The Other Half

Elsie Jenkins grew up in New York in the late 19th century. She was an only child and, at the age of 9, lost both her parents to tuberculosis. This was common at the time, especially, in a city where people were stacked higher than the buildings. Living in conditions only fit for "the other half," those who couldn't pay their way to a better life, she found herself dreaming of a different life. Mary Dudley, an elite member of society from the Upper East Side, could make that dream a reality for Elsie.

James Dudley, son of Todd and Mary Dudley, found himself intrigued by the girl his mother brought home one day. Her smile radiated through the dirt and grime covering her long dress. Mother said that she had a sharp mind and she needed a new assistant, what with her new endeavors among the suffrage movement.

Elsie didn't want to abuse the kindness of the Dudley's by falling in love with their son, but how could she resist those dimpled smiles and baby blue eyes?

Note: This is Historical Fiction, however, I want to emphasize the word "fiction" because I do make things work in my favor ;)