Chapter two.

Hazel was a young maiden of nineteen, who had spent several years working alongside her mother for one of the wealthiest households in the countryside. She knew her role was vital, not only to help with the family's needs but also to provide for her younger siblings. Her father had passed tragically from cholera, leaving her small family just her mother and herself.

This year, as Hazel turned twenty, her birthday was set to fall within the week of the grand Cotswold Harvest Festival. It was one of the most anticipated events, drawing people from far and wide, and Hazel had her own plans for it. She knew that in preparation for the festival, the Duke's household would be hiring extra hands to manage the festivities. The pay was excellent, and the household generously rewarded its workers with food and supplies a gift Hazel's family sorely needed. So, without saying a word to her mother, she planned to apply.

Hazel was quite the beauty, her face carrying a gentle sweetness that seemed at odds with her determined spirit. Some whispered that she was too innocent, too trusting she was known to smile even when slighted or spoken to harshly by those she served. But beneath that gentle exterior, Hazel was sharp and self-aware. She knew that, in her position, it was wiser to show patience rather than defiance, for she had seen the severe punishments meted out to those who did not heed the class boundaries.

Despite her humble circumstances, Hazel held secret ambitions. She dreamed of becoming wealthy, of learning skills that most women wouldn't dare think of horse riding, martial arts, and even handling a firearm. She was meticulous and clever, attending classes in secret to build up her knowledge. Yet, to become truly proficient, she knew she needed more than skill she needed funds to learn and it was forbidden for women, especially if the lower class to engage in such activities.

One early morning, Hazel awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. She intended to make her way to the Duke's household and secure herself a place among the temporary festival staff. After tidying up her family's small quarters, she prepared a simple countryside breakfast of oatcakes and fresh buttermilk, tidied herself up, and donned one of her best, though modest, woolen dresses a dress suited to a working girl in the countryside.

As she moved to leave, her mother, lady Victoria, stopped her. Though accustomed to Hazel's early departures, she raised a brow. "Off to some grand adventure today, are we, Hazel?"

Hazel smiled. "It's too fine a day to waste indoors, Mother."

Lady Victoria rolled her eyes knowingly, placing a hand on Hazel's arm before she could dash out. She pulled Hazel aside, a familiar, motherly look of concern crossing her face. "Hazel, you needn't be so hard on yourself. This family doesn't rest solely on your shoulders. All I wish for you is to bring home a fine, dependable man."

Hazel laughed softly, a bit of mirth in her eyes. "The right man will come, Mother."

"George and Michael have both shown interest," lady Victoria pressed.

Hazel's smile faded slightly. "They only wanted what I won't give, my body Mother. They aren't serious about anything but themselves."

Lady Victoria sighed, a look of resignation mingled with hope. "Someday, I pray, a good-hearted man will recognize the treasure you are."

Hazel kissed her mother's cheek quickly. "We'll continue this later, I promise. I really must be off." She slipped out before her mother could detain her further, though she heard her mother's whispered prayer as she left wishing that Hazel might meet a man who would truly love her, someone worthy of her heart. With so many from across the countryside coming to the Cotswold Harvest Festival, lady Victoria's hopes for her daughter's happiness lingered warmly.

Arriving at the Duke's estate earlier than most, Hazel found herself filling out her application before a growing line formed behind her. After a short wait, the chief maid addressed the assembled group of hopeful workers. "The work begins tomorrow," she announced, her tone brisk. "You will all be staying on-site throughout the festival week, working from dawn until well past dusk, so you'd best be prepared."

Hazel's heart lifted with excitement. She hadn't anticipated the overnight stay, but it would mean ample pay and plenty of provisions for her family. She knew she could endure a bit of hardship for a reward so valuable.

What Hazel didn't know was that this decision would alter the course of her life. The Duke's eldest son, Sir Garet, was returning home for the festival, and the arrival of the young lord would bring with it a twist of fate Hazel had never expected. Little did she know that her mother's quiet prayers were already setting in motion the answers to her heart's deepest desires.