LOGINShare
Chapter 15: An Unwanted Visitor
Last Updated:
2022-04-01 02:21:22It has now completed an entire week without the children driving me insane or me strangling them. In fact, I was fully acting as a mother... to two children, Alan wouldn't let me touch him or be nice to him, I was still the enemy.
But now, I didn't care, I had two angels fawning over me and I was loving the attention. Now that Arthur didn't follow Alan around anymore, Alan started spending more time in the town with some boys he said were his friends, though I've never seen them before. At least he respected my wishes and always returned home before dark.
It was rainy often now in winter and it was so cold, I had to buy the materials and make coats for everyone before the snow starts. Even in that rain, Alan still goes into the town and spend the entire day there. I had no reason to stop him, so I just let him be rather than get into an argument with him.
It was that day it completed a week, it had rained early in the morning and the weather was chilly,
Related chapters
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 16: The New Neighbors (A)
I accidentally pricked my finger again and sucked on it. I was so sleepy but I wanted to at least make progress with Maya's new dress before I sleep, but I kept drifting off and kept pricking my finger with the needle. Putting the gown and the needle in the basket I kept under the bed, I blew out the candle and wriggled under the blankets next to Arthur; he has been having those nightmares often, so I kept him close to me so that whenever he starts crying in his sleep, I'd be right next to him to soothe him back to sleep. I actually thought Maya would be the one having trouble sleeping but she was just like me, once she's asleep, she's asleep until morning. I must have drifted to sleep almost immediately but the sounds of hinges creaking woke me up and I was alert instantly. Seems like caring for Arthur has gotten rid of my deep sleep problem, it was almost like I was waiting for him to make a sound, then I wake up and soothe him. But this sound wasn't Arthur, it was
Last Updated : 2022-04-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 17: The New Neighbors (B)
The children were in a good mood in the morning, as they focused all their attention on Julien; well, besides Arthur who was mostly quiet but that was no surprise.Because of how tired I was, I overslept and Julien let me sleep, because by the time I got up, the children had already eaten breakfast and taken their baths. I couldn't picture Julien as the nursing type but I was still grateful for his help."Good morning." I said as I got to the living room where Julien sat, reading a piece of paper. Arthur and Maya came to hug me in greeting and Alan just smiled."Did you get enough rest?" Julien asked, smiling above his paper."I did. I'm sorry I overslept, I stayed up sewing Maya's dress. And everyone is already bathed and fed.""Mama did it." Maya said, excitedly. I did?"Did what?" That's when I noticed everyone was staring at Maya. What's wrong?"Bathe us, and she made soup." She?"Who are you talking about?" I was confused.
Last Updated : 2022-04-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 18: A Real Couple
To my surprise, Julien was in no hurry to leave; he took up the task of caring for the horses and swinging his sword every morning. And oh what a sight! Even in the cold, he was shirtless whenever he swung his sword, the sight of his bare chest still made my knees weak that I was always staring, forgetting myself. Ann caught me once and she wouldn't stop laughing at my embarrassment.Other than caring for the horses and practising with his sword, he stayed close to me, hearing me chatter about my childhood and the mischievous things Hailey did. He didn't offer to talk about himself and I didn't press him, I was content to let him know all about me.He even took me to the fair, just us, no children. I had a great time, looking around, playing silly games. What's more, I enjoyed the attention everyone was giving Julien and I. I was sure it was mostly Julien and I felt even prouder to be next to him. We looked like a real couple... A real happy couple.The af
Last Updated : 2022-04-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 19: A Wedding
