s. Hawthorne

willing to hire someone like her who is skilled only in household chores. Downh

he small clinic where her mother had been temporarily confined. She took a

her skirts the only sound. Teressa stirred as her eyes opened slowl

bel whispered, leaning down

Good evening, my dear.

plied in her gentle vo

said, her voice still

n your strength. The physician said you

ed open and Mrs. Hawthorne entered w

greeted them. "I thought I would brin

replied, rising to take the basket fr

horne said, setting the basket

u," Teressa replied. "Your k

rmly. "We look out for each other. Isabel, i

Hawthorne's words. "Actually," she said wi

still works at the palace. They are in need of new maids, and I thought of you

of hope as she asked

as assured me that they are looking for diligent and trustworthy individual

ed at her mother. "Mother, do you hear th

alace is a place fraught with risks, Isabel. The nobles can be unforgiving,

her mother's words. "But, Mother, what choice

. But the palace is a different world. You are innocent and kind-heart

ars, but Isabel is strong and capable. She will learn and adapt. The p

be careful. I will do my best to learn quickly and avoid mistake

After a moment, she nodded reluctantly. "Very well. If you believe this is

bel said, squeezing her

are a devoted daughter, Isabel. Your mother is fortunate to

hile her voice took on a tone of urgen

ent yourself at the palace with this letter," Mrs. Hawthorne in

pprehension as she accepted the letter. "But w

how them the letter. It is an invitation to work as

as she liste

about my

assured her. "You focus on securing the

he depth of Mrs. Hawthorne's support. "Thank you,

patting her hand. "Now, pack your things and rest