The Acrobats

Chapter 1 - 'New Beginnings' - 1817

Madison Montgomery was twenty-five years of age when she joined the McField Circus. She had been training for years, and, unexpectedly, Mr. Baldwin, the ringleader, accepted her.

Madison was stunned that she had been accepted, of course, yet thrilled.

She had dreamed of this moment for as long as she could remember, sitting by the windowsill every night, praying to the Lord that she perhaps could even have a chance at showcasing her talents. She was a Christian, a god-fearing, loyal, obedient Christian who checked her bible before making any commitments, whether minor or life-changing.

A modest woman, considered even so in her century, she believed in all things traditional that may not fare too well in today's standards.

Men were, and should be given, more respect than women. They should be listened to, obeyed, no matter the circumstance.

Homosexuality, in any form, is rightfully illegal. Even the law, punishable by death, was absolutely justified.

Just some of the things that Madison and everybody she'd met believed. It had been drilled into her for as long as she could remember, and her mother, her mother's mother, her family a long, vicious, and continuous cycle of 'the correct' beliefs.

Taught in a drab Christian school, the pupils were split down the middle into boys and girls, so grimly that Madison only saw the boys once or twice. She and the other girls were taught sewing, poetry, writing, various topics that a typical school such as LaBeth Prepatory would in the day and age.

Madison could hardly believe it once she received the letter from the post-man on his bike that morning. Her hands were trembling, whether in fear or excitement, she was not sure. All she knew was that her being, her very spirit, was wholly shocked, yet somewhat giddy, at the revelation.

What would her mother say? The woman who instilled these beliefs on her in the first place, who frowned apon circus performers.

Madison was not going to tell her. It wasn't an outright lie not to, just a small secret that she'd pretend she thought she'd already notified her of. A white lie - no harm done... not a sin or anything.

--

The woman took a pony and cart to the town square, grasping the letter firmly in her right hand the whole journey. As she dismounted the cart, she gratefully thanked the driver and set off in the direction of the McField Circus. The streets of England were swarming with women in long dresses, arm in arm with rather handsome bachelors - and Madison found herself wondering what it would be like to be one of those women, with a wealthy man, having no worries in the world besides whether to have caviar or oysters for supper.

She shook her head dutifully as she continued down the cobblestone path, reminding herself of the true reason she was here. The Circus, and her chance, most probably the only one she would've ever received.

The McField Circus defied her expectations, though not negatively - it was simply much larger than she could have ever imagined. The building certainly appeared normal, like a typical estate on Madison's street that belonged to a wealthy family. Taking a shaky deep breath, Madison tightened her bun, straightened her dress paranoidly, and approached the door.

As soon as she stepped inside, Madison was greeted by a - respectfully - elderly man, who she assumed to be the ringleader. His lack of hair was shielded by a tall top hat perched on his head, yet it did seem to frame his tubby face.

"Ah, and you must be Ms. Montgomery?" He beamed, holding out a hand for her to shake. She did, eagerly.

"Yes. The postman gave me this.." she began, brandishing her letter.

"Of course. You're right on time." He replied. "Come. I shall give you a tour."

--

Throughout the tour, Madison was shown the dining room, the sleeping quarters, where her new acquaintances - clowns, fire artists, contortionists.. the works - practised. Finally, Madison was taken to her own practise rooms.

"And this is where you will practise." The ringleader presented.

Hung from the ceiling were aerials and trapezes, things that Madison only fantasised about using. Her mother would berate her for using the curtains instead of the former. Miraculously, even a tightrope was low, hovering above the floor!

"Th.. this is amazing, Mr.." She trailed off, realising he never informed her of his name.

"Mr. Baldwin. Ted Baldwin." The ringleader finished. "And it's no trouble, none at all, Ms. Montgomery. You won't be working alone, of course."

Too good to be true...

"There are two other acrobats, of the names Giselle Mackinnon and Michaela Day. I'm sure you three will get along just fine."

With that, Mr. Baldwin gave her a hard few pats on the back, and off he went.