I was so bold the night before when I told Cecilia we would get on all fours to clean, but now, as I stared at the filth, all I wanted to do was run back to my clean home as fast as I could.By the time we woke up, ate breakfast, changed to less clean clothes and reached Christopher's house, he wasn't there; maybe he had somewhere to go so early in the morning.Cecilia and I stood side by side, observing the mess. I didn't even know where to begin."I am ashamed that this is my house. Now I've slept in your clean house, I can't come back to living here." Cecilia said, holding up her nose in disgust. Well would you look at that! See what one bath can change?"It's a good thing you feel that way. Now, let's get to cleaning before your Papa comes back. I must admit, seeing that shocked expression on his face is hilarious and silly." Cecilia laughed."I'd wager my new dress that he would walk past his own house and not recognise it." I chuckled and nudged her."All right, come on now. We

"A haircut?" I asked, looking stunned at him. It's not that I am shocked he wanted to look more presentable, it's because it came out so easily and boldly; I may have misjudged a lot about Christopher, the town's people may not even know anything about him."Yes.""Why? All of a sudden?" I forced myself to ask."It is not really sudden but..." He paused and turned to the ladies who were leaning closer to hear what he had to say. They both immediately pretended to be busy with other things. "Why don't I explain it to you on the way home?" He suggested and I nodded my approval. From what I've heard, Christopher was very private and didn't mingle with the people at all, but he still made it big as his farm produce was the best in the town and beyond. It was possible that changing his appearance may attract a lot more customers."What kind of dress would you like, miss Crutoe?" The taller woman asked. "A simple dress for your chores and errands, a casual dress for when you have to meet wi

"Miss Crutoe, are you... crying?" He took my hand and helped me off the floor."No, I'm not.""Please don't lie, the moon is bright enough for me to see the tears. Did someone offend you and please do tell me if I hurt you just now, I was in a hurry to meet with the Earl.""I'm alright. Why are you here?""I just told you, I have to see the Earl. I don't think you are okay, I could sit with you...""Oh no! That really won't be necessary, I was on my way home and you just said you were in a hurry to speak with Earl.""He needs me more than I need him. But alright, I'll go meet him.""Yes, well...""You should stay, I'll be quick and then I'll walk you home. What do you say?" I really wanted to go home and bury my face in my pillow, but maybe talking to someone might make me feel better."Alright." He took my hand."Come on in, the party is still on." I didn't object as I followed him in. "I will be quick, I promise." He said one last time, before disappearing into the crowd.I didn't t

"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

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