HIS LORDSHIP'S LITTLE CUB

The rustling sound of disturbed twigs and leaves, and also men's voices, woke Lord Lionel from his usual weekly routine of self contemplation in the wood. He rose and went to see what it was about. He noticed a certain bush was moving strangely and reached to part it.

There was a woman hid among the bushes. A beautiful one with frightened eyes so big they were almost too large for her dirt-stained face. Her old riding habit was dirty and torn in places. She put a finger on her lips begging Lionel not to give her away to the men that he heard approaching.

He decided to comply. He stood with his back to her, sheltering her with his large frame and addressed the two men.

"Gentlemen, you are in my property. I strongly suggest you retrace your steps and leave now."

"With your permission, M'Lord, we would like to search for a thief who we believe have entered your land. We plan to hand her over to the magistrate," one of the men said.

"I do not give my permission! Now leave before I have my keepers catch you and turn YOU to the magistrate!"

Lord Lionel loud voice sounded very authoritative that the men didn't dare argue and started to walk away. Once they were out of sight, he beckoned to the girl.

"Come with me now. We have matters to discuss."

She followed him in silence all the way to his house. Not long after, she was seated in His Lordship library, wet warm towels and coffee tray were placed on the table. She absent-mindedly filled her cup with the steaming fragrant brown liquid, added milk and sugar, and offered by gesture to pour for him, which he declined.

She studied him curiously, unsure if she could trust this man who has such commanding presence yet seemed to be loved by his servants.

After a few sips, she managed to find her voice again and tried to thank him for saving her. He fixed his gaze on her and asked.

"Who are you and why did they chase you? Is it true you are thief, what did you steal?"

Her large eyes suddenly slanted. Then she raised her chin and answered.

"My name is Mali. I'm the daughter of Sir Banford of Blake Hall. We live on the other side of the hill. I was on my way to the nearest town to try to sell my late Mama's last valuables, because my Papa needs to see a physician."

"I have heard of Sir Banford, although we are not acquainted. I didn't know he had a daughter. Are you....," Lionel paused.

"Impoverished, yes." Mali replied. "But I never steal anything. Or borrow. I was not raised that way."

"Then why did those men accuse you so?"

"I was on my old Brownie's saddle on a quiet road, when they appeared out of nowhere and dragged me off my horse. They put me in a closed carriage and drove off. I heard they said something about selling me as an indentured servant to America."

"What? That sounds unbelievable! People do not go around abducting noble ladies and sell them as slaves!"

Mali sat up straight and said, "You may believe what you believe, My Lord. But I am telling you the truth. And I do not appreciate being called a liar."

"I am not calling you a liar. But you have to admit no stories like that has ever been heard at least in this county."

Mali sat back, shrugged her shoulders and looked out the window,

"Unless...,"Lionel continued. "You have concocted a plan for yourself."

Her head snapped and she looked at him with sharp eyes. "What do you mean?"