Lady Thief

By MJ

Born to be a lady, raised to be a thief.

Where will the spirit of tricks and mischief lead this conundrum of society?

Better yet, who will have the strength of will to tame her wild heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646281794

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Lady Thief

MJ

Copyright © 2020 MJ

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING, INC.

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2020

ISBN 978-1-64628-178-7 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-64628-179-4 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Crimson Demon

Of Rubies and Eggs

Lordings in Distress

Chalice? Malice?

Petticoats Equals Punishment?

Save the Last Dance?

Meet the Parents? Already!

To Taff or Not to Taff?

Mummified Back Scratcher?

Trouble with a Capital T

Ode to a Brandy

Brainless Turkeys?

One-Handed Applause?

Life Is Simple

Consequences?

One-Eyed Jack!

The Obedient Wife?

Prologue

An Unfortunate Fortune

The child, no older than eleven summers, studied the beautiful large country estate that now belonged to the county. A nameless plague had swept through the countryside with a vengeance, taking many lives as it passed through the populace with unforgiving dark fingers. Even though her parents were nobility, they had not been exempt and had fallen ill with the debilitating sickness. Sarah’s father had died within four days; her mother had followed the day after. Verdant eyes tilted toward the clouded sky through tufts of rose-hued bangs, her heart soaked in shades of gray as she mourned the loss of her family and security.

Hidden among the bushes, cautious green eyes watched with palatable fear as the servant’s searched for her with dark intentions, each wanting to make a quicksilver piece or two. According to the financial clerk that had come to her parent’s home to go over their will, the young girl’s parents had owed a great deal of debt and that the house would have to be sold off to make up for the outstanding balances they left behind. He also went on to inform her in an emotionless manner that none of her remaining relatives wanted to take on the task of raising her. The clerk hinted none too subtly that her parents hadn’t maintained good relations with either side of the family for reasons entirely unknown. It was then the girl remembered that she had met some of her father’s family once in the past but, after meeting them, was sent outside to play. They had never visited again, and being the child that she was, the girl had never really given it another thought. As it was, she rarely saw her parents.

The clerk had then told her that in the morning, she would be taken to a working orphanage where she would be instated, and unfortunately, when she came of age would have to make her own way in the world since there would be no inheritance waiting for her. A maidservant had then taken her to her room with softly spoken utterances of insincere condolences to which Sarah chose not to reply. As she was locked snugly in her room, her heart rebelled at the thought of being treated as a slave in the local orphanage. Sarah was educated enough to know that the man was going to sell her to that sweatshop that passed for an orphanage. Sarah found herself irritated with the entire conversation. Just because she was a child did not mean she was stupid. Who really knew if her parents actually had any debt? With no family or friends to help her, who was going to take the word of a girl her age?

She’d show them that just because she wasn’t an adult that her brains were not made of dolls and doilies. Sarah quickly made the heartfelt decision to run away. At first, the thought of being caught and punished crossed her mind. However, she knew without a shadow of a doubt that being sold into that orphanage as she suspected would happen would be far worse than any punishment any adult could mete out.

A couple of days before her parents had passed away, she heard the servant’s gossiping about Silverhorn. A beautiful green city, a large, rich, and hidden behind groves of trees. It sounded so amazing she immediately made the decision to run to that wondrous city. As soon as the decision became solid in her mind, she made a quick plan of escape. Fortunately, she had a copy of the key to her bedroom door, and it hadn’t proven difficult to make it to the second floor of the large home. It had taken her all night to escape the estate. Sticking to the dancing shadows, she slipped past unaware adults. Their inattentiveness had easily allowed the young girl to swipe a half a loaf of bread and a bit of cheese.

Now she waited in the bushes patiently for nightfall once more, so she could slip away unnoticed. She was certain that she was old enough to make her own way in the world. Sleeping lightly in the bushes, Sarah waited anxiously until the crescent moon had risen high in the sky before she cautiously made her way to the dirt road heading directly west. Thankful that she had been attentive to most of her studies, she knew in which direction Silverhorn lay. Fear gnawed away at her heart with every step she took. It overwhelmed her senses and enabled her to grieve the losses she just suffered. As she walked, Sarah glanced down at her dress and muttered under her breath.

