“I’m a romance writer and I write Regency romances. That’s why I need to interview an opera girl.”

Starlet gave a derisive laugh. “Then you’re out of luck! All we got around here are pimps, Johns, and pieces like me!”

“Not opera, dear,” Delores said sweetly. “Opera girl. And you just said that was what you were.”

Starlet’s smile slipped all the way and she suddenly looked young and almost naïve. “Opera girl, huh? Maybe I shouldn’t ask ’cause I’m probably talking to a wack job here, but what’s this opera girl thing?”

“That’s the name they gave to ladies of the night in Regency England.”

Hannah watched Starlet’s face. She was beginning to look a bit curious. Perhaps her mother’s approach wasn’t a mistake, after all.

“Where’s Regents England?”

Hannah held her breath. Here’s where Delores could blow it. If she corrected Starlet, her curiosity might disappear to the point where she’d tell them to get lost, that they were hurting her business.

“It’s England, the same England that the Beatles came from.”

“Oh, yeah. But the Beatles were a long time ago.”

“I know. And Regency England was even longer ago than the Beatles.”

“You mean like ancient history?” Starlet asked, clearly fascinated now.

“That’s exactly what I mean.” Delores smiled at her. “I write about romance way back before they even had electric lights. My story is about a prince who falls in love with an opera girl and wants to marry her.”

“Really?” Starlet began to smile. “I like that.” But as Hannah watched, her eyes narrowed. “Wait a minute. Does this book of yours have a happy ending?”

“Oh, my yes! The prince ends up marrying the opera girl and she becomes a princess.”

“Oh, good! I think I might want to read that book. I don’t get time to read much, but that one sounds good.”

“I hope it will be, and that’s why I need your help. I need to know what life is like out here on the street, so I can write my opera girl’s thoughts before she meets and marries the prince.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know what it was like on the street way back then. All I know is what it’s like now.”

“That’s good enough for me. I really don’t think it’s changed that much. Do you?”

“Naw! Men are all the same.” Starlet fluffed her hair and put on her concept of an enticing smile at the sole male occupant of a car as he drove slowly past. “So ask me a question, church lady, but make it fast. I’m working this corner and things are gonna start to pick up soon.”