The Sharpest Jewel | Alfie Solomons |

~ Chapter 3 ~

Camden London 1901.

The early morning light was pale and cool as it crept over the rooftops of Camden, the streets still quiet but beginning to stir with the promise of a new day. Outside the Wardens' modest cottage, a young boy with brown tousled hair and a slightly too-jumper cap stood on the front step, his breath visible in the cool air as he waited. Ollie Dahan, now nine years old and as lanky as ever, knocked again on the door, more insistent this time. "Florence!" he called, his voice loud enough to echo slightly in the narrow street. "Come on! We're going to be late!"

Inside the house, Florence, now seven, was already darting down the stairs. Her dark curls were tied back hastily, and she was still adjusting the strap of her small bag over her shoulder. She skidded to a stop at the door, breathless but smiling, and threw it open. "I'm ready, I'm ready!" she said, pulling on her worn shoes hurriedly and grabbing her scarf from the hook by the door. The chill in the air bit at her, but she was used to the cold by now—Camden mornings were never kind to bare hands and faces. She wrapped the red scarf snugly around her neck, then stepped outside, shutting the door behind her as quietly as she could so as not to wake the Wardens.

Ollie grinned at her, already turning to head down the street. "About time," he teased. "We'd have missed the whole first lesson if you took any longer." Florence hurried to catch up with him, rolling her eyes. "We've never been late, not once," she shot back with a grin. "You're just always early."

"Gotta be early if you want to get the best seat by the window," Ollie replied. His satchel bounced against his side as he walked with an easy, energetic gait, his long legs already propelling him ahead. Florence, shorter but quick on her feet, matched his pace easily. The cobblestone streets of Camden were familiar to her now, and she no longer felt as overwhelmed by the bustling city around her. The market stalls were starting to set up, and the faint smells of freshly baked bread and early morning fires wafted through the air. Camden had become home, a place where she knew each twist and turn, where she felt safe with people like Ollie by her side.

As they walked, Florence glanced over at him, her green eyes bright with curiosity. "Did you finish the sums from yesterday's lesson?" she asked. Ollie groaned dramatically, rolling his eyes skyward. "Barely. It's like Miss Cromwell wants to turn our brains to mush with all those numbers. I'd rather be outside playing ball or helping my Imma."

Florence giggled, shaking her head. "You say that every time, but you always end up getting them right anyway."."Only because you help me," Ollie pointed out, giving her a sideways grin. "You're a lot better at that stuff than I am. You'll be the one running a shop someday, making lots of money while I'm still kicking around in the street with a stick." Florence laughed at the compliment, her cheeks warming in the cool morning air. "I like the sums," she admitted. "But I think you'll be just fine. You always seem to find things out in your own way."

They turned a corner, the schoolhouse now coming into view at the end of the street. It was a simple building, small but sturdy, with a little courtyard out front where a few children had already gathered. Some were playing, their voices carrying through the crisp air, while others stood in small groups, talking and laughing. The sight of it made Florence's heart lift a little—she liked school, liked the way it made her mind feel alive and full of possibility.

Ollie nudged her with his elbow as they approached the gates. "Bet you can't beat me to the door," he said, his eyes glinting mischievously. Florence grinned, her competitive spirit flaring up instantly. "You're on." With a burst of energy, she sprinted forward, her feet pounding against the cobblestones as she raced toward the schoolhouse door. Ollie took off after her, his longer legs giving him an advantage, but Florence was quick and nimble, darting ahead with a laugh.