Page 3 of Stolen by My Knave
Only ten-year-old boys would find that exciting. Elizabeth felt much older than them, as if the two-year difference in their ages was much larger—instead they were worlds apart. “You two are so silly.”
“Your governess is looking for you both. She said you gave her the slip,” their mother said.
Both boys scrunched up their noses and said together, “We don’t feel like learning anything today.”
“That’s too bad. I’m not raising ignorant children. Run along now and join her in the nursery. It’s time for my lessons with your sister.”
They grumbled but did as they were told. Story time was over for the day. Elizabeth shuffled her feat and glanced back at the mirror. It had all been so real. Should she tell her mother about it? She shook her head and decided against it. It was a bit of fancy and her imagination. She smiled at her mother and said, “What will we learn about today?”
“I’ve decided to tell you something. I think it’s time with all the questions about your grandmother.”
Elizabeth tilted her head and said, “Oh?” Her mother sounded so grave. Was her mother going to tell her about Evelyn?
Her mother smiled. “How about I start it like a tale?”
“I like stories,” Elizabeth said. “Let me sit and get comfortable.”
The duchess’s laugh filled the room. “That’s a fine idea.”
Elizabeth went over to the window seat. She climbed on top and tucked her feet underneath her. Once she was sure she was ready she glanced at her mother and nodded.
Alys pulled up a nearby chair and settled into it. After she was comfortable, her mother began speaking, “Once upon a time, a woman saw a white rabbit and fell off a cliff into another time...”
