Once a Thief

Three

Blake marked furiously through the notes he’d just written and threw his pencil onto the piano. He had to have this song finished by Friday, but unfortunately, a vision of curly auburn hair played havoc with his concentration. He stood, gave a swift shove to the piano bench with his foot, and walked out onto the side porch. He placed his hands on the top of the white rail, leaned over, and stared at the lawn.

The sugar maple in the front yard released a shower of colorful red leaves, and a picture landed, uninvited, in his mind. Miss Gray, looking up at him with gold-flecked eyes from a bed of red and gold leaves.

He sighed. Why did she keep invading his thoughts? A gray squirrel ran across the yard with nimble, silent feet, not even disturbing the freshly fallen leaves, and headed for the oak tree across the way.

The sound of someone singing drifted over the hedge from the Kramer home. He hadn’t realized Amelia had such a lovely voice. Craning his neck, he peered over the hedge, intending to say hello to his neighbor. He inhaled sharply then groaned.

Oh. Her. She sat on the porch swing, swinging gently. The golden tones emitting from her throat were as beautiful and pure as any Blake had heard. How could someone like that little crook have a voice like an angel? From the conversation in this house for the past couple of weeks, it was apparent Mrs. Kramer’s little protégé had won the hearts of all the women in their circle, including his own mother.

At least with his work, he had an excuse to avoid the Kramers’ party tonight. He had no desire to see that little pickpocket being treated like one of the family. No one seemed to remember that she was a suspect in a robbery. Well, okay, so he was the only one who suspected her. But with good reason. They were just too hypnotized by her to see the truth. Well, he, for one, wouldn’t fall under her spell.

Whirling around, he returned to the music room and slammed the French doors behind him. He pulled the bell cord furiously then stomped over to the piano. Enough of this foolishness. He had to get his work done.

The door opened, and June, the new parlor maid, came in. “Yes, Mr. Blake?” The girl’s words came out in little more than a squeak.

Blake flinched. He knew he hadn’t been in the best of moods lately, but he hadn’t been that bad, had he? Composing his face into a more pleasant expression, he cleared his throat. “I’d like some tea, please, June. No, on second thought make that coffee, black coffee.”

“Yes, sir.” The girl gave a quick curtsy then hurried from the room.

Blake stood by the piano, running his fingers over the keys. He had to get his mind back on his music.

The coffee went down strong and hot, nearly burning his throat. Just what he needed. Blake’s mind cleared, and as the song began to take shape, his mood lifted. Maybe this day wouldn’t be a total disaster.

The longcase clock in the corner had just chimed, suggesting a break, when the door opened and Blake’s mother walked in, heading purposefully toward him.

Uh oh. He knew that look. And had a pretty good idea why it was there.

“What’s this I hear about you not going to the Kramers’ party? Have you no manners at all? I accepted for the family last week.”

“Mother, I’m sorry, but I have tons of work to do in order to complete my music for the show in time.”

“The show! That’s another thing. . .”

Disappointment stabbed him. “Please, must we go over this again? I thought only Father disapproved. Not you, too?”

Her face softened and she patted him gently on the cheek. “Of course not. I’m very proud of you. Only I don’t want to go against your father’s wishes, you know.”

“Then what?”

“I only meant you shouldn’t take your grandfather down to the theater. He gets too excited. Next thing you know, he’ll be trying to do a song and dance number.”

Blake grinned. “Don’t worry, Mother. I’m keeping a close eye on him. If it makes him happy to feel a part of show business again, what can it hurt?”

Twin furrows appeared between his mother’s eyes. “I don’t know, son. He’s not getting any younger. And he did have that pain in his chest last summer.”

Blake’s heart softened at the anxious frown on her face. Pop was the only blood kin besides him she had left. The chest pains had turned out to be indigestion, but she had worried about his health ever since.

An idea popped into his head. “I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll go to the Kramers’ party if you’ll not give Pop a hard time about the show. And I promise he’ll be careful.”

“Well. . .” She nibbled on her lower lip then lifted her gaze to Blake. “All right. I suppose, if you promise to watch him closely.”

Blake grinned. “I won’t take my eyes off him. I promise.”

