Here is the beginning of my new work, Finding Love Under the Big Top.

I went to the Harry Houdini Exhibit at the Outagamie County Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin and was inspired to write this. More specifically, the love story between Harry Houdini and his wife, Bess, was actually what sparked the inspiration. Without further ado, I shall set the scene.

It's 1909 and we shall be following Simons' Circus, but more importantly, Loretta Walker.

I'll try and be as historically accurate as possible, but I'm human, so if you notice any errors, I'd appreciate if you let me know. :)

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

She pinned up her golden brown hair and smiled at her reflection in her vanity mirror in her trailer. It wasn't much, but it was home. It had been her home for the past six years – ever since her parents died and left her.

She thanked the dear Lord every day that Mr. Richard Simons found her and asked her to join his troupe of "a variety of talented individuals". He called it "Simons' Circus". She had always been fond of the circus, remembering the times her father had taken her to see the elephants, acrobats, and lion tamers.

So, at the age of twelve, Loretta Walker joined the circus.

Six years later, she was eighteen and alone. Well, not utterly alone – mind you - the troupe had become her family and it was always easy to find someone to talk to.

Circus people, she realized, are the friendliest people around. She paused in her musings. Well, at least the ones she has met so far.

One reason she felt alone was because the person closest to her in age was five years older than her. She craved for a companion that was near her age, and that they would understand what she was going through better than anyone else.

She also wanted to be loved. Of course, she knew her "family" loved her, but that was different. She wanted to be in love. She dreamed of being swept off her feet and be showered with affection.

She wanted a charming man to be completely, hopelessly, and ardently in love with her.

Although she would never admit it to anyone, she had been setting aside some of her money that she had earned over the years so that when – or, if, her pessimistic side thought – she got married, she'd be able to buy a wedding gown.

It was extremely childish and a bit presumptuous, she knew, but she didn't really care that much, if she was going to be frank. Besides, she thought to herself, if she didn't end up getting married, she could always use that money to buy herself something nice.

She sighed, and stared into her icy blue eyes hoping that she'd end up buying a white gown.

A/N: Well, what do you think? Feedback would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please ask them! I'm more than willing to help clear anything up!