The Lady and the Thief: Deceived, #5

By Megan Derr

Adeline has been at the mercy of others her entire life: the aunt and uncle who constantly remind her she should be grateful they took her in after her parents died of a tragic illness. Her guardian in the city who constantly reminds her that she should be grateful they're giving her a coming of age in the city. The suitors who make it clear she should be grateful they're lowering themselves to even consider her.

The only person who's ever made her feel wanted was Lisette, the maid she once fell in love with. The maid who fled in the night with stolen goods, including the pearls that were all Adeline had left of her mother.

Then, while at yet another ball where she feels alone, out of place, and trapped between choosing happiness or doing what's expected of her, Adeline encounters the beautiful Lady Wisteria—whom Adeline knows better as the maid Lisette...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Megan Derr
• Release date: Oct 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393021469

Megan Derr

Megan is a long-time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.meganderr.compatreon.com/meganderrmeganderr.blogspot.comfacebook.com/[e-mail]@meganaderr

Book preview

Adeline has been at the mercy of others her entire life: the aunt and uncle who constantly remind her she should be grateful they took her in after her parents died of a tragic illness. Her guardian in the city who constantly reminds her that she should be grateful they're giving her a coming of age. The suitors who make it clear she should be grateful they're lowering themselves to even consider her.

The only person who's ever made her feel wanted was Lisette, the maid she once fell in love with. The maid who fled in the night with stolen goods—including the pearls that are all Adeline has left of her mother.

Then, while at yet another ball where she feels alone, out of place, and trapped between choosing happiness or doing what others want, she encounters the beautiful Lady Wisteria—whom Adeline knows better as the maid Lisette...

The Lady and the Thief

Deceived 5

By Megan Derr

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the publisher, except for the purpose of reviews.

Edited by Samantha M. Derr

Cover designed by

This book is a work of fiction and all names, characters, places, and incidents are fictional or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, places, or events is coincidental.

Second Edition August 2019

Copyright © 2019 by Megan Derr

Printed in the United States of America

To Jenn, I hope the story lives up to your prompt

the  Lady

and the Thief

Deceived No. 5

––––––––

Megan Derr

Prologue

Lisette! Adeline hissed, and when Lisette turned, wisps of her beautiful hair fluttering about her face, Adeline beckoned to her.

Lisette set down the firewood she was carrying and slowly crept down the hall, hands curled nervously in her apron. Yes, Miss?

There's nobody up here, stop that! Adeline said with a giggle, taking hold of Lisette's wrist and tugging her into Adeline's bedroom. She closed and locked the door, then threw her arms around Lisette's neck and kissed her soundly.

For a moment, Lisette was still, but then she ardently returned the kiss, slender but strong arms sliding around Adeline's waist. She tasted like strawberries, likely from one of the leftover tarts from dinner. They'd been marvelous. But the taste of strawberries on Lisette's lips was infinitely better.

When they finally drew apart, flushed and panting softly, Adeline playfully stroked an errant strand of vibrant, blood red hair and stared up into the beautiful gold-brown eyes she adored so very much. I've been waiting for that all day.

Lisette laughed. You've been busy all day.

Mock pouting, Adeline stepped back and folded her arms beneath her breasts. That doesn't mean I wasn't waiting. I'd much rather kiss you than practice pianoforte or work on my embroidery. She wrinkled her nose.

And the pianoforte wishes you would do anything else, Lisette said—and burst into giggles at Adeline's affronted look.

Then Adeline ruined it by giggling as well. She stole another quick, strawberry-flavored kiss then clasped Lisette's hands firmly. But I'm getting distracted! There was something I wanted to talk to you about; that's why I took care of setting all the fires for you.

I do appreciate it, Lisette said, tucking the errant strand of hair back into her little white cap, looking curious and a little wary.

Adeline worried her bottom lip, suddenly feeling a good deal less confident, despite all the practicing she'd done all the day, all the quiet confidence-talks she'd been giving herself. It's only, I've been thinking hard about everything you said last month—

No, Addy, I thought we were over that. I was angry and tired. I never should have spoken to you like that.

"Angry or tired or whatever, you were right. It is wrong that I'm a lady of the house and you're a servant. We should be equals. I've been thinking very hard on it ever since we argued. And guess what?"

Instead of looking eager, or even hopeful, as Adeline had hoped, Lisette only looked more worried than ever.

Tamping down on her nerves, Adeline pressed on. It would all come out right in the end, it would. I've saved up all of my allowance and sold off most of my jewelry and some other things. I've also been— her voice dropped to a whisper "­—doing work. Can you believe it? She clasped her hands together. I've been doing some embroidery for old Lady Weslow and tutoring some children in fencing. Plus, I won my last two tournaments, and they were good purses. I'm also signed up for several more tournaments coming this year."

She hurried over to her night table and unlocked it, drawing out the papers she'd been keeping there, several bits of it circled in blue ink. And look, I've found some flats that would work just fine, I think. She thrust them into Lisette's hands. You'd know the areas better of course, but they're all affordable, and we wouldn't have to worry about money for a few months, and by then... She trailed off, heart sinking at the frown on Lisette's face. What's wrong?

"What is all this?" Lisette asked.

Oh! I'm sorry. I practiced this all day, but now I'm flustered and mucking it up. She reached into the pocket of her gown and pulled out the tiny gold ring that was one of only a few pieces left of the jewelry that had once filled her case. Her aunt would murder her if she found out, but that was never going to be a problem because she was going to start a new life with the woman she loved and never live another day in this miserable prison of a house. My darling, my beloved, would you do me the honor of running away with me?

Lisette's mouth dropped open. You— Are you mad?

Mad with love for you and determined that we live as equals. I don't want to have to keep hiding like this. Don't you want to live freely? If we move to the city, no one will know or care who we are. I'll have my fencing and embroidery, even though I hate that, and you can do whatever you choose. Doesn't it sound marvelous?

It does, Lisette said quietly, staring at the gold ring a moment longer before gently plucking it from Adeline's fingers and sliding it one of her own. It sounds like a dream.

Adeline cheered in delight, then clapped her hands over her mouth. Then she laughed, pulled Lisette close, and kissed her with all the love and happiness and excitement coursing through her.

Eventually, however, Lisette had to tear away. You! I'd best get my chores done before anyone notices something is amiss.

But you'll come back, right? Stay the night with me? We can plan where to go. She bent to retrieve the papers they'd dropped in their distraction.

Of course, Lisette said, and kissed her quickly again before darting away with a laugh, waggling her fingers before closing the door.

Adeline set the papers on her night table, then swiftly dressed for bed. Belting her dressing robe, she danced around the room and got into duels with shadows, playing a thousand scenarios of living in the city with Lisette. Of being free. No longer under the iron thumb of her aunt and uncle. No longer being constantly reminded of everything she owed them, how grateful she should be. Of all that was wrong with her, all that she needed to be to please them.

She'd be free. Living with the love of her life. Fencing, cooking, running errands, living.

Finally exhausted, she crawled into bed and picked up the book she'd been reading, a new book of poetry by her favorite poet, Frederick Cloud. Despite her best efforts, eventually she dozed off.

She woke to the furious shrieking and yelling of her aunt. Throwing herself out of bed, book tumbling to the floor, Adeline bolted into the hallway. What's wrong?

What's wrong? What's wrong? Her aunt swung her arms wildly about as she whipped around, nearly taking out her husband and the butler. That tart of a servant who struts about this place, that's what! She's made off with all of the house she could carry! My jewelry—gone! Most of the silver—gone!

Adeline felt sick.