White Magic

Chapter 1

So, this is Chapter 1! :) I do apoligise if some of my information is incorrect. I don't live in 1900s London, I don't even live in London, I don't even live in England! haha, but I did as much research as I could. And later in this chapter she is wearing pants, i searched google and got mixed answers, so im still not entirely sure whether women were allowed to wear pants in the early 1900s (this book is set in 1901... I kept it at this date because I didnt want to write a mystery series during the war...but, im getting quite fond of writing this story, so another book i might write will probably be set in World War 2... :3) anyway, I hope this chapter is long enough! enjoy! 

Chapter 1~

I scanned over the news paper, sipping my tea as I did so. Nothing, nothing, no mysteries to solve so far...What's this? I lean in closer to the paper and see a little article at the bottom corner of the paper reading 

'BLACK MAGIC?'

I felt interested, so I continued to read the article.

'In a small town half an hour from London there have been some strange things going on.

In the small town of Toblin, there have been reports of what some people are calling 'BLACK MAGIC' and some people have claimed to see strange things going on in the forest.

'Mysterious, strange lights and chanting!' one witness said. 'It was scary! I high-tailed out of there as soon as I heard the weird chanting! My dog was growling like a wolf!'

Other people have said to hear strange chanting in a mansion on the edge of town, an old mansion where people who have no where else to go, go too. 

'If you ask me, its a perfect place for witches.' one lady has said to us, who lives next door to the mansion. 'It's old and scary, and completely strange. I wouldn't be surprised if witches have been living there for years!'

So, what really is happening in Toblin? Is it Black Magic? Or just plain weird?'

I sit back in my chair and grin. Sounds like I have a mystery to solve.

~

"Aunty, I'm going away for a while. ill be back in a few weeks." I say as I walk into the lounge room, where my Aunt is sitting on the lounge knitting. "Fine. But take your dog this time! I'm not feeding it anymore, costs a bloody fortune!" My aunt exclaims. "Fine. Mitsy!" I coo and whistle. My little black and white terrier ruffs and trots into the lounge room. "Filthy mutt," scoffs my Aunt. I glare at her and pick up Mitsy. "Come on, Mits. Let's go,"

I pick up my bag and clip on Mitsy's lead to her collar. I open the front door and step out into the cold winter air. I walk out onto the street and wait for a carriage. Shortly after I hear the clip clop of hooves coming down the road. I wave him over. 

"Morning Miss, how can I help you?" the driver smiles. "Morning, can I get a ride to Toblin please?" I ask. "Yes, of course. Hop in the carriage Miss,"

I give the horses a quick pat before hopping in the carriage. "All set?" asks the driver. "Yes, thankyou" I reply. He gives the reins a flick and the horses trot off. 

I lived with my Aunt on the out skirts of London, so it only took a good half an hour to get to Toblin. 

The driver pulled up in the main street of Toblin, it had a happy enough atmosphere. A few lady's chattering and laughing away at a café turned around to look at me. They then resumed to their talking and I jumped out of the carriage, Mitsy jumping out shortly after. I walked around to the front of the carriage. "Thankyou" I smile at the driver and hand him his money. "Your Welcome, Miss. Don't get involved in this black magic stuff now will you," he tipped his hat and chuckled slightly before flicking his reins. I give him a short wave and then look around. I see a wooden sign a little way down the street which read 'Inn' and I made my way over to it. 

A little bell tinkled and a little old lady looked up from where she was sitting. "Hello dear," she smiled and stood up. "How can I help you?" she offers. "I'm looking for a place to stay for a few weeks, is there a room available here?" I ask, setting down my bag. "And would my little dog be able to stay with me too?"

"Of course theres a room, and your little dog is most welcome." she smiles looking down at Mitsy. "Thankyou, very much" I say. The little old lady nods and walks over to where a few keys were hanging. She lifts one off and hands it to me. "Up the stairs and first on your left" she says before walking over to sit back down.

I walk up the stairs and look for my room. First on the left, number 2. I put the key in the lock and turn it. The door opens and I walk in. The room is quite quaint, a small bed on one side and a dressing table with a mirror on the other. And a small bedside table with a small lamp. Mitsy barks happily and jumps on the bed. "Mitsy! Down!" I laugh. 

I put my bag on the bed and fish out my pocket watch. It's about 3:50, so it should be getting dark soon. I decide to put on a coat as it's mid January and may start to snow any day now.

I get some strange looks as I walk through town wearing pants, but I ignore them. It's very hard to be a detective in a dress you know. I decide it might be time to get some dinner. I walk into a small restaurant and head to the counter. "Do I need a reservation or can I just sit where I like?" I ask with a smile. "No, no you can just sit where you like..." the boy at the counter looks at me with a shocked expression. It's not everyday you see a girl wearing pants. I give him a brief smile before heading over to a table to sit down. 

"Hello, Ellie." someone says behind me. I'm getting sick of this. "Eleanor!" I huff. I turn around to see Peter and Richard. "I expected to see you two here. Why don't you join me?" I smile. "Don't mind if we do," Richard grins and sits down on a chair across from me. Peter sits down next to him. Peters dark brown hair was looking quite messy and casual. Richards light ginger hair wasn't looking to neat either. "I take it you didn't plan on coming here then?" I chuckled. "You shouldn't be wearing pants, cheeky girl." Peter smirks. "Touché." i say. "Been getting some weird looks have we? A young girl like you, shouldn't be wearing pants in public," chuckles Peter. "Now, Peter you know very well im not one to care about fashion." I say. "We all know thats not the reason your wearing pants though, eh?" Peter leans closer and whispers. "Plan on doing some late night witch hunting, are we?" he smirks and leans back. I give a little grin and say,

"Why, I would never do such a thing!"