Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter XXXI: Whispers of a New Life

In the soft light of the morning sun, Alice slowly awoke to the reality of her new existence. Sir Richard of Mohn is no longer there. The warmth that had once enveloped her in the marriage bed had dissipated, leaving behind a void that mirrored the complexities of her emotions.

Madam Mohn standing next to bed, casting a critical eye upon Alice, remarked sarcastically, "Good morning, Alice. I trust you had a restful night."

Alice, taken aback, managed a feeble nod "Ma'am."

Madam Mohn, motioning to the maids, declared, "Let the maids attend to you. It's imperative that you're properly cared for."

Alice, feeling a sense of intrusion, protested, "No need, I can manage on my own."

Madam Mohn, dismissively, retorted, "Nonsense. They'll see to it."

As the maids proceeded with their tasks, Madam Mohn observed, "You'll get used to it, my dear. Modesty is a luxury you can't afford in your position."

Their movements were purposeful, and Alice couldn't shake the feeling that every action was laden with unspoken expectations.

Alice, trapped in this ritual, silently endured the scrutiny, realizing the constraints that came with her newfound status in the Mohn estate.

Madam Mohn, her eyes discerning, closely inspected the linen stained with the 'blood' aftermath of Alice's wedding night. The maids stood silently, their presence a testament to the formality of the examination. Madam Mohn, after a thoughtful pause, expressed her satisfaction: "It appears that our hopes may be realized soon." her tone now laced with a formality that concealed deeper intentions: "And Alice, my dear, take heed not to overexert yourself. We're anticipating the pitter-patter of little feet in this estate soon, and your well-being is paramount."

Alice, recognizing the veiled directive, offered a meek nod in response as she swallowed her saliva. Little did they know that Alice was already carrying a child, but the truth of its origin remained her closely guarded secret. The weight of this hidden truth intensified as she navigated the delicate dance of expectations in her new role.

As the maids attended to her, Alice couldn't help but wonder about the baby growing within her. Her fear for its safety mingled with the uncertainty of her own circumstances. In those quiet moments, she found herself hoping that, should her child be born, its appearance would align more with her own features than with Peter's. The Mohn family, surrounded by blondes, might raise an eyebrow at a baby with raven hair, and she clung to the slim hope that her child might carry a resemblance closer to hers than to the actual father, Peter of Wode.

The room, adorned with the trappings of nobility, felt like both a refuge and a gilded cage. In this intricate choreography of expectations and secrecy, Alice braced herself for the performance that awaited her in this new chapter of life.

Madam Mohn break the silence: "Alice, my dear, you may choose to have breakfast in your room or the garden. Just not at the dining room."

Alice: "Thank you, ma'am. Is there any more morning routine here?"

Madam Mohn: "In the mornings, Sir Richaud and I have breakfast with our children, Edward and Albert. It's exclusive to the main family. You and Cateline may join us in the evening for dinner."

Alice: "Understood, ma'am. I appreciate your guidance. I shall have breakfast in the garden then." Alice nod to the maids signaling them.

Madam Mohn: "Every morning after breakfast, we ladies gather in our family chapel for prayers. I anticipate seeing you there every day."

Alice: "Certainly, ma'am. I'll join you for the morning prayers in the chapel."

Madam Mohn: "Good. Are you able to read?"

Alice: "Yes, Ma'am, I can read but I am not able to write."

Madam Mohn: "Excellent. You may assist Albert, my second son, with his in-house clerical tasks. It will be a valuable contribution to the estate."

Madam Mohn: "You can learn to write from him bit by bit. Be cautious; my second son Albert can be easily angered."

Alice: "Thank you, Ma'am. I'll be careful."

Madam Mohn: "I'm pleased with your obedience, quiet demeanor, and usefulness. You're quite the opposite of the other mistress, Cateline. Oh lord, that naughty girl. Be cautious around her; she might set a bad example."

Alice: "I appreciate your guidance, Ma'am. I'll do my best to serve the family."

Madam Mohn: "Good." Madam Mohn bid farewell, heading towards the dining room with the maids trailing behind, leaving Alice once again alone in her bedroom.

In the solitude of her chamber, Alice steeled herself for the challenges ahead, whispering words of encouragement as she embarked on the uncertain journey of her new life.