Brightling (25 page)

‘I played dead – was real close to dead, it were that cold, but the oyster-catchers had seen me go in and they fished me out a few seconds later. I was sick as a dog. All my lovely clothes was ruined! This is all they had to dress me in – stuff what belonged to an oyster-catcher's daughter. Don't I look funny? But who cares? I'm back and aren't I so glad to find you alive and well, little Birdie!'

Later, Sparrow went into the garden with Bruno while he shook out the breakfast tablecloth so the birds could eat the crumbs. ‘Well, it's wonderful to have Glori safe and sound,' Bruno said. ‘She's a fine young lady and will be an asset to our growing family. And now we have our future all mapped out for us! What a little fixer you are, Sparrow dear,' he said. ‘Just like your mother.'

‘You don't mind, do you?'

‘Not at all. I think it's a wonderful idea. Perhaps we could move the Home up to Sto'back so we don't have to negotiate the krackodyles every time we make a journey? Perhaps I can still keep on the toyshop, without the spitfyres? There are lots of possibilities and best of all, it will make my Hilda happy – might even make Gerta happy too.'

‘I'm so glad you think so,' Sparrow said. ‘Because that's what I think too.' She paused to watch a little robin come down to peck at the crumbs. ‘You never forget to feed them, do you, Bruno?' she said. ‘You are kind.'

‘It was Mayra that started it,' he told her. ‘She loved all animals, but the birds especially. Fed them every single day of her life. That's probably why she called you Sparrow.'

‘And that's why Scaramouch doesn't eat birds,' Sparrow said. ‘And I bet he was her cat at the circus too,' she said. ‘Dear Scaramouch.'

‘Yes  … ' Bruno said. ‘I think you're right. And she placed him in charge of you.'

‘Do you think so?'

She longed to tell him that she wanted to go back to the circus, take Scaramouch with her and be daring and adventurous like her mother, but she didn't want to hurt his feelings.

Bruno nodded. ‘He is definitely a Sherbavian cat; there's no doubt about it. Even Gerta has to agree on that one!'

They laughed.

‘So you're happy now, dear?' Bruno asked her. ‘Content?'

Sparrow nodded.

‘Promise?' Bruno said.

‘Very content, thank you – but I
do
keep thinking of all those lonely girls back at the Knip and Pynch Home,' Sparrow said. She paused. ‘And I
do
think I'd like to join the circus with Scaramouch!' she finished in a rush.

Bruno laughed. ‘Later Sparrow, later; there's plenty of time for all of that when you're a bit older.'

Sparrow smiled. There was plenty of time for it all. She picked up Scaramouch and he pushed his head under her chin and purred.

Never abandon Sparrow. Never leave her alone, dear Scaramouch
, were Mayra's words to him.
You are her protector. Care for her if ever I cannot.

Scaramouch purred. He had done his very best.

First published in Great Britain in 2014 by Hot Key Books

Northburgh House, 10 Northburgh Street, London EC1V 0AT

Copyright © Rebecca Lisle 2014

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN: 978-1-4714-0104-6

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