"Gwen?" I opened my eyes, Ann was peering at me. I sat up immediately."Ann? What are you...?""You'll be late for your own wedding if you don't get up soon." My wedding? The wedding!! I looked outside, it was bright as day!"Oh no! It's this morning? Of course it is." I got off the bed. "I have to get the children ready and I have to get ready...""The children are ready and are at the church now with Julien. It's only the bride that has to get ready." What?"Already?! Why didn't anyone wake me up? Arthur's nightmares were worst last night and he wouldn't go back to sleep, I had to stay with him all night and then... Oh no! I don't have a wedding dress!" I rushed to the wardrobe and threw open the doors, searching through my five different gowns, nothing was suitable for a wedding. What do I wear to my own wedding?! Oh no, oh no!"Don't panic Gwen, Julien bought you a dress." I spinned around to see Ann holding up a... really gorgeous white
Last Updated : 2022-04-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 20: Back to Durnca
The shortcut was very short indeed and equally cold and narrow. My heart was in my mouth the entire time we rode on that narrow road, hoping and praying no bandits would pop out and attack us. Eric looked capable enough but he couldn't possibly be as strong as Julien and what if there are more men this time? I was so relieved when I saw Durnca come into view finally; it was already dark and my body ached from riding nonstop for hours. "Durnca, my lady." Eric said curtly, gave me a nod and he left! Just like that? How does he expect me to find my way home? Home...? Did I just call Rashord home? With Julien and the children? Ann and Eden? Yes, they are my family now. I just had to get our last family member and we'll all be together. I kicked my horse forward but slowly as people moved about and some stopped to stare at me. I ignored the stare and kept my eyes forward, wondering what pa and Hailey would say when they saw me. A crashing sound caught my a
Last Updated : 2022-04-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 21: Unhappy Reunion
No words passed between us until we got back to my house. Julien went in first to take a look at Pa while I saw to the horses. In a few minutes, Hailey came rushing out, grinning and blushing like a new bride after the wedding night. "Tell me Gwen, is that your captor?" "Yes, that's Julien. Handsome, isn't he?" "Handsome?! I've always thought Albert was the most good looking gentleman, but that man over there looks like... like..." She was struggling to find a word that best describes Julien's looks. "Like the Lord Himself." "Hailey! That's blasphemy." "Oh, forget that. They say the Lord created us in His image but Julien is the exact copy of the Lord." "I'm not listening to your nonsense before I get punished alongside you." I looked away from her and securely tied the horses' reins and took off their saddles. Then I got water for them before turning back to Hailey who studied me. "You seem upset. I was only maki
Last Updated : 2022-04-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 22: Confessions
Hailey came by early as she had promised to say goodbye to us. I couldn't tell how but Julien already had Eric bring his carriage over as pa wasn't strong enough to ride. I really didn't want to leave Hailey again, but we couldn't be little girls forever.I begged her to continue feeding my animals while I'm gone and she agreed, then we hugged before I entered the carriage with pa and Julien.We took the shortcut again and there were no bandits. When we got back to Rashord, it was late and the children were already sleeping in Ann house, all except Arthur.Ann sat with him on the porch and as soon as he saw the carriage, he was already running towards it even before I could come down."You came back!" He shrieked, jumping around until I came down and accepted his tight hug."Of course I came back. Why did you keep your Aunt awake? That's not nice." I said as I carried him in my arms."It's alright, Gwen. Don't scold him." Ann came over too a
Last Updated : 2022-04-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 23: A Wedding on Christmas
Arana was beautiful! It was so beautiful, I wondered why we lived in Rashord when Julien worked in Arana. The entire town was bright and it looked like everyone was well to do, not one house was poverty-stricken. I guess having a young Duke paid well.As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the Duke's mansion and we got down, Alan and Maya ran into the mansion and I would have stopped them but Ann said it was okay. How was it okay? Unless they had been there a lot of times and knew their way around.Ann took Arthur with her and they went in too. I had to forget about the children for a moment, it was my first time in such an environment, I had to blend in. I fiddled with my gown, one of the new ones I made for myself, wondering if it was nice enough for the party."Stop doing that." Julien laughed beside me, taking my hands away from my gown. "Trust me, you're the prettiest lady here tonight.""We haven't even entered yet and I am certain that my gown
Last Updated : 2022-04-01
Latest chapter
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 79: Be Mine (B)
