Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 28 )

Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 28 )

  I think Mary rather liked being treated like a lady and although she may not be one in the accepted sense, she looks and plays the part well. A lot of people would be fooled, dress her in slightly better clothing and she would easily pass as one.

I made up my mind there and then, to buy her some new dresses and maybe a nice walking out coat, she would then look perfect, the kind of lady I would be proud to have on my arm.

I won’t suggest it to her just yet, I’ll see how things go, I don’t want to make her uncomfortable by showering her with gifts, but I do want her to be happy here and stay with me.

If only I could understand the female of the species, like I understand my medicines, then my life would be much easier, for sure.

Mary Jane Kelly’s diary April 12th 1886

Jack, bless him, as just left for the Infirmary. I’m still pinching myself, to find a man like him in Whitechapel almost beggar’s belief. He is not just a good man, kindness shines from his eyes. It wouldn’t be hard to fall in love with such a man? But would it be accepted and returned? I have no way of knowing he keeps his emotions tightly reined, but I think In the past someone hurt him badly. I have no wish to hurt him again, nor will I do what the girls suggest and use him for what I can get out of him. I may be a whore, but even whore’s have more sense than to bite the hand that feeds them. This whore certainly as!

I strolled to the Infirmary with a spring in my step, and to my surprise found myself whistling again. It is surprising how a chance encounter can turn your life around. I have no notion of what may happen between Mary and myself, but then it’s still early days for both of us.

She, I’ve no doubt is flawed, but neither am I perfect, together we may both turn our lives around. I do hope that she stays. I am beginning to get used to her presence. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her? but I don’t think that is likely!

(C) Damian Grange 2018