Dalston Junction

by MeiLin Miranda

Unwed motherhood in Victorian England spells the end--your chances of marrying, chances even of working, disappear. Unless you can somehow "disappear" the evidence...

That's where "baby farmers" Amelia and Margaret come in. They'll care for your unwanted infant--for a fee.

But what are they really doing with the babies? When the police find dozens of tickets for pawned baby clothes and no evidence of the babies themselves, Amelia and Margaret become wanted women, and the life of a newborn hangs in the balance.

Genres: Science Fiction

14 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2011

About the author

MeiLin Miranda is the pen name of Lynn Siprelle. As MeiLin Miranda, she wrote literary fantasy and science fiction set in Victorian worlds. Her love of all things 19th century (except for the pesky parts like cholera, child labor, slavery and no rights for women) consumed her since childhood, when she fell in a stack of Louisa May Alcott books and never got up.

MeiLin wrote nonfiction for thirty years, in radio, television, print, and the web. She always wanted to write fiction, but figured she had time. She discovered she didn't when a series of unfortunate events resulted in a cardiac arrest complete with a near-death experience.

In December, 2014, MeiLin suffered a massive stroke; she was expected to die, as more than 90% of those struck by similar strokes do. Instead, thanks to an experimental treatment (the CLEAR-III study), she survived, though dramatically altered. Her recovery has been nothing short of spectacular, and still continues. She hopes to return to writing at some point, though it will be under her real name.

MeiLin lives in a 130-year-old house in Portland, Oregon with a husband, two daughters, a black cat, a little dog, and far, far too much yarn.

Reviews

[stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It was a quick read, but cute and sweet and fun. It was cleanly written and it was apparent that the author knew the subject. I just wish it was longer-- like novella or novel length. I want to read more of Margaret and Amelia's adventures!

[Andy Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short by half, but lots of fun and lots of twists. Certainly I could not guess what would happen next.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Dalston Junction in the anthology Other Sides: 12 Webfiction Tales. I have to admit I was quite appalled at what I suspected was going on when I first started reading this story, but I absolutely loved the ending. It was definitely not what I was expecting.

I'm glad I picked up Other Sides: 12 Webfiction Tales, as I found a new author to investigate! :)

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up when it was free, but it was better than half the SF short fiction that I pay for in Asimov's and Analog. Amazing how much gets packed in such a little story. Great setting, and great ending.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I'd heard of "Baby Farmers". Scary, to say the least.

[MeiLin Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this.