Page 41 of Ladybird

Chapter 9

“Luke, I am going on a hunting expedition today and I want you to join me.” Hunter decided he needed to spend more time with his nephew if the boy was ever going to start listening to him.

“Why?” Luke played with Inky atop the bed in their chamber. “Isn’t it bad enough I have to wear these silly clothes?” William had dropped off clothes for both of them yesterday and Hunter had to fight with Luke to even put them on this morning.

“These are the clothes of nobles. You should be happy to wear them since you always said you wanted to be a knight.”

“I’ve changed my mind,” Luke told him. “I want to be a stableboy instead.”

“Fred again, huh?” Hunter pulled his new tunic over his head. It seemed to fit well but wasn’t as comfortable as his old clothes. He couldn’t blame the boy for not wanting to change the way they dressed.

“If I wear these clothes around Fred, he is going to feel poor.” Luke sounded as if he actually cared about his friend’s feelings. This was something new since Luke had never acted this way before.

“Fred is a stableboy, Luke. He’s not supposed to feel rich.” Hunter sat on the bed and pulled up the new breeches that William had made him. They fit like a glove and that impressed him. Regina’s uncle truly was a master at his skill.

“Well, I’m not supposed to be rich either so why do I have to dress this way?”

“You are posing as a noble. Fred doesn’t know you really aren’t so you need to keep up appearances.”

“Nay, he doesn’t.” Luke got off the bed holding the cat. He’d been feeding it so much that the cat was getting a fat belly.

“What does that mean?” asked Hunter.

“I told Fred I’m a thief-taker just like you.”

“You did what?” In anger, Hunter jumped up, managing to scare the cat. Inky jumped out of Luke’s arms and bolted across the room. The door opened just then and the cat slipped out, disappearing down the corridor.

“Inky got away! I need to catch him.” Luke rushed out the door, knocking into William who was entering with his sewing basket under his arm.

“My lord? I knocked but I guess you didn’t hear me. I came for a final fitting,” said William.

“My clothes fit fine, William, thank you. Your services won’t be needed today.”

William looked out the door and then entered the room, closing the door behind him. “May I have a word with you in private, my lord?”

“Yes, of course.” Hunter bent down and put on his boots. He thought it was odd that William called him a lord when he knew damned well that Hunter wasn’t noble. He supposed it was because William was keeping up the guise and he was thankful that the man was going along with it. “What’s on your mind, William?”

“I wouldn’t even mention it, but since Robin is having trouble with thieves lately, I feel it is my duty to do so.”

“Mention what? What are you talking about?” Hunter walked across the room to a small table that held some of his personal things.

“It’s about that cat that Luke has, my lord. I got a better look at her just now and I am sure she is the same one that disappeared from my shop.”

Hunter looked up, not knowing what to say. “Do you really think so?”

“Yes. I’m sure of it.”

“I see.” Hunter reached down to the table and picked up his boar-bristle brush. “Well, mayhap she got out and wandered away and Luke found her.” Hunter ran the brush through his tangled long hair.

“Aye, I supposed you’re right,” William answered with his head down.

Hunter looked over at William and slowly put down the brush. “You think my nephew is a thief, don’t you?”

“Nay, my lord, I didn’t say that.” William’s eyes opened wide and he shook his head. “However, there is something else I think you should know.”

“What’s that?”

William squirmed, seeming really uncomfortable. “It doesn’t matter. I’m sure it is nothing.”