To Hold a Candle to the Devil

Ella Partridge, eight years old, lives in a poorhouse in 1870's London with her parents. But when her parents die of an illness that left the poorhouse quarantined, she's taken in by a wealthy family

"Stop that thief!"

"That little devil child!"

"Come back here!"

I was at it again. Whilst my parents were at home, also known as the poorhouse, assuming we were working hard for our money, my brothers and sisters had dared me to pick someone's pocket. I gave in to the pressure and stole from someone for the first time, but very unsuccessfully. I condemned myself each time I did it, but my brothers and sisters told me I would become accustomed to doing these things soon enough. My parents didn't know about me doing this for a time.

I was hoping I could get away with it, but as I turned a street corner, pocketbook in hand, a policeman, or as I called them at that time "blue bottle", grabbed me by the arm.

"I recognize you, gutter rat!"

"Sir, please-"

"Enough with this. You are in big trouble. Where are your parents?"

"At home, sir."

"And where, pray tell, is your home?"

"Well, sir...we don't have a home of our own. We live in a poorhouse here in London."

"I should have suspected as much."

"Are ye going to put me in ruffles, officer?"

"Ruffles? Do you mean handcuffs?"

I nodded, feeling very anxious. I was also angry at my siblings for pressuring me into doing this.

"That depends, child. Why would you commit such a crime?"

"Well...my brothers dared me. I didn't want to do it, but we are so poor and desperate to earn enough money to have a home of our own."

"Stealing money is not earning it."

I looked down and shifted my feet, feeling very ashamed.

"What is your name, child?"

"Ella Partridge, sir."

"Alright, Miss Partridge. Come with me.

"Where are ye taking me?"

"Back to the poorhouse. Where are your siblings?"

"Over there, down the street."

He motioned for my brothers and sister to come with us. They followed, very unwillingly. I turned back and glared at them all.

"Trassenos."

Author's Note

So, what do you think? I'm using Victorian slang occasionally, seeing as Ella is low class.

Here are some translations:
To Hold a Candle to the Devil = To be evil
Ruffles = Handcuffs
Trasseno = an evil person

Reviews

[Raya Avans]

I am currently reading Jane Eyre and needless to say I am loving it so it was interesting to find you. This is fairly well written platform for what could be very interesting and life learning story.. I am interested to see where you go with this. Also, I think you should add more to this, I feel like this is maybe a bit rushed, as if it could be stronger if you slowed it down and added more description. but of coarse, that is only one persons opinion. Overall, well written and I remain interested in the rest.