Chapter Fourteen.

Once Hazel arrived home, she immediately suspected her mother hadn't yet left for the market as it was still early. Deciding to drop off the foodstuffs first, she planned to join her mother there afterward. Stepping down from the carriage with her goods, she called out cheerfully, "Mother, I'm back!"

Lady Victoria had just finished preparing breakfast. Today was a special day, it was her daughter's birthday, and she wanted to make it extraordinary. With the help of her mistress, Lady Elisabeth, they prepared an elaborate breakfast befitting the occasion. A small, delicately baked cake sat proudly on the table, accompanied by a feast that reflected the wealthier traditions of the countryside: buttered scones, smoked kippers, roasted ham, and a rich pudding.

Hearing Hazel's voice, Lady Victoria quickly stepped out to greet her. "Good morning, Mother," Hazel said warmly as they embraced, exchanging kisses on the cheeks.

"Good morning, my sweetheart, and a very happy birthday to you!" Lady Victoria replied, her eyes glistening with joy.

"Thank you, Mother," Hazel said with a smile. "Please, help me carry these inside. The Duke's household was exceptionally generous, they gave us a splendid harvest along with our usual wages."

"How wonderful," Lady Victoria exclaimed as they carried the items indoors, placing them in the kitchen.

As they stored the provisions, Lady Victoria said, "We have a guest, Hazel."

Hazel, puzzled, responded, "A guest? Who?"

"A friend of mine. She's here for the festival and will be staying with us until tomorrow morning," her mother explained.

"Oh, I see. Where is she now?" Hazel asked curiously.

"First, take your bag up to your room. I'll call you down in a moment," Lady Victoria instructed.

Hazel agreed, heading upstairs to settle into her room.

Meanwhile, Lady Victoria returned to the guest room where Lady Elisabeth was resting. "Hazel is back," she informed her mistress. "I'll prepare the table for breakfast and reveal the surprise we've prepared."

Together, they set the table with an array of delectable dishes and uncovered the cake, beautifully adorned with countryside blooms. After arranging everything, Lady Victoria called out, "Hazel, darling, breakfast is served!"

Hazel, now dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, descended the stairs. She was taken aback by the sight before her, a table laden with dishes, including her favorite, shepherd's pie spiced with fresh herbs and nutmeg. At the center was the cake, a vision of artistry.

As her mother and Lady Elisabeth sang a birthday song, Hazel's heart swelled with emotion. Speechless, she ran to embrace her mother, whispering, "Thank you, Mother." Tears welled in her eyes, but she held them back.

After a prayer, Hazel made a wish and cut the cake. "This is incredible," she said, looking at both women. "Thank you for making my day so special. And to our guest, may I ask your name, my lady?"

"Call me Lady Elisabeth," the woman replied warmly.

"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Elisabeth. Welcome to our humble home," Hazel said graciously.

The breakfast was a revelation to Hazel. "Mother, this cake is divine. It's so different from anything I've tasted before. You didn't spend too much on this, did you?" she asked, half-teasing.

Lady Victoria smiled. "Lady Elisabeth prepared the cake and many of these dishes. She's truly gifted in the kitchen."

Hazel turned to Lady Elisabeth, her admiration evident. "Thank you, my lady. Your kindness has made my day."

"It's my pleasure, Hazel," Lady Elisabeth replied. "Your mother is dear to me, and it's the least I could do for her daughter."

After breakfast, Hazel announced her plan to visit her father's grave with flowers. Lady Victoria readily agreed. "Would you like to join us, Lady Elisabeth?" Hazel asked.

"I would love to, but I'm feeling slightly unwell. I'll rest here while you go," Lady Elisabeth said apologetically.

Hazel and her mother picked fresh flowers before heading to the gravesite. Once there, they laid the blooms gently on the headstone. Lady Victoria spoke first, offering tender words of remembrance. Hazel followed, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat.

"Father, today I turn twenty. I hope I've become the kind of woman you'd be proud of. Though you're not here to celebrate with us, you'll always live in our hearts. We will always love you."

The two women observed a moment of silence, reflecting on their memories before bidding farewell and returning.

---

Lady Victoria had to attend to her work at the dressmaker's shop, and Hazel decided to accompany her. The shop was expected to be bustling with customers picking up their orders or renting gowns for the festival's masked ball later that evening.

As they strolled toward the market square, Hazel's thoughts lingered on Lady Elisabeth. "Mother," she began, curiosity evident in her tone, "the dishes Lady Elisabeth prepared today seemed quite refined. Is she from a wealthy family?"

Lady Victoria chuckled softly. "Not at all, my dear. She's quite modest in means. She honed her culinary skills in a finishing school during her youth. That's why her cooking is so exceptional," she explained.

"I see," Hazel said thoughtfully. "Where does she come from, then?"

"One of the neighboring villages," Lady Victoria replied, her tone hinting at a desire to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Now, enough about Lady Elisabeth. Tell me, how was your experience at the Duke's estate?"

Recognizing her mother's attempt to change the subject, Hazel smiled and obliged. "The estate is grander than I imagined, Mother. The halls are adorned with such elegance, and the gardens…oh, they're breathtaking! I made a few acquaintances, and you won't believe it, I was allowed to serve during their meal."

Victoria stopped in her tracks, a mix of surprise and pride lighting up her features. "You served at the Duke's table? They never allow temporary servants to do so!"

"Yes, Mother," Hazel said with a shy smile. "The head maid complimented my appearance and demeanor, saying I looked well-presented enough to serve. It was a remarkable experience."

"That's wonderful, my dear. So, did you happen to see the Duke's son? I heard he returned the very day I left the estate," Lady Victoria probed, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

At the mention of the Duke's son, Hazel's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "Yes, I saw him at the dining table," she admitted, her voice soft. "He's…he's quite handsome and carries himself with such charm."

Lady Victoria didn't miss the way her daughter's blush deepened. With a teasing smile, she asked, "So, you fancy the young Duke, do you?"

"Mother, no!" Hazel protested, her embarrassment evident.

Victoria laughed lightly. "You're blushing too much to convince me otherwise!" Their laughter mingled with the sounds of the bustling marketplace as they continued their journey.

Once they reached the shop, the day became a whirlwind of activity. Customers flowed in, admiring the fine craftsmanship of the gowns and accessories on display. Some came to collect their pre-ordered dresses, while others rented elegant ensembles for the festival's masked ball. Lady Victoria and Hazel worked tirelessly, attending to each patron with care and precision.

By nightfall, the shop was finally quiet, the racks noticeably lighter, and the coffers significantly fuller. Hazel felt a deep sense of satisfaction as they locked up for the day and headed home under the soft glow of the lanterns lining the cobbled street.