It would not do for anyone to realize I’m the child of a noble. Small fingers grabbed at the fancy lace, which adorned her dress, and making quick work of the bows and knots, she pulled the material away. With a second glance, the now-drab pink dress looked a little less noticeable by its appearance. The white around her neck caught her eyes, and with a twist, the delicate collar around the top of her dress was gone. Now she might be able to pass as a servant’s daughter if they didn’t look at the make of the material too closely. Fortunately, her dress was dirty enough to hide the richness of the knee-length gown.

Fatigue swept into her limbs as she noticed with vague awareness that the sun was beginning to rise in the distance. The golden rim was just speckling the canopy of the forest beside her with light. Sarah nearly jumped out of her skin when a super cheerful voice drew her attention.

Oi, Father, please stop. There’s a little girl all by herself on the road…

Sarah realized with dread she had been drawn so deeply into her thoughts that she hadn’t even heard the wagon come up behind her. The redhead quickly came to the conclusion that running would be a bad idea because it would definitely make her seem like she was up to no good. Sarah knew that if she got caught, she wouldn’t be able to escape again, and she had gotten so far on her own already. So instead, she turned to greet whomever it was that had spotted her. Maybe if she waved at them and acted cheerful, they would leave her be.

It’s dangerous for a little girl to be walking the road alone. The super cheerful boy’s voice admonished her. Sarah studied the wagon and the occupants curiously. It was an open merchant’s wagon. A young boy around her age with spiky blond hair and vibrant blue eyes peered down at her. The boy looked just like the man he accompanied, and Sarah assumed that the adult male was probably his father.

What are you doing out here all alone? It can be dangerous out in these woods. Where are your parents? the man spoke gently.

Fearful green eyes met the man’s as her brain scrambled for some sort of viable answer.

My…my parents recently died from the plague… I’m trying to get to Silverhorn…to find my aunt… Sarah was amazed at how easily the lie fell from her lips. She could hear her tutor’s admonishment in her head, and she tried not to wince visibly. Thou shall not lie. The blond boy’s eyes filled with understanding.

My mother was taken by the plague as well…

Sarah tilted her head when she thought she saw tears gathering in his eyes, and she concluded that the loss must be fairly recent. The boy’s father studied the girl with concern. Her dress was tattered and worn, dirt smudged her pale cheeks in thick streaks, and her hair was slipping from its braid. He stepped down off the wagon and made his way to the red-haired child. If he left her here, he would be leaving her for dead. It was at least a two-week’s walk on foot to Silverhorn from this point, probably longer for a child. She didn’t look more than eight years old, but by the intelligent gleam in her eyes, he knew she had to be older. He was not about to leave a little girl out in the wilderness on her own. The thought of his son James attempting the same thing left him feeling chilled.

Sarah’s eyes widened, terror streaking through her veins like quicksilver as the man walked toward her with purpose-filled steps. She berated herself for not running away. It was obvious that the man could tell she was lying. She was going to be taken back to the country estate, and they were going to lock her up in that horrid orphanage for the rest of her life. He surprised her by crouching and putting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

It’s not much, but my son and I are heading to Silverhorn ourselves. If you’d like to hitch a ride with us, you can…

The kind tenor of his voice had her heart twisting with guilt at her lie, but it wasn’t an opportunity that she could pass up. She didn’t know exactly how far Silverhorn was, and if anyone were looking for her, it would be a lot easier for them if she were on foot. Obviously, he wouldn’t hurt her, she thought with a child’s logic; after all, he had a son of his own. He studied her pixie face and the way she seemed to be carefully considering it. The way her green eyes peered into his thoughtfully reminded him of something or someone he couldn’t quite place. Though it niggled in the back of his mind, he couldn’t identify the abstract thought, and so he dropped it easily. Slowly, Sarah nodded.

Yes, thank you. I accept. Her serious reply and her adultlike demeanor brought an amused smile to the man’s face. He had already come to the conclusion that he wouldn’t leave a helpless little girl out the road alone; however, it was better for her to believe she had a choice in the matter. The orange-clad blond boy scooted aside excitedly to make room for the girl. As she climbed in next to him, he introduced himself.

I’m James Madison, that’s my father! He jabbed an enthusiastic thumb at the man who climbed in and grabbed the reigns. James’s father sneaked a glance at his unusually enthusiastic son.

Nathan Madison, you can just call me Nathan if you like. He supplied for the young girl.

I am Sarah.

The Rosette nodded stiffly in greeting, purposely leaving out her last name. If they were indeed merchants like she suspected, they would have undoubtedly heard of her parents. As the wagon lurched forward with a surprising jolt, the girl grabbed for the handrailing at her side. James watched the strange girl out of the corner of his eyes for quite some time. She spoke not a word. Her face was pale, and if James didn’t know any better, he would think fear painted her expression nearly every time a traveler passed their cart. He also caught her glancing back once in a while, as if she was afraid that she was being followed.

After about an hour of this, the girl seemed to calm down a bit, and it soon became very apparent that she was exhausted. Every time her eyes would shut, they would snap open with every pothole or nook the wagon ran over. James turned and offered shyly.

It’s really hard to sleep like that. If you’re tired, you can sleep on my shoulder. I won’t mind.

Sarah felt so exhausted from the last couple of days she smiled gratefully at the blond.

Really? Thank you, James.

Nathan sneaked a glance at the two of them, and his heart softened at the girl’s trusting acceptance of his kindhearted son. His son reminded the older male so much of his late wife that it made his heart ache. Sarah slept nearly all through the day, and James didn’t budge an inch even though his side started to ache, allowing the girl some peaceful respite. They stopped in a small village, and James’s father announced.

We’ll stay in an inn tonight.

Sarah was amazed when the inn that he paid for was a very well-to-do establishment. The rosette said nothing about it, however, and instead helped James haul their belongings up to the room for the night while his father had the horse stabled for the duration of their stay. The rosette gazed around the richly decorated room in wide-eyed, curious wonder. It had a little room to the side with a double-sized bed she was sure she and James would have to share. It even had its own washroom. Being the daughter of a noble, Sarah knew that this was a room that would draw far too deeply into a merchant’s pocket. When his father returned, Sarah couldn’t help but ask, her childish curiosity getting the better of her.

Forgive my rudeness. But… I was under the impression that you were a merchant family…

James’s huge grin matched his father’s. The handsome man crouched down and met her vivid green eyes with his own vibrant blue orbs.

That’s…exactly the impression we hope to give… James supplied brightly.

I don’t understand… Sarah tilted her head, her confusion evident.

Even if you’re rich, it’s stupid to show the whole world that you are…especially when you’re traveling.

The redhead was at a loss for words.

But…why would you hide your nobility? Having been raised in a noble family herself, the thought of pretending one wasn’t wealthy was a foreign concept to her.

Traveling the roads with your riches on display isn’t a good idea out in the country. Bandits are a lot more likely to attack you. James’s serious blue eyes bore into hers.

If they think you’re poor, more than likely they won’t bother you.

Sarah remembered tearing off her ribbons and lace so that she could pass for a servant’s child just in case anyone was looking for her. The girl nodded in understanding.

I see… I never thought about it that way before, But then she directed her green eyes toward the adult, her precocious nature asserting itself.

If you’re trying to hide your identity…why would you rent a room like this? Don’t you worry that the innkeeper might sell you out? Sarah asked with a frown.

Normally, yes. However, I’ve come through here many times, and this one knows me very well… My family is a powerful one…and he wouldn’t want to deal with the consequences should he choose to betray my confidence… Mr. Madison patted the child’s head.

Oh, you two are too nice to be nobles, Sarah responded softly.

Mr. Madison laughed and handed her a set of clothing.

Speaking of merchants, make sure to clean yourself up before we leave in the morning, and wear these.

Sarah glanced at the drab gray garments and then glanced up at him smiling.

Thank you… I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to repay your kindness…

James looped an arm around the girl’s neck playfully.

Don’t worry about that sort of thing, Sarah… he paused and then added happily, Let’s go down and order something to eat.

Mr. Madison watched the two children leave with a smile. The grin faded away, however, after they were gone, and his blue eyes took on a tinge of sadness. He hadn’t seen James behave so cheerfully in months. Of course, he too was still aching inside at the loss of his beautiful, vivacious redheaded wife. Maybe it was good for James to have someone else to worry about other than his self. He didn’t quite believe her story about her aunt.

No one in their right mind would let a child travel alone without a guardian. If she didn’t have any family in Silverhorn, perhaps he would just take her back to the estate and have her become an apprentice to one of the servants. If the contact from another child around his age helped James through the grieving process, then he would do his best to accommodate that.

* * *

They traveled for several days, always stopping at an inn and sleeping well for the night. Sarah easily made friends with the extraordinarily kind James and his father. She hated to admit that she effortlessly grew attached to the exuberant boy whose blue eyes reflected sadness when he thought she wasn’t looking. Sarah realized she enjoyed James’s companionship and his sincere demeanor. The rosette thought if she were to have a brother, she’d like him to be just like the kind blond.

She still couldn’t half believe that the Madison’s were nobles and that James was a lording. He was not pretentious in any way, and he always made sure she was taken care of first before he tended to his own needs. She had met quite a few boys of noble birth, and they were usually quite full of themselves.

It amazed her that they were such nice people, but what she found even more bizarre was that James’s father actively listened to his son’s opinions and seemed to enjoy spending time with him. Sarah was sad her parents were gone, but it was more of a distant ache at the sudden loss of security than for actually losing them. They had let various hired nannies raise her, and she had hardly ever seen them. She had always followed the golden rule of her parent’s estate: Don’t speak unless spoken to.

When company was invited over, her mother dressed her up like a little doll and loved to show off her darling young daughter. Once the visitors left, she was sent back to her room and usually wouldn’t see her parents for weeks at a time. It was almost like living with strangers. She actually missed Natalie, one of her nursemaids, more than her parents.

James’s father bought him another shirt in the shade of orange, declaring that he knew it was his son’s favorite color and that James would love it. The little girl came to the startling realization that she hadn’t even known what either of her parent’s favorite colors was, and she highly doubted they knew hers. It definitely wasn’t pink, that was for certain. There was a warmth and love that the two shared Sarah was certain she never experienced. The thought made her feel even more bereft. On the ninth day, James announced excitedly after spotting familiar scenery.

We’re almost there, Sarah! I can’t wait. I miss Cookie’s famous ramen…

Sarah’s heart sunk in her chest, but she didn’t let it show on her face. Oh…that sounds really neat. I bet it’s delicious.

The boy nodded avidly.

Yup! And I’ll make sure to bring you some after you find your aunt…

My aunt? Sarah’s face blanked for a moment, and then she realized her mistake when James turned curious eyes toward her. She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly and smiled. Oh yes…my aunt, of course! That would be delightful, James… Sarah’s heart hurt even more. She should never have allowed herself to get attached to the boy. And by the look his father was giving her, Sarah knew that he had caught the small nuance in her demeanor up, but he said nothing. The Rosette knew that, at some point, she’d have to give them both the slip, which she was loathed to do, but she couldn’t risk getting caught. Who knew if that clerk had people out searching for her? It was times like these she loathed.

As they passed through the city gates of Silverhorn, Sarah forgot her turmoil for a couple of minutes and gazed around with astonished wonder. The sprawling city was huge. It was much larger than she had ever imagined. She could see the noble lords and ladies walking through the streets in their bright rich clothing, along with the servants and caravans. It was springtime, and the trees were bursting in bloom. Myriads of pink and white blossoms littered the pavement. The scent was lovely, and the hustle and bustle were fascinating to the young country girl who had never seen such a thing in all her life.

Silverhorn is beautiful, Sarah murmured softly.

It’s the best city ever. James agreed with the girl, puffing up with obvious pride. A guard greeted them.

Welcome back to Silverhorn, High Lord Madison.

High lord? Sarah’s eyes widened at the title. She had been taught by one of her tutors that in cities, such as these, the high nobles, such as James’s father, ran the city on a board with members. Typically, four noble families, one for each section of the city—north, east, west, and south—ruled the city.

They were the high lords. They were reputed to have very old, distinct bloodlines, and as long as they served the city well, and it prospered, they were highly respected by the populace by both the rich and poor. Sarah imagined the Madison family would be popular; she could imagine James’s father making decisions for the better of the city and not himself. Sarah glanced to the side. The streets were busy, she quickly noted. James and his father turned to greet the guard. James chirruped happily.

Hello, Mr. Johns. While both of them were busy with the guard, Sarah slipped silently off the side of the cart and quickly melted into the crowd. As soon as she was in the street, the girl started to run until she found a shadowed alley to hide in for a time in case they came looking for her. Meanwhile, neither James nor his father noticed Sarah’s quick getaway.

Did you hear the news about Lord and Lady Wolf? the guard queried.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen them at any gathering… They seem well situated in the country. Lord Madison shook his head.

I heard from my cousin who served in their house that they passed away two weeks ago from the plague. Shortly after the clerk came to deal with the estate, their daughter ran away… Her name is Sasha or something like that… I think…apparently, she’s still missing, and there’s a reward for her return. But…my cousin says there’s a rumor that the clerk took all the monies from the estate under the excuse that Lord Wolf had heavy debt…and was planning on selling the poor girl to that orphanage out in Kuni… Well, I shouldn’t really call it that…a sweatshop more like. Mr. Johns shrugged his wide shoulders, the gossip easily flowing off his lips.

At this information, James whipped around to look at the sweet red-haired girl who had become his friend so suddenly, worried for her. James had the feeling previously that she was from a noble family as well just from the way she spoke and acted. He would never let that clerk person take her away to a place that sounded that horrible. When he discovered her seat was empty, James interrupted the conversation between his father and the gate guard.

Father…she’s gone…

High Lord Madison turned, his blue eyes wide. The girl must have run away for fear that they would send her back. He had the feeling she was a noble’s daughter by the way she spoke and carried herself. She was far too educated to be a servant’s child. He’d have his informants check out the situation with Lord Wolf’s estate. He couldn’t believe he didn’t realize it before. Sarah was the spitting image of her mother, except her mother’s hair was blond and not red. She had her father’s vibrant green eyes, and now he knew why that every time he looked at her, she had looked so familiar. Meanwhile, he grabbed the arm of his panicking son so he wouldn’t bolt off the cart into the city alone as he seemed about ready to do.

Captain Johns, we had a child with us. A little girl, possibly ten years old, red hair, and green eyes, nearly impossible to miss. She seems to have wandered off. Send the watchmen out to retrieve her if you would… It’s of the utmost importance. Make sure to bring her to my estate once she’s been found.

The captain bowed to the high lord.

But of course, my lord. I shall send out my men immediately…

After the man walked away, Lord Madison urged the old cart horse forward. His son buried his face in his sleeve, his small body shaking, and he was obviously crying.

Why’d she run away from us? Did she really think we’d let anyone hurt her? Switching the reigns over to his left hand, he wrapped an arm around his son.

Sometimes, James, when people are afraid, they don’t always make the wisest decisions. I don’t think Sarah ran away because she didn’t trust us…but because she was afraid.

James pulled back from his father and puffed out his chest, his eyes puffy from tears.

But I… I wouldn’t have let them take her away… The blond boy hated the thought that Sarah was afraid and alone.

I know, son, once they find her, they’ll bring her to the estate, and we’ll try to help her any way that we can. Lord Madison sighed softly blue eyes colored with worry.

The blond nodded, rubbing his eyes with curled fist, reminding his father that even though his boy was growing up with a good sense of honor, he was still a child.

* * *

Sarah peeked out around the corner of the alleyway to make sure she wasn’t being followed. She waited a good while before she slipped out and began to walk among the populace. Verdant green eyes were wide with wonder as she took in the sight of the fancy shops and well-stocked vendors lining the streets.

Hey! You there! a gruff male voice shouted above the din of noise. Instinctively, Sarah turned her head, and her eyes widened into saucers when she saw the guard pushing his way toward her. Fear filled the rosette, and she froze for several moments. They had sent people after her already. Did the Madison’s finally learn who she was and was out to get her? Was there a reward on her head or something? Why would the clerk even bother with her disappearance? He more than likely took all the money from her parent’s estate anyhow, she thought sourly. As he drew closer, Sarah’s eyes darted back and forth before she eased into a fast sprint, her thin legs pumping as quickly as they could carry her.

Halt! Someone stop that little girl! The guard commanded forcefully as he roughly cut his way through the crowd pushing a few citizens aside as he did so. Sarah ducked as a young man, who was dressed in noble clothing, made a grab for her and ended up slamming into a fruit stand for his efforts in a disgruntled heap. Her tiny size afforded her a great advantage, and she used it well. Sarah maneuvered agilely through the crowds at breakneck speeds. The guard