A Sham Princess

A Sham Princess by Eglanton Thorne

Bert Sinclair, a young boy, is deeply concerned about his sister, Prin, who is gravely ill with bronchitis following measles. They live in a squalid London slum, and their situation is dire, with no parents to care for them. Bert sells papers and runs errands to support them, while Prin helps neighbors when she can. The parish doctor, Dr. Hurst, visits Prin and suggests she needs fresh air and good food, ideally in the country, to recover. Bert is worried, as the country seems an unattainable dream. Prin eventually gets an opportunity to go to the country, thanks to a kind lady, Mrs. Thornton, who hears about her plight from Dr. Hurst. Bert is left alone, missing his sister but hopeful for her recovery. He continues his daily struggles, selling papers and living in a corner under the stairs after their room is rented out. Bert befriends an old sailor, Mr. Corney, who moves into their former room. Mr. Corney is kind and shares stories of his past, including a lost sister named Priscilla. Bert learns about sin and redemption from Mr. Corney, who has found solace in his faith. Prin writes to Bert from the country, describing her new life and hinting she might not return. Bert is heartbroken but clings to hope. He plans to visit her, saving money for the journey. However, on Jubilee Day, he sees Prin in a carriage but is injured in an accident while trying to reach her. He ends up in the hospital, where Mr. Corney visits him. Meanwhile, Mr. Corney discovers that Mrs. Kay, a former neighbor, is his long-lost sister, Priscilla. She has fallen into a life of drinking and despair. Mr. Corney takes her in, hoping to help her recover. Prin returns to London unexpectedly, having run away from the country after being accused of theft. She is ill and delirious, and Bert cares for her. He discovers a diamond brooch hidden in her bed, realizing she did take it. Prin is remorseful and asks Bert to return it. As Prin recovers, Lord Ravenscourt, the brooch's owner, visits. He forgives Prin, revealing that his daughter, Lady Millicent, who loved Prin, has died. Lady Millicent had wanted to leave Prin the brooch but instead left money for her education. With Lord Ravenscourt's help, Bert and Prin are given a chance for a better life. Prin's repentance is sincere, and she strives to live a good life, inspired by Lady Millicent's example. Bert, too, is determined to fight the evil he has witnessed, trusting in a higher power for strength.

By Eglanton Thorne · First published 2017 · Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama · 13 chapters · 31,693 words

First lines

"COULD it be that the Princess was going to die? " Bert held his breath as the thought smote him. He could almost hear the beating of his heart as he stood motionless, arrested by the painful idea, and gazed with anxious eyes on his sleeping sister.

Prin had been ill for more than a week, so ill that the parish doctor had come every day to see her; but Bert had never thought of death before.

The idea having presented itself, was not easily to be dismissed. He looked at Prin's white, sunken face, at the dark veins on her forehead, at the thin, white hands that were folded on her bosom; he listened to her quick, difficult breathing, and his fear deepened. How could he bear it if Prin died?

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A Sham Princess is listed on Textopian as a novella by Eglanton Thorne, dated 2017 CE.

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Genres

Tags

fantasy · historical · romance · adventure · political intrigue · deception · identity crisis · betrayal · power struggle · court drama · secret identity · mystery

Contents

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