THE KING'S POSSESSION
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