Chapter 1.
A Winter's Ball.

Snow had come early to the city of London that year, and the white flakes fluttered down from the dark, cloudy sky. But Jack Frost's bite could not be felt in the large ballroom as the bright lights, cheerful music, and merrymakers made the atmosphere warm and festive.

It was a private ball, and the hostess was one Lady Britemore. She was new to the city, and the ball was given with the obvious motive of getting to know all the families of influence in the area.

The party had been well underway when late guests arrived. Two ladies stepped into the grand hall, and a hush settled over air.

"Whoever thought to invite her?" Mrs. Hallmare leaned over and whispered to her gossiping companion, Lady Merringwere.

"If I'm not mistaken, young Miss Carrey was invited and brought her along," Lady Merringwere replied. "You know how Miss Carrey is very fond of Abigail Havisham and tries to bring her to any social gathering if she can possibly help it."

Mrs. Hallmare shook her head with disapproval. "Mr Carrey ought to take more consideration of the company his daughter keeps. It is true that he is but a minister with only a small parish to boast of, but his elder brother is the Viscount of Wintex. Miss Carrey holds great responsibility not to do an injustice to her Uncle's prominante name and place in society."

"But Miss Havisham comes from good family as well," Lady Merringwere dared to point out.

"Distant relatives," Mrs. Hallmare corrected. "Her father was nephew to the Viscount of Derrywill, but after the scandal that involved her late uncle, the Viscount refuses to acknowledge them as family."

"What scandal?"

"I'm not sure of the details. Only that there was some dreadful scandal involving money. The Viscount refuses to disclose just what happened exactly, but he turned his back on his brother's descendents and will not even so much as mention their names. And if that wasn't shame enough, the way she chooses to lead her life is...well...ridiculous, to say the least. Her father spent so much on her education, and what does she do? She goes and becomes a teacher. But not a governess to a good and proper family, oh no, she lowers herself to teaching girls from the streets. Whoever heard of such a thing. Twenty-four! The girl is twenty-four and still unmarried."

Lady Merringwere gave a sad nod. "I heard her father left her about two hundred and fifty a year. She's not completely destitut. If she played her cards right, she could have found a decent husband and made a tidy life. I don't suppose she makes much money teaching street urchins."

Just as the words left her mouth, Miss Carrey and the infamous Miss Havisham walked past the two gossiping ladies. Miss Havisham caught their disapproving gaze. She flashed a smile and gave a wink. A movement of her wrist made it seem that she wanted to wave at them as well, but Miss Carrey caught her hand and held it tight. She pulled her friend away from the women.

"Of all the ill-mannered, silly girls England ever produced," Mrs. Hallmare gasped.

"It's little wonder she can't find a husband," Lady Merringwere agreed. "She has very little to recommend herself, and with that kind of attitude, no man will ever want to come near her. I've seen her at several social functions, and no gentleman has ever asked her to dance."

"I tell you, my dear Lady Merringwere, if such a girl ever does fetch a husband, I'll grind up my favourite string of pearls and make chowder out of them. She is a disgrace to our society, and I shall speak to Miss Carrey's parents to make sure they limit their daughter's contact with her. It would be terrible if sweet and sensible Elizabeth Carrey picked up on the bad habits of Abigail Havisham."