She cast a suspicious glance at him. “You didn’t plan the whole thing this way, did you?”

“Now, Mother, would I do that?”

“Hmm. . .just make sure you keep that close eye on him. And be ready to leave at seven. I would like for us to arrive together as a family.”

❧

Danielle stood in the middle of her room listening to the hum of voices from the hallway below. Her stomach knotted and she felt herself begin to gag as unwelcome thoughts bombarded her mind.

I can’t do this. What if I get caught? Blake Nelson is probably coming and he’s sure to watch me. I’ll have to be careful. But, I can do it. After all, even if I’ve never actually picked a pocket, Sutton’s been making me practice since I was a child.

She started at a sudden knock on the door, “C–come in.”

Mrs. Parker entered the room with a huge smile on her face. “You look absolutely beautiful, Danielle. The amber color of your gown brings out the gold flecks in your eyes.”

Danielle ran her hand down the smooth fabric of the new evening gown Mrs. Kramer had purchased for her.

“Thank you, ma’am. You look lovely, too.” She could hear the trembling in her voice and then realized she was twisting the lace handkerchief she held in her hand.

“Thank you, dear.” She smiled. “Here’s a little something I’d like for you to have. It will look lovely on you.” A strand of pearls glistened in the palm of the wrinkled hand.

Danielle gasped and blinked against the tears that filled her eyes.

A look of concern crossed the old woman’s kind face. “Are you all right, dear?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Her reply was almost inaudible. “But I couldn’t take that lovely necklace. It is much too valuable.” And yet her thoughts battled against her. What was she thinking? Here was something she could give to Sutton that wouldn’t even be stolen.

“Nonsense. I want you to have them. Now turn around.”

Danielle felt the coolness of the pearls against her throat. She trembled.

“Oh, you poor thing, you’re frightened, aren’t you?” She walked over and put her arm around Danielle’s shoulders. “Now don’t you worry about a thing. Most of the people who will be here tonight are old and dear friends. I promise they won’t bite, and besides, I’ll watch out for you.” She gave Danielle a pat and a smile before she left the room.

Danielle shivered and tried to hold back tears. The idea had seemed logical to her at first. There would be a crowd of guests milling about. It would be simple to lift a few items and stash them away. That way, she wouldn’t steal from the Kramers but could still manage to buy her freedom from Sutton. As long as she didn’t get caught, her friends wouldn’t suffer at all.

The only problem was that a wave of conscience having nothing to do with the Kramers had washed through Danielle this morning and hadn’t subsided. She wasn’t sure where it came from but had a niggling suspicion it might be God.

She had attended church services with the family the past two Sundays, and memories from her childhood had trickled in little by little. A little rundown chapel by the docks and the minister who’d been kind to Danielle and her family. Mother’s sweet voice singing hymns by her bedside and telling stories about Jesus who’d come down from heaven because He loved a little girl named Danielle and a little boy named Jimmy and wanted to save them. Words she still didn’t really understand.

Danielle pulled in her breath and straightened her back. She had to gather herself together. Composure was absolutely essential if she was to carry this off.

She inched her way down the stairs to a mercifully empty entranceway. Maybe she could slip into the library for a moment to compose herself. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, the door knocker sounded. Danielle froze and watched as Sally hurried to open the door to the newcomers. Oh no, the Nelsons! And he was with them.

“Why, Danielle, how lovely you look, my dear.” With a rustle of skirts, Mrs. Nelson walked over and kissed her on the cheek. “Come meet my husband. I don’t believe you know him yet.”

Danielle allowed herself to be led over to Mr. Nelson and Blake. She composed her face into a pleasant expression as Mrs. Nelson made the introductions. Glancing at Blake out of the corner of her eye, she winced at the sardonic twist of his lips.

“Come, Mother, let’s see who has managed to arrive before us. I’m sure Miss Gray has more interesting things to do than stand in the hallway talking to us.” Blake linked an arm with each of his parents and guided them toward the drawing room, leaving Danielle alone in the foyer.

Realizing her mouth hung open, Danielle pressed her lips together and frowned at Blake’s departing back. How rude. And he had such a wonderful mother. She hoped Mrs. Nelson would trounce him good. With an angry toss of her head, Danielle turned her back on the safety of the library and headed straight into the drawing room.

