be his 'fox girl' because of her red hair. He was beaten by the Black Snakes and nursed by Lydia. After saving Lydia's life Chang was arrested by the police for the murder of Feng Pu Chan Feng Li Mei: Daughter of the Black Snakes leader Feng Tu Hong and Theo's lover whom Li Mei nicknames Tiyo. Later she accepts his proposal of marriage. Theo Willoughby: Is a British man with an addiction to opium. He was orphaned at nine years old. He also runs his own school Willoughby Academy, where he is Lydia's teacher. Valentina Ivanova Friis Parker : Lydia's mother who is a pianist. She later became an alcoholic after her Danish husband was taken by the Russians 11 years previously. She believes her husband had an affair with Countess Serova. Later she is killed with a hand grenade by a Chinese woman who was aiming for Theo Willoughby and happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, leaving her daughter to be raised by Alfred Parker whom she married. Polly Mason: Lydia's friend and Christopher Mason's daughter who revealed to her father that Chang is still alive and apologized to Lydia for what she did. Feng Tu Hong: Li Mei's estranged father who is the leader of the Black Snakes and later accepted Theo as his son in law. Alfred Parker: Lydia's stepfather who is a journalist for the Daily Herald and a friend of Theo Willoughby, who falls in love with Valentina. He later marries her and helps her recover from drinking. He tries to be a father figure to Lydia, even though she stole his wallet and pocket watch. She doesn't like him to begin with, but in the end both he and Lydia have a good relationship after he becomes a widower following Valentina's death. Christopher Mason: Polly's father who is a ruthless man who sells opium. He is later arrested by police. He was also in relationship/arrangement with Valentina. Countess Natalie Serova: An infamous Countess from Russia who is insulted by Lydia's lack of Russian. She is also considered to be an enemy of Valentina. Jens Friis turns out to be the father of her son Alexei. Live Popkov: Lydia's godfather and friend of Jens and Valentina. He later tells Lydia that Jens is still alive and like Lydia he is working as a thief. Antoine Fourget: A Married Frenchman