I was tormented by thoughts.It would have been easier if Julien left like that, but he just had to say those words to me, making me restless with tormenting thoughts. I had to wonder if I was doing the right thing by denying my love and refusing to be with Julien, I couldn't decide.I thought by the time Julien returned from his trip, I would be ready to get on with my life without worrying about my feelings; but now, I wondered if I should forget my worry and accept to be with him.Yes, he was Gwen's husband but now she's dead, I am in charge of the children as she wanted and now I'm really in love with Julien, also as she wanted.Did she somehow see the future? Did she know I would eventually fall in love with Julien and she gave me her permission beforehand? That sounded like something Gwen was capable of, she was always after my happiness. Why then was I still denying it and refusing to be with Julien? Maybe I needed some kind of reassurance that I was doing the right thing, or m
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 78: Be Mine (A)
He looked surprised at me, unable to say a word."But I can't be because you are Gwen's husband.""Alexa...""I can't blame you or myself because it was bound to happen, Martha thought so too. The only way we can help the situation is to avoid each other and my feelings will naturally die.""Why is that the only way? Why can't we nurture it and let it bloom?" I stared at him, what was he saying? "I am no longer Gwen's husband, we all lost her but that doesn't mean we can't move on with our lives. It would be wrong if Gwen was still here, but she's not and to be honest, she did give us her blessing. So, why should we shy away from our emotions?" Was he talking about Gwen asking him to marry me? Has he really been thinking about that all these time? When he says 'ours', does he mean he feels the same way too? No, probably not."I can't... it's not right.""Alexa..." But I didn't listen, I left him there and went to my room.I spent the rest of the day thinking about Julien's words, Mart
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 77: Stand-in Mother (B)
Arthur avoided me for the rest of the day, he always looked away when I was close to him and he walked away before I could say a word.He barely even touched his dinner and insisted that Julien tuck them in for the night. It really made me sad and uneasy.I had to wait in Julien's study for him to tuck the children in. We still had to talk about Cecilia and I had to thank him for finding her.I sat on the soft couch in his study and waited, lost in my thoughts, wondering how I could get Arthur to talk to me again. I couldn't let them call me mother, I just couldn't. No matter how much I...The door opened and I straightened. Julien looked a little surprised to see me there."I thought you went to bed." He said as he came in, shutting the door behind him."I wanted to talk to you first." He nodded and came over to sit next to me on the couch."What about?""About Cecilia... Thank you for finding her, I didn't know you were searching for her at all...""I have, ever since you told me sh
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 76: Stand-in Mother (A)
"Did you see that?!" I nodded to Arthur's question, he was pointing at a spot where a hawk had swooped down to grab a prey which appeared to be a lizard."It was so fast!" He said, running to the spot and looking up as if he could still see the bird. I only smiled.Arthur seemed happier now, he could smile and play with his brothers again; he didn't cry in his sleep anymore. In fact, it's been two months since I've heard him mention his mother or cry for her.It's been seven months since Gwen's demise and I missed her so much, I was getting used to my everyday life with the children and Julien; our pretend family. I call it pretend because no matter how many functions I attended with them, being their stand-in mother, I was still Alexa and not Gwen. I could never fully be their mother, no matter how natural I was with them.Sometimes I would be lost in thought and wished Gwen could see her boys grow and it would bring tears to my eyes, but I would remind myself that no amount of cryin
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 75: Farewells and Intruders (B)
