The Blue Feather Escape

The governess was very upset today – not unlike many other days – because someone had gone into the pantry and taken food without permission. Frankie instantly blamed Abe and Gerhild had called the two boys into the library so Abe could discover how serious a crime this was.

“You may be the guest of Sir George,” she began, “But as the widow of his only brother I have authority in this house until his return. I did not ask for the responsibilities that I now have. However, familial duty has thrust upon me the chore of caring for this estate - such as it is. I am obligated to make sure that all that is here remains unscathed by you or anybody else.”

“Yes, ma'am,” Abe replied to the pitiful speech he had heard at least five times in the last week. He did his best to be respectful, but the governess wasn't exactly making it any easier.

“Now you listen to me, young man,” she continued, “I am tired of the shenanigans that you and your siblings continue heaping upon me. You simply don't realize what a burden you and your family are on this meager household. I could nearly endure all of this, but stealing food from the house and then lying about it is more than I can be expected to forgive.”

All of the sudden Frankie leaped off of his chair and stood to scowl at Abe. As he did, his feet got in each other’s way and he fell head over heels onto the floor. Abe and Mistress Haverstock were amazed to see a rather large piece of cheese and a small apple fall out of Frankie’s pocket! They rolled across the floor and came to rest right in front of the governess.

Everyone was silent for a long moment. Frankie did not even cry, as he usually did. All three of them were too shocked to know what to say.

Finally Frankie spoke up in his sweetest voice. “I am very sorry, Mother. I was so hungry that my stomach was hurting. I could not think of doing anything except finding some kind of nourishment that might get me through, just until dinner. You do understand, don’t you?”

“Oh, Francis,” she cried in sympathy, “You know that all you have to do is ask when you have a need. You are so fragile. You must be more careful.” She turned and looked at Abe for just a second, “Let this be a lesson to you, Abraham, that honesty is always the best course. Now, go back downstairs and see if you can't assist the servants in making this poor old house look decent.”

“Yes Governess,” Abe responded. He quickly left the room, grateful that he wouldn't have to conceal his laughter over Frankie’s funny tumble into the truth any longer.