Erin O'Brady's Daring Escape (standard:adventure, 1290 words)
Author: Ak	Added: Aug 04 2003	Views/Reads: 3806/2448	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Erin O'Brady longs to escape from the grasps of Madame Matilda. But first she must retrieve her Mother's precious diary.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story


After waiting for 3 long years, Erin had finally gathered enough money
and pluck to escape.  The day of the escape was to be today, December 
24th the day of her mother's birthday, and the anniversary of her 
death. 

If she was delayed by reading to Madame, she would miss her train to
Marseilles, where she would board the Mariner, and sail to America. 

Knowing that arguing with Madame was useless, she curtseyed, and rushed
off to the library to retrieve the heavy leather bound copy of 
Shakespeare's complete works which she had read so many times to the 
old crone. 

The library was dark and musty with heavy velvet drapes blocking out the
sun.  In the center of the book filled chamber, was a glass case filled 
with brandies, whiskeys, wines, and aperitifs. 

Erin had a sudden flash of inspiration.  She could take a flask of
brandy in the folds of her apron, and spike the old woman's tea. 

When the old woman was asleep, which usually happened when she drank,
she could take the key from her neck, open the locked safe and take 
back the diary. 

The silver flask was just what she needed.  Erin reached for it, and
quickly hid it in her apron pocket.  She ran to the kitchen, fixed a 
pot of Ceylon tea, placed it on a tray with some apple tarts, and 
dashed back to Madame's stuffy chamber. 

“What took you so long, Erin?” snapped Madame.  When she saw the tray
laden with sweets, and the hot tea, her face brightened. 

“Why what a dear, you brought me a snack,” she murmured sweetly. 

“Yes Madame, let me pour you some tea.  It is a little strong, I added
some extra honey, and I know you don't like strong tea Madame.” Erin 
cooed sweetly. 

She watched closely as Madame pursed her lips and delicately sipped the
tea.  Between sips, she took big bites of the tarts, and had Erin wipe 
the corners of her wrinkled lips. 

“My that tea is so good, pour me another cup dear,” Madame trilled
woozily. 

“With pleasure Madame, shall I start reading now?” she asked innocently.


“Oh my yes, but be quick, I am getting so sleepy. Though I do so want to
hear you read King Lear.  You are such a good reader, you know.” Madame 
said sincerely. 

“Yes, Madame, thank you,” Erin blushed thinking those were the only kind
words Madame had uttered in 3 years. 

As she sat on edge of the satin chair, and placed the book on her lap,
she looked around the room.  The safe with the diary was just next to 
the chair on which she was seated.  She began to slide it towards her 
with her foot as Madame began to drift off into sleep. 

When Erin finally heard Madame breath slowing, and her snores increasing
in volume.  She tip toed over to the quilt strewn bed.  She placed her 
hand down the old woman's nightgown, and silently removed the necklace 
with the key  attached to the end. 

Without glancing at the woman, she turned her back, leaned over, and
opened the safe.  Tears streamed down her face when she saw the cover 
of the beloved diary.  Noiselessly, she grabbed it, threw down the key, 
and ran from the mansion. 

There was no time to get her possessions.  This thought saddened her,
but she had the diary, and that was what mattered. 

Erin patted the money purse hanging around her neck to make sure it was
still there.  She had enough money for a one way ticket, and she had 
the address of her aunt Chancy O'Brien who lived in New York. 

Erin and she had corresponded, and she knew that Chancy, and her
daughter Braden, would be waiting for her at the New York harbor.  and 
slide it close when Madame finally fell asleep. 


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