Investigation Discusses Episode 11 of a series: The Continued Adventures of a Young Noblewoman (and her Servant)

A Suspenseful Spin

From where we stand, the narrative continues, follow it on *ABCTales (https://abctales.com/) or grab a copy of The Chronicles of a Lady (and her Maid) in book form (https://book-link-external). Here's the gist, in short: Ethel, an erstwhile noblewoman, and her loyal servant, Gwladys, fled the clutches of cruel gentry, bringing along their newborn charge, to traverse the path of the unknown. Encountering a pawn shop belonging to a mysterious woman named Anty Marj, they struck a deal for Aefelthrith's family ring, temporarily securing their livelihood. However, Anty Marj mysteriously vanished before the deal's close, and the women found her lifeless body in the shop's stockroom. Taking this as a sign, they decided to run the pawn shop themselves while protecting their secret. Anty Marj, seemingly alive and well, reappeared only to have herself convinced she had sold the shop to them, leaving with a bundle of coins, including Aefelthrith's ring. A young urchin, Arry, was then enlisted to clear their garden, offering him a chance at decent work. One moring, Arry unearthed a skull, which he kept hidden and buried for safety. Just as they caught their breaths, Sergeant Argent of the Watch appeared at their shop.**

Aefelthrith paced restlessly in the kitchen, her senses heightened as a hushed conversation unfolded on the other side of the dark drapes separating the shop from their quarters. The drapes parted, revealing Gwladys, who instead of answering Aefelthrith's question, smiled mysteriously.

"Who's there?" Aefelthrith demanded.

"It seems that someone...wants to see you" Gwladys giggled, on the brink of laughter.

"Is it that bastard Watchman again?" Aefelthrith took a cautious step back, cautiously eyeing the drapes.

"Nah, nothing like that" Gwladys assured, still trying to suppress laughter.

Aefelthrith peeked through the drapes and came face to face with Sergeant Argent, a helmet under one arm and a menacing truncheon hanging from his waist. Hiding in the shadows was Constable John.

"Ah, splendid to see you again, ma'am" Sergeant Argent made a limp salute, his face turning bright red.

"I'm so glad you decided to visit us again, Sergeant" Aefelthrith bowed lightly, her curiosity piqued. "Is there a problem regarding Anty Marj?"

"None whatsoever, ma'am" Sergeant Argent frowned deeply, "in fact, it seems she's left town altogether"

Aefelthrith clapped her hands in relief, "Wonderful! Then, may we assist you in any other way?"

"Er, I have a bit of a predicament..." Sergeant Argent shifted uncomfortably, his forehead beading with sweat. He took a deep breath and spoke with newfound determination. "I was wondering, ma'am, if you'd do me the honor of … walking with me?"

Aefelthrith stared at the Sergeant, utterly shocked. From the darkness, she could hear Arry's hushed chuckles.

"I-I-I don't know what to say..." Aefelthrith stammered, visibly shaken. "I...I...must speak with my colleague." She quickly disappeared through the drapes, leaving Gwladys sitting at the table, trying to contain her laughter.

"I told you it wasn't anything to worry about" Gwladys managing a few words between gasps of laughter.

"What? He wants to walk with me?"

"Yeah, he wants to take you out, you know, dating"

"But...but...he's a Watchman!"

"And? What's wrong with that?"

"Because I'm...betrothed!" Aefelthrith snapped, defensive.

"Bollocks!" Gwladys waved her hand dismissively. "Your fiancé is shacked up with another woman, running a pub, and they've got a child, for crying out loud! Why not give this a chance?"

"I can't! I pledged my troth!"

"Oh, grow up! You know very well why they're keeping you locked up in that castle! Look, when we ran off from there, and your fiancé got his arse kicked in that battle and ran off with that Dolly, right?"

Aefelthrith nodded, dolefully. "She tended his wounds."

"And then, when he recovered, the two of them started robbing towns along the coast. Is that the kind of man you want to marry?"

"He's only fallen in with the wrong crowd."

"Get real! He's a scoundrel, and I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him. Why not give this chance to someone decent?"

"I will not!" Aefelthrith declared haughtily.

"You'll have to do something...tell him something."

"I'll tell him that I'm betrothed." Aefelthrith said firmly.

"Don't be so bloody daft! Saying that you're betrothed will only raise more questions, and the Watch will soon find out about your past. What would you rather have, both of you dangling in prison or inviting the Watch to our side for once?"

"I...I don't know."

"Think about it! I'll take care of it." Gwladys sighed, rose from her seat, and strided through the drapes, leaving Aefelthrith standing tentatively in the kitchen.

"What are you doing?"

"I'll talk to him." Gwladys shook her head, determination set in her eyes.

Sergeant Argent watched as the drapes parted and Gwladys walked through, her confident air causing the nervous constable to tremble.

"Ma'am." Gwladys bowed slightly.

"Ma'am." Sergeant Argent repeated the gesture, his face flushing.

"My...erm, associate has some thoughts on your proposal." Gwladys waited for Sergeant Argent's reaction.

"Ah, of course. I understand. When can I expect to hear her thoughts?"

"A week from this day." Gwladys pressed her lips together, trying to suppress a grin.

"A week? That's perfectly acceptable."

"Thank you, Sergeant. I won't detain you any longer." Aefelthrith curtsied coyly, earning a red-faced salute from the Sergeant.

As soon as the Watch officers exited the shop, Aefelthrith spun to face Gwladys, seething with anxiety.

"A WEEK?!"

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A Peek Behind the Scenes

It's unclear if "The Chronicles of a Lady (and her Maid)" is a famous published series or an original work. In case it's the former, the story likely centers around Aefelthrith, a former noblewoman or maid, and Gwladys, her trusty companion. Together, they operate a pawn shop, and the women find themselves in a dangerous situation when the town's Watch questions the origins of their business and their undisclosed past. The story may delve into themes of survival, friendship, and the struggle to remain loyal in the face of danger.

Characters: Aefelthrith: a former noblewoman/maid, owner of a pawn shop; Gwladys: a loyal companion, streetwise and practical
Business: Pawn shop operating in a city or town
Crisis: Police investigation due to suspicions of fraudulent business practices or connections to criminal activity

If "The Chronicles of a Lady (and her Maid)" is a new, independent work or a web novel, details about the characters, plot, and setting may not be widely available. In that case, feel free to adapt the characters, story, and themes as needed for your purposes.

Advice for Authors:

Investigate the cultural and societal norms of the time period in which your work takes place. Consider how the values and morals of the era might affect the ways in which people behave and interact with each other, particularly in matters of love, loyalty, and power. Think about how your characters' choices, backgrounds, and relationships will influence the plot and shape their decisions and actions throughout the story. Good luck with your writing!

Aefelthrith, in an effort to expand their business, contemplates delving into the realm of entertainment, possibly by acquiring books and other literary works to offer in their pawn shop.
As Aefelthrith and Gwladys navigate their new venture, they discover opportunities in the world of travel and business, considering trips to nearby cities to explore potential partnerships and expand their pawn shop's offerings.

Investigation Discusses Episode 11 of a series: The Continued Adventures of a Young Noblewoman (and her Servant)