled at her reaction. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
The girl nodded, wide-eyed.
Nerine bent down to her. "Sweetheart, what's your name?"
The girl looked hesitant. "I don't have one."
Nerine blinked, then smiled gently. "Would it be alright if I gave you one?"
The girl nodded slowly.
"Elizabeth. How does that sound?"
The girl's eyes lit up. "Elizabeth! I like it!"
"Good," Nerine grinned. "Now, Elizabeth, I'm going to have someone clean you up. We can't have you being a dirty princess through the day,can we?".
She called over a young worker. "Kindra, take Elizabeth and help her wash up. I'll be getting her some clothes."
Kindra smiled and took the little girl's hand. Nerine waved at her before stepping outside.
Just a few blocks down was a modest cloth store. She pushed the door open and was greeted with the scent of fresh fabric.
"Irene!" she called.
From behind a pile of silks, a young woman with auburn curls popped up. "Nerine! You're early for gossip hour and in your usual outfit as usual." She said teasingly.
They hugged, laughing.
"You won't believe the morning I had," Nerine said, pulling up a stool.
"You always say that."
"I found a little girl being scolded for stealing. Poor thing had no one. I brought her back..... would you like to meet her?".
"Classic Nerine," Irene smirked. "Madam Helen's going to lose her mind and I would surely come see her!".
"Probably. Can you make her a dress? Something simple, comfortable. She's small, about six."
"Of course. Leave it to me."
As Irene jotted notes, Nerine chuckled. "Remember when we first met?"
"Two little devils chasing cats and selling fake crystals," Irene laughed.
"Madam Helen nearly passed out trying to discipline us both."
"She gave up halfway. Smart woman."
They hugged again before Nerine returned to the store.
Elizabeth had been cleaned and was waiting near the counter in a big top that wasn't her size. Nerine knelt and slipped the new dress over her after removing the oversized cloth. Then she brushed and tied her brown hair into a neat ponytail.
"You look like royalty," Nerine whispered.
Elizabeth giggled. "Like you."
They both smiled before returning to the business of the day when a man entered the store, clutching a small velvet pouch.
"Good morning," he greeted with a wary tone. "I wish to pawn these."
Nerine gestured for him to come forward. He placed a pair of diamond earrings on the counter.
She examined them closely, holding them to the light. Then she ran her fingers gently over the cut.
"These are real. Good clarity. You'll get a fair price."
He nodded in relief.
*****
Meanwhile, back in Velmire, Madam Helen sat in her sitting room when the door creaked open. Gracy peeked in.
"Ma'am, you have a visitor."
"Who is it?"
"He says his name is Sir Marudas."
Madam Helen rose quickly, her eyes narrowing. She stepped into the receiving parlor.
The tall aged man bowed politely. "I am Sir Marudas. I've been searching for my daughter... for years. And I got to know that you saved her."
Helen crossed her arms. "What brought about this sudden concern for your daughter now?"
Marudas hesitated. " it's a long story." He replied her uncomfortably.
"Many fathers think of their children only when convenient." She commented not backing down from knowing the reason.
"I don't blame you for judging me. But I only ask to see her."
Helen studied him long. "I will inform Nerine of your visit."
Marudas nodded and left quietly.
Helen turned to Gracy, who had been listening from the doorframe.
"Not a word of this to Nerine. Not yet."
Gracy nodded. "Of course, ma'am."
*******
Back in Hollowood,
When it was time for lunch, Nerine brought Elizabeth a warm plate of rice and stew, placing it on the little table near the back room.
"Come eat, Elizabeth," she called softly.
The girl ran up to her, hugging her waist briefly before digging into the food with joy.
Later in the evening, the shop began to wind down. Nerine helped her staff count the day's sales, paid each of them their daily wages, and was met with grateful smiles.
"Thank you, Miss Nerine," one said. "See you tomorrow."
She nodded. "Don't spend it all at the tavern."
"No promises!"
They laughed.
Outside, Irene was waiting, leaning casually against the carriage.
"There's the little storm cloud," she said as Elizabeth peeked from behind Nerine. "Aww, she looks adorable!"
"Her name's Elizabeth now," Nerine said, helping her up into the carriage and bidding Irene a goodbye.
They all rode back home as the sun dipped below the rooftops.
The carriage pulled into the courtyard of Madam Helen's yard. The moment Nerine stepped down with Elizabeth, both Madam Helen and Gracy were sitted at the door.
Nerine sighed. "Here we go." Helping Elizabeth down the carriage.
Helen raised a brow. "And what exactly am I looking at, Nerine?"
Gracy's mouth parted, but she held her tongue.
Nerine guided Elizabeth gently forward. "This is Elizabeth. I found her being beaten in the street for stealing a bun. She has no family. I couldn't just leave her."
Helen looked from the child to Nerine, her voice even. "Did you even think to ask first?"
"No," Nerine answered honestly. "But I remembered you once did the same for me." She said softly while acting cute to persuade madam Helen.
There was a pause. Then Helen's stern eyes softened.
"We'll talk later," she said. "Bring her in. She looks tired already."
Gracy stepped aside, letting them in, but not without giving Nerine a knowing glance. She whispered, "You and your heart."
Nerine only smiled. "It's what you love about me."
Inside, the door closed behind them with a dramatic finality, the warmth of the house settling around an increased gathering.