Eloise x OC / penelope x collin

Smoke

Dearest reader,

I have a question. What is it that makes a woman a sparkling diamond? Perhaps if she plays three different instruments and five languages? Her beauty? Her dancing?
Most young gentlemen would seem to agree with these qualities, but any husband knows these are not the things that truly matter. It is the mind itself that distinguishes her from all the others.

I must wonder then, why do we care so much about those superficial traits? A woman can do much more than that. Take Lady Featherinton for example. She is a widow and has to do all the tasks of her late husband, but perhaps to your surprise, she is managing quite well.
How could this be you may ask? The answer is simple, she just does it. Instead of listening to the silly men that say you can not do something, listen to me. A man may have a stronger physique, but our minds are just as capable. The only thing you have to do ladies, is to spread your wings. After all, if you never try, you will never know if you can.

Never let a man persuade you just because he is a man. Never let a man tell you you can not do something. Never accept being denied just because you are a woman.
So what are you waiting for ladies? If you want to study, study. If you want to be an engineer, be an engineer and if you want to start a business, start a business. Your husband should listen to you just as much as you should listen to him. Let's make sure all the women are on the same page and after that, let's come up with some concrete plans. It is now or never ladies. You will hear from me again. It is time for change.

Yours truly,

Miss Plainfeather

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Eloise stared out of the window. It could be any time now.

The post boy finally came up to their house. Eloise ran outside and grabbed all the newspapers. As she shifted through them she saw a black white picture of a factory that seemed familiar.

It was the factory Thomas had worked for.

The paper said: Explosion in iron factory east london

Yesterday the factory in the picture above, located in the outskirts of east London, partially exploded. One of the four main ovens malfunctioned, causing a fire to spread which eventually reached the oil reserves. So far 50 casualties and 96 injured have been reported.
The fire and explosion caused enormous clouds of smoke to form. The entire suburb is almost uninhabitable and the smoke is only getting worse. Most residents however choose to stay home as the alternative is sleeping on the street, it is way too dangerous. In addition, their homes will get plundered if they leave.
The rest of the city does not have to worry, the fire department states that the fire is under control. Hereby we ask anyone who can give the residents a place to sleep. Multiple of them already have reported lung issues which are only expected to worsen as they keep inhaling the toxic smoke.

A cold feeling traveled down Eloise's spine. She closed her eyes and tried not to panic. But Thomas... He had to be safe right? Right? No he wouldn't! He had nothing, nowhere to go and his lungs were already damaged! Something had to be done, now!

Eloise took deep breaths. There had to be something she could do, but what. She did not have the money yet.

Should I ask Penelope? Good morning, can I lend some of your money so I can help a boy I barely know? The alternative is selling one of my necklaces but where? It would be incredibly suspicious and dangerous.

Mama walked down the stairs. Eloise's shaking hands gave it away. 'Eloise dearest, what is wrong?'

There was no point in trying to pretend. She always reads her like a book. 'A factory exploded yesterday. Those poor people are going to suffocate, we have to do something.'
Mama frowned. 'That is terrible news, but is that all? It is not like you to worry so much about those things.'

'That is because I was a fool. We are spending money on a dress that we will only wear once while the poor are rotting away. I did not realize how bad it was, but now I do. I can not just stand here and do nothing!' Eloise clenched her fists, wrinkling the newspaper.
'It is very sad indeed, but it is not our fault. We earned our money and square. They are not our responsibility so please do not take it out on yourself.'

Eloise cooked inside. 'Be it as it may, we still have to do something!'

'That is not up to me my dearest. If you really want to do something you should ask Anthony. He will return in three days so...'

'Three days! They do not have three days!'
'Eloise, please, you must calm down.'

This was not going anywhere. Eloise took deep breaths so she could think clearly again. 'I am sorry mama. I would like to clear my head by making a promenade.'

'Yes, of course. I can join you if you want.'

Eloise shook her head. 'I would like some rest. I shall go alone.'

'Please tell me if you need anything. And please remember you did nothing wrong dearest.' Mama's eyes calmed her down a bit. She reassuringly rubbed my arm and returned to the living room.

Eloise ran upstairs, checked if no one could see me and entered Anthony's study room. There had to be some money here. She opened the drawers and soon enough she found a pile of coins. She really hated to steal but it was for a good cause. It was just enough to rent a small apartment for a week and to hire a doctor. Anthony likely would think he made a counting error. Her article that was delivered with the newspaper could wait.