In the corner, a trio of musicians sat in formal splendor, their soft music filling the room. Fine crystal sparkled from trays carried by waiters hired for the occasion as they moved deftly among the guests, ladies and gentlemen dressed in finery.

Danielle took satisfaction that her gown was as fine as any of them. Breathing deeply, she stepped further into the room, her eyes searching for the one who could give her away. He was across the room shaking hands with Mr. Kramer. She would know the back of his arrogant head anywhere. Perhaps it would be amusing to carry off her plan right under his nose.

Danielle glanced casually around the crowded area. She had to choose carefully. The consequence of being caught and facing the Kramers’ and Mrs. Parker’s accusing, disappointed faces was unthinkable.

A portly gentleman caught her attention as he reached into his coat pocket. The motion caused the corner of his coat to hike up, revealing the sparkle of a gold watch chain.

Danielle’s eyes narrowed as she studied the man. The coat had tails which would make it easier. Winding through the crowded room, Danielle focused on the unsuspecting target.

With a gasp, she froze. Was that a clerical collar? Eyes focused and heart pounding, she slowly took another step. The man turned slightly and Danielle felt faint as the collar seemed to scream out in accusation. She whirled and rushed from the room.

The library door was slightly open and Danielle ran quickly across the hall. She closed the door behind her and stumbled over to the sofa. Dropping down onto the thick cushion, she hid her face in her hands, unable to prevent the tears that flooded and spilled over.

How could she steal when it was the very thing that had her and Jimmy trapped? But what else could she do? Where could she turn? It was hopeless.

❧

Blake excused himself from the conversation and headed for the empty hallway. He frowned, looking around. Now where did she go? He was sure she was up to no good.

The tick of the stately longcase clock seemed to beat a rhythm to his thoughts. No good. No good. No good.

Suddenly he heard muffled sobs coming from the direction of the library, and concern filled his heart. Perhaps one of the children was hurt.

He opened the ornate door and slipped quietly inside, not wanting to frighten the child. The weeping came from the sofa. Tiptoeing around to the other side, he stopped in consternation. Danielle sat huddled against the corner of the sofa, her head buried in a large cushion. He hesitated, wanting nothing more than to turn and bolt, but as he made a move to do so, a heart-wrenching sigh stopped him.

He stood, momentarily, undecided. Then making a sudden decision, Blake knelt down and put his arm around the girl’s shoulders. “There now, it’s going to be all right.”

She started then turned, and without glancing at his face, she nestled her face into his coat lapel and sobbed harder.

He patted her as she wept, and the soft roundness of her shoulder beneath the satiny fabric of her gown sent a thrill through him. Confusion washed over him as his heart sped up. Would a crook have such deep feelings? Had he, perhaps, misjudged her?

Suddenly she stopped crying and became totally still. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” She looked up and gazed at him through tear-washed eyes. Recognition dawned and a look of horror appeared on her face. Jerking away, she shoved him aside and jumped up from the sofa. “How dare you take such liberties? Now you not only think I’m a thief but a loose woman as well?”

Blake felt his face flame. He stood and gaped at her for a few seconds before he got his bearings. “Well, if the shoe fits.” Now why had he said that? “Look, I didn’t mean it. I saw you crying and merely wanted to comfort you.”

“I. . .I. . .I was simply crying over a book I was reading. And you are nothing but a cad and a liar.”

“Oh?” Blake looked around. “I’m a cad and a liar, and you’ve been reading an invisible book.” He gave an emphatic nod, as his suspicions came back and then some.

“Well, I had already put it up. Here. See?” She flounced over to the bookcase and grabbed a copy of Wuthering Heights from the shelf then sat back down and opened the book. She shot him a pointed look and then commenced to read and ignore him.

Indignant anger flashed through him. And he had almost begun to believe the little crook. He strode to the bookcase and perused the titles. Ah, just the thing. Tossing the book into her lap, he said, “Perhaps this one will be more appropriate.”

With a triumphant grin in her direction, he left her staring at the expensive, leather-bound copy of Oliver Twist.