The Allure Of Love (Sample)

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Lydia POV

I didn’t know what happened to Jake. I don’t think I really wanted to know. I had hurt so many dear to me, my mother, the other maids, and of course my dear Jake.  The authorities were no doubt looking for me. I am most certain Mrs. Weathers sent them after me. No one would ever know the truth. I kept walking; it had been a mere few days. I hadn’t eaten or drank anything. I was feeling delusional and very tired from my days spent crying. 

“Excuse me miss.”

I froze in terror. “Yes.”

“You look lost, may I help you somewhere?”

I let out a sigh of relief. This young man didn’t know who I was. “I don’t really have anywhere to go.”

“Well would you like something to eat at least?”

Realizing I had no other options I decided to accept. I couldn’t continue on this dirt road much longer. “Thank you, I suppose I will.” He looked delighted. I cursed myself for noticing how strong and kind he was. I was an evil woman and deserved no happiness due to my selfish ways. I had to remember that.

“I’m Will.”

“Molly, my name is molly.”

“Well, Miss Molly why are you wandering this road here by yourself?”

I quickly concocted a tale. “Well I came here from Nevada searching for an uncle of mine. Apparently he had died a year ago. Now I have no money to go back home.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

We continued on in silence. I was grateful for no more questions, and for the much needed rest in the wagon.

“Well here it is our humble little farm.”

I had never seen a sweeter home. Chickens ran freely, and two little boys wrestled in the mud. I smelt fresh pies baking. This felt like a real home, complete with a loving caring family. I sighed in envy.

“Willy who is this lovely little lady you brought home?”

I turned to see an ample woman standing in the doorway with hands on her hips. She was smiling and reminded me so much of Lucy, my mother.

“This is Molly mama. She doesn’t have anywhere to go. I thought she could at least have supper with us.”

She tousled his hair playfully. “My sweet boy, get in a wash up. Suppers on the table. Come on Molly come meet the family.”

“Thank you mam.”

I was ushered into the house. Seven boys were eagerly seated at the table as well as one girl about my age. A large man I assumed was the father seated himself at the head of the table and the mother next to him. I was sat next to the girl. A beautiful fair skinned golden haired girl with enchanting emerald eyes. I couldn’t help but to feel self conscious about my own plain features. After grace I was introduced to everyone and forced to recount my “tale”.  I couldn’t help to notice how the family all had the same golden hair and beautiful emerald eyes.  Freckles lined each of their sloped noses. I couldn’t help but to notice how the father had plain features that resembled my own. I had already begun to feel like I fit in.

“This my husband Willy, and you’ve met wily Jr. here, Mark, Jacob, Luke, James, Jordan, Mathew, and Mary.”

“Thank you for allowing me to eat with you, but I should probably be on my way

“Molly dear you have nowhere to go, why don’t you stay here and work. There is too much housework for Mary and I as it is.”

I was shocked at this great show of kindness. I looked towards all the expectant faces and then turned to wills mother named Sandra.

“I would most appreciate it.”

“It is settled then. You can share a room with Mary, and you can help me with the chores and housekeeping.”

“Of course, I would be honored.”

“Well isn’t this grand. Some female company would be most refreshing,” Mary said.

I think I laughed for the first time that day, really heartily laughed. I was teased by the boys, and treated like a sister by Mary. I kept stealing glances at will who was shyly watching me. That night I decided to cry the last of my tears. I was done with the pain and suffering from being Lydia. She was gone and only Molly was left. I snuggled deep into my quilt and bed, and slept long and hard.