It was morning and we had just said goodbye to Papa Benjamin and Papa Ramsey, now it was time to say goodbye to the dowager duchess, Frederick, Martha and their children.Arthur was upset, so he refused to say goodbye and stayed in bed. We couldn't force him, the child was hurt.Julien was carrying Eliott and the sleeping Eric was in my arms as we watched them get on the carriage, but then Martha suddenly came down and came to me."Can I speak to you briefly?""Of course." I followed her as she led me all the way to the library. "What is wrong?" I asked her when she finally stopped."I didn't want to say anything but I couldn't bring myself to leave without saying it.""Saying what?" She stared at me for a moment and I waited."Gwen loved you a lot, so much that I believe she loved you more than she loved the children.""That is not possible.""But it is. She always spoke so highly of you and when she got sick, she was always saying strange things that I couldn't understand.""Strange
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 74:. Farewells and Intruders (A)
"What will you do now?" I was sitting at the garden alone when Pa Benjamin joined me, sitting next to me. Gwen and the baby were buried two days ago, but it did nothing to soothe the ache in my heart; it still didn't feel real to me. I keep expecting her to jump out behind me and tell me it was all a joke.The funeral was a big ceremony and even Robert and his wife had to come with their children, as well as Gwen's acquaintances and the entire population of Arana... after all, their Duchess just died.Papa Benjamin and Papa Ramsey came immediately we sent a letter to them. Of course, Papa Benjamin was furious that we hid the truth from him and he missed Gwen's last moments, but he managed to calm down after a while.Julien didn't know how to go about explaining the situation to Arthur, so I went with him. As expected, he child was devastated and he reminded me so much of Cecilia. I wasn't going to let him feel alone, not ever. I assured him that he still had Julien and I would be wit
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 73: Tragedy (B)
I sat there, crying my heart out, not even minding the stares and whispers of the people around me.I couldn't move.The little pieces of my heart that was still in place just got shattered by Cecilia. How could she leave me? And worse, how could she join the bandits? Those murderous band of thieves? The thought of that little girl, going around, hurting and stealing from people made my heart ache. She was just so young, not even nine years yet."Alexa!" I heard Papa Benjamin call but I didn't move, I didn't even look up."Alexa, what are you doing on the ground? Did you find Cecilia?""She left." Was all I said. He reached for me and pulled me up."First get up. We can still find her, she mustn't have gotten far.""Pa, she didn't just leave. She joined the bandits.""She what?" I looked at him then. His eyes were wide in shock and he looked tired. But of course he was, Christopher left abruptly, Cecilia couldn't stop crying and now she has disappeared with strangers. "Joined the ban
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 72: Tragedy (A)
Cecilia couldn't stop crying.As soon as Christopher got on his horse and rode away, Papa Benjamin must have seen him leave and sensed something was wrong because he came running out of his house to find Cecilia in my arms, crying.Of course he had a few words to say about Christopher after I explained what had happened, but the truth was that there was nothing any of us could do. Cecilia wasn't his real daughter, I was barely even his wife; he had no real bond in Durnca and now he has left for his real home.Fate had a way of giving me the worst all the time. I was barely above a toddler when my mother left me, my father just had to abandon me too and just when I was finally opening up my heart to love someone... he leaves me too.But I had to be strong, for the little girl that needed me.Yet, she wouldn't stop crying. Not even papa could distract her; she just hugged herself and cried even more.I sat by her bed, begging her to stop crying and eat something at least, but she wouldn
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 71: Who is Gideon (B)
"That would be me." I turned sharply to Christopher."You? You are Gideon?" He came closer and took the letter from me."Yes.""I... I don't understand. You're Chris...""My real name is Gideon." I suddenly began laughing."You're jesting. You can't be Gideon and be Christopher at the same time." He didn't smile, his eyes were sad."I am Gideon Griffiths, from...""No..." I said, shaking my head."Alexa, you have to listen...""No...""I'm not really a Hallewell, Mr Hallewell only took me in and called me his son. I know where I'm from and I've always known I will go back one day, that is why I never wanted to get close to anyone.""No, it's not true." My heart ached and my throat felt on fire. This was much worse than an ex-lover coming back, he was part of a whole different world."Alexa, it's all thanks to you. If I hadn't met you, I probably wouldn't have finished my last test. Meeting you, changing the way I look, marrying you, that's what helped me pass and now I can go home.""
