Journey to Happiness

world of Ellsmere, a yearning for something more had grown inside her. She dreamed of life beyond the village-a life where she could work, learn, and maybe even make a difference for h

hildren their midday meal, the sister pulled her aside. Her gentle face lo

e window lately, as if searching for something just beyond these walls." She paused, smi

es. