Plague Thieves by Caroline Fernandez

Author:Caroline Fernandez
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV016040 JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Europe;JUV001000 JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / General;JUV013050 JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes
Publisher: Cormorant Books
Published: 2024-05-25T00:00:00+00:00

Pesthouse

In the days that follow, Amon and Clove become great friends. It is funny to see a giant boy and a small girl so connected. Together, they play with Dodger. Fetch. Sit. Stay.

Amon gets into the habit of giving Clove the last bite of his food. She uses his big arm as a pillow when she sleeps. They are like salt and pepper. Very different, yet they go together very well.

Amon’s wounds mend quicker than I expect. The Thieves Oil heals him, no doubt.

I suggest we clear all the rocks, pebbles, sticks, and weeds from a bigger space under the bridge. Dodger helps by chasing rats away.

We are all safer together.

I manage to rob another plague house on my own — using the Thieves Oil as protection, of course. I steal a man’s shirt for Amon and some handkerchiefs. This time, I don't see the man dressed in the black crow costume anywhere. Perhaps he has caught the Plague himself.

“Steal a fishing rod next time. I know how to fish,” Amon says to me.

“I think it’s a little early for you to go to the docks for fishing,” I say. “The scrapper might be looking for you.”

“Down in the river,” Amon points to the water below the bridge, “there’s bound to be carp. Maybe perch and pike too.”

“Mm … Cooked fish!” Clove licks her lips.

“Okay, I’ll keep an eye out for a fishing rod,” I promise.

“Since we are talking about what we can do,” Elizabeth says, “there is something I can do to contribute.”

“Do you have an apple in your pocket?” Clove exclaims.

“No, Clove,” Elizabeth laughs. “Amon has the apple pockets!”

We all laugh at the idea of apple pockets.

“If you two,” Elizabeth looks at Amon and myself, “keep an eye on Clove during the day, I can go to work.”

“As a lady’s maid?” I ask. “All the rich folk have left.”

“As a washerwoman,” Elizabeth says. “At the pesthouse.”

“What’s a pesthouse?” Amon asks.

“A pesthouse is a new kind of hospital. For people who are sick with the Plague,” Elizabeth says. “The City Corporation was building it just as her ladyship was leaving. It should be up and running by now. It’s on the west side of the city.”

“What would you do there?” I ask with concern.

“I can be a washerwoman. Someone to wash the sheets, pillowcases … that sort of thing. I couldn’t take the job because of Clove. But she’s safe with you to watch her. It’s one of the only paying jobs left in the city for a woman. I’m sure they would take me.”

“But you could get sick,” I say.

Clove and Amon look concerned too.

“No, no. I won’t be around sick people. I’m no nurse or doctor, you know that. No, I’d only be washing the sheets. You can’t get sick from sheets and pillowcases,” Elizabeth says confidently.

“And it means no more thieving for you, Rose,” Elizabeth says directly to me. “I am the adult. And this is what is best for all of us. Our little family.”

Amon, Clove, and I smile.

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