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Chapter 57: Sisters and Guests (A)
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2022-07-28 12:21:31Related chapters
The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 58: Sisters and Guests (B)
"Lance?" I closed the book and got off my sitting position, looking him up, not sure if I was seeing things. "What are you doing here?" He grinned and came closer."I was worried about you. After the party, the next morning I left for your house but your father told me you were here to see your sister." He looked around the living room. "I didn't know your sister is the Duchess of Arana.""She... She is." I turned to Arthur and whispered to him. "Can you please go see if your brothers are awake yet? I will continue the story later, I promise." He didn't look willing but he ran off to the nursery anyway."Please come have a sit." I said to Lance, waving over the available chairs. He took the sofa immediately, getting comfortable fast.I excused myself and went to get snacks for him from the kitchen.When I returned, he was examining the book I was reading to Arthur earlier."These are for you." I said to him, setting the snacks on a low table in front of him."Thank you. It's a little
Last Updated : 2022-07-29The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 59: Make A Promise
"Alexa?" I stilled at Gwen's voice."Why are you out of...?" "I know, I know. I'm going back right now, I've found something to keep me busy." Gwen said, cutting Julien off. I couldn't bring myself to look at her or even Julien. I kept my eyes down."Are you hurt?" I felt Gwen's hand on my arm and I turned then to her. She was smiling, not at all the expression I was expecting."No, I'm alright.""Don't worry, Alexa. That rascal won't bother you anymore." I nodded at Julien but I didn't look at him. Rather I went for the abandoned book and gave it to him, still looking down."You should finish reading this to Arthur while I sit with Gwen awhile." I pushed it into his hands and took Gwen's hand, leading her to her room. Then... only then could I breathe fine.I exhaled slowly."Alexa, are you attracted to Julien?" I choked on air, coughing and wheezing. "Oh my! Are you alright? I didn't mean to startle you. It's just that, earlier...""I'm not!" I said, finally catching my breath. "I
Last Updated : 2022-07-30The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 60: A Gift Worthy of You
I returned to Durnca shortly after. Gwen's condition got better and though she coughed from time to time, the doctor thought it was okay for her to leave her room again and stay around the children.I was happy to be back home and Pa was even happier to have me around again. Of course I didn't tell him what illness troubled Gwen, we decided to keep it from him not to worry him. Cecilia spent most of her time with me while Christopher was away at Blair's home, doing whatever it was he did there. Cecilia said she was glad not to have him around anymore but I knew she said that just so she wouldn't feel the hurt."I'm coming in." Cecilia announced as she came into the house. I was in the kitchen, cooking a new pot of soup for lunch when she came in."Your Papa is gone again?" I asked without leaving my task."Before I could even wake up. I wonder why she can't come to our house, I mean, it is clean now." Cecilia said bitterly from the breakfast table. I replaced the pot lid before leavi
Last Updated : 2022-07-30The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 61: Setting Up
According to Cecilia, Blair threw a tantrum for a week and Christopher thought she just might call off the engagement, but then she sent a letter, inviting him for tea.Though he still did her every bidding, he didn't visit her so much once spring came, he had to go back to farming.I was glad that the winter was over, I never liked the cold and even more pleasing, I could fix up the storeroom and set up my shop.I still didn't know what to name it, I've never had anything of my own I could give a name before. It was all because of Christopher. I was grateful to him but because I didn't want to cause problems between him and his witch of a fiancée, I kept my distance."I should come with you and help you fix up the place." Pa was saying to me while I brushed my hair, getting ready to go to the storeroom."I know you can help but Gwen would have my head if your back gave in while helping me. Don't worry Pa, there is not much left to do anyway, hopefully at the end of the week, I will o
Last Updated : 2022-08-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 62: A Night in the Storeroom
I turned sharply to Christopher. He didn't like Blair? Why then was he marrying her? I couldn't stop myself from asking."Why marry someone if you don't like them?" He shrugged as we got into the shop and set down the items."I'm only marrying her for Cecilia. My time here is temporary and Cecilia would be better off if she has someone to care for her when I'm gone.""What do you mean by that? Are you ill? Has someone threatened your life?" He laughed again."It's not that. Don't worry about it now, we have to get to work if we want to make it home for dinner." I wasn't satisfied with his answer but I was a stranger to him, I couldn't push him to open up if he didn't want to.We set to work, putting the chairs where they were meant to be, setting up the mirrors, the tables, the little stools..."But then Cecilia doesn't like her very much, I doubt Blair is glad to be Cecilia's mother after what happened at the market the other day. There are other maidens and many of them have shown i
Last Updated : 2022-08-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 63: An Out-of-the-Blue Proposal
To make me feel better, Pa bought me a red ribbon, the same shade of my hair. I loved it instantly and used it to tie my hair; you wouldn't even know it was there.Bridget didn't just invite me for the baby's party, she invited Papa too and that was the only thing that gave me courage to attend.I knew the news of Christopher and I spending the night alone must have reached every house in Durnca and people were likely going to talk about it and try putting me down, but Pa has assured me that if I don't pay heed to what they say, they will leave me alone.I made a mental note to apologize to Christopher later, it was my fault and his name would get dragged in the mud as well.I didn't bother with getting a new dress, I already had one of Gwen's I altered and it looked presentation enough for such a function. Besides, I had used a good amount of coins to get a toy box for the baby.I felt like I was attending parties a lot now and I might tell Bridget there were not my thing and I would
Last Updated : 2022-08-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 64: The New Mrs Hallewell
I couldn't make sense of what had just happened.After Christopher proposed and secured the betrothal necklace around my neck, Papa took the toy box from me, gave it to Bridget and thanked her for the invitation, then he took my hand and we left the mansion.I was still too stunned to say anything. I was just sitting at the breakfast table, still as a rock as I stared into space. I was engaged?! How was it possible that I was engaged? And to Christopher? How did not fretting push me into the last place I wanted to find myself, as someone's wife?It was probably a joke. Maybe if I held my breath long enough, I'd pass out and wake up in my bed; there would be no memory of the night in the storeroom and most especially, I wouldn't be wearing a betrothal necklace."You will give yourself a headache worrying so much." Pa was sitting on another chair, across from me. "Don't think too much about the matter, it is...""Pa, tell me... am I engaged to be married?" He looked confused."Yes, you
Last Updated : 2022-08-01The Maidens (Crutoe Sisters) Chapter 65: Newlyweds
It was very strange and a little uncomfortable living with Christopher. It wasn't that his presence made me uncomfortable, but the thought that I exchanged vows on an altar with him and now I'm supposed to be his wife. I know we agreed it would only be on paper but we were living together for God's sake, I had to be in the same space with him all the time.On our wedding night, we both stood, looking at his bed. It was big enough for four people but I didn't like the idea of sharing it with him so I was reaching for a pillow and blankets when he took them away from my grasp."Thank you." He said and made to turn around."Oh, wait. I was getting those for myself.""And what kind of a person would I be if I let you sleep on the couch when there is a very comfortable bed in here. Don't worry, I never really liked the bed anyway, you can have it." Without waiting for my reply, he left the room.Sure, I had the bed to myself, but I felt guilty. He was helping me after all and he didn't hav
Last Updated : 2022-08-01
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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.""
