The Crimson Cavaliers by Mary Andrea Clarke

Author:Mary Andrea Clarke [Clarke, Mary Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780955158957
Publisher: Crème de la Crime
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

10

The boy stared at Georgiana, his gaping eyes and dropped jaw resembling nothing so much as a startled fish.

“I beg you will close your mouth,” said Georgiana.

The boy obeyed, continuing to stare at his hostess, seeming incapable of any form of speech. Georgiana regarded him steadily.

“Well?” she inquired. “Have you nothing to say?”

“I – I dunno, miss.”

Georgiana smiled. This sounded hopeful.

“What is your name?”

There was still an air of suspicion about him but he unbent sufficiently to answer.

“Tom, miss.”

“Tom what?”

He blinked uncomprehendingly.

“Have you no surname?”

Tom shrugged. “Not that I knows, miss.”

“I see. Well, Tom, here is what I propose. I am in need of a page. You will perform those duties in my household and do as you are told. In return, you shall have a uniform, a bed, food and I shall pay you three pounds a year.”

“Lor’, miss!”

“There are conditions attached,” Georgiana continued, ignoring his startled cry. “You must have nothing more to do with anyone at the tavern, and on no account are you to play any more at being a highwayman.”

“I wasn’t playing,” said Tom indignantly. “It ain’t a game.”

“I am aware,” said Georgiana. “Of you, on the other hand, I am not so certain. If you wish to be taken seriously as a highwayman, you had better be prepared to take the consequences. If you prefer, I will hand you over to Mr Lakesby. He may deal with you as he thinks fit.”

An expression of panic momentarily banished the look of rebellion from Tom’s face. He did his best to regain his air of defiance quickly and Georgiana could not help but admire his spirit.

“Well?” she said. “I’m sure you would be comfortable here. You’d find me fair. If you do as you’re told and cause me no trouble, I won’t be hard on you.”

Georgiana could see him wavering. She pressed her advantage.

“If you go back to, what was it, the Lucky Bell, you’ll find nothing but trouble. You’ll almost certainly end on the gallows. Mr Lakesby may be persuaded to leniency if you give up further thought of highway robbery. However, if you are determined to persevere, I doubt he will let you escape.”

Georgiana smiled inwardly at the incongruity of the words coming out of her mouth. She could imagine Emily’s reaction.

Tom looked at Georgiana doubtfully.

“I don’t know nothing about being a page.”

“You can learn. My servants will teach you.” As she considered the members of her household, Georgiana thought about how to break the news to them. She knew none would relish taking this dubious character under their protection. Nevertheless, they were loyal and would do as their mistress bade them, whatever their reservations.

Tom still seemed hesitant. “You’d pay me? And have me to live here?”

“That’s right,” said Georgiana. She knew what he was thinking. There was no adventure in being a page, yet her suggestion would ensure him comfortable shelter and a fixed amount of money. She could not help feeling some sympathy for his quandary.

Tom chewed his bottom lip as he looked at Georgiana.

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