Charles and Me

Chapter 1

So I'm new to this and would appreciate feedback. Thank You! Xx

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Stumbling through the busy Market Square, a girl was balancing a basket of clothes on her head while making her way to the river. Her name was Jane. Jane was not alone; she was joined by many women also making their way to the river to wash their clothes. Jane was a well-known beauty throughout London. She had long thick brown wavy hair almost touching her waist, beautiful green eyes which complimented her petite face and a shy smile which she share to whomever she acquainted with. Her lack of food and water gave her a pale slender appearance which was of the highest fashion at the time. Jane often laughed at the ladies who would walk through the Markets streets with their long beautiful dresses and their white lead makeup. They would often talk about how much money they had and the new dresses they bought. They reminded Jane of what her life could have once been.

Jane wasn't always poor; in fact she lived in a high noble family. Until one evening when her house caught on fire and everything burnt, including her parents. Leaving Jane with nothing except the few belongings she managed to gather before she escaped. Although Jane was upset about her loss and struggled at first to get back on her feet she was quite pleased that she did not have to wear such horrid clothing for she was strongly against the expectations a lady must acquire in order to be accepted in society. Jane often reflected on this when she was down by the river for she had nothing better to do except wash her clothes.

"Jane, how are you this fine morning?" a familiar voice asked. Jane turned and smiled at the person standing behind her, also with a basket of washing.

"Quite well" Jane replied "And you my dear Emma. How has this morning been eventful for you?"

"Oh you know the usual. Cleaning, cooking, shopping" Emma replied in a sarcastic tone while kneeling down beside Jane to wash her clothing.

"Oh the duties of a married woman" Jane chanted. Her closest friend Emma had just been recently married to the local Blacksmith.

"Now we must find a man for you" Emma suggested.

"Only the deepest love will make me marry any man" Jane replied.

"Jane, you must not have such high expectations. You are only a poor woman after all" Emma said concerned for her friend. The two continued to talked and washed their clothes for hours to come without even noticing the watchful eye of a certain gentleman. Not just any gentleman but the Prince; Prince Charles II.