Adeline wiped her forehead, the smell of linen, oil, and cigarette smoke clogging her nose. Another shift done. She felt over her shivering fingers, thankful she didn't have too many close calls with the looming machines, the heart of her work.

She stood and grabbed her bag, cutting across the aisle to find her older sister. The woman had been devastated by the news of her father dying. And again today, she was silent when Adeline greeted her.

The coldness was new, though.

Adeline set on the path back to the village, gripping the strap of her bag tightly as she passed others. She saw Oliver again. Before she could analyze him any further, he had slipped into a pub. Her mother would snap if she followed. Her eyes instinctively looked away.

"Dear! Miss, right here!" a market worker caught her attention.

She was presented with an array of books from a wiry person with a dirtied face, who looked no older than twelve. "Are these stolen?" Adeline asked with a twinge of humor.

"Completely mine! I'm this town's youngest practicing doctor," the boy said.

"Which university?" Adeline asked. She had taken on a tone she would use with toddlers, warm and inviting. But not taking him too seriously.

He tugged on his shirt collar, smiling sweetly and pointing opposite of her, "That one."

The boy bolted as soon as she turned her back.

"Damn," a man next to her sighed, "Some of those books looked worth my time." Adeline glanced to her side to see that this was the man who had sat by her, talking to her and walking her home that victorious night. He was bulky in frame, with messy black hair that he was subconsciously messing with.

Adeline smiled, saying, "You're that gentleman who kept me company a couple of days ago, yes?"

"Indeed. Charles," he introduced, a handshake being shared by the two of them. Charles chuckled and added, "The actual youngest practicing doctor in this town."

"Is your last name Brasier?" Adeline pointed subtly with wider eyes.

He nodded.

"I know your sister!" Adeline grinned and held her hands together, "We used to be the closest of friends."

Charles looked down for a moment, inattentive before smiling back, "You should acquaintance yourself with her again. She's a remarkable young lady."

"Perhaps I will."

They parted ways, Adeline to buy groceries and Charles on his own path.

Adeline continued to soak in the sights of the marketplace, still focused on her thoughts. Her anxieties. She wondered how Caroline had been all these years.

They had drifted apart when Adeline finished her schooling. She knew Caroline was a much smarter woman than her. Maybe she was taking classes at a local university. Definitely was married by now.

A lady like her, with draping long black hair. It framed an innocent round face, and those light honey-brown eyes.

Adeline gripped her forearm to cease her mind's rambling. However Caroline turned out, she was most definitely not trapped into working at a scummy textiles factory near the river. Not like her.

Caroline was indeed a brighter woman than she could ever be. And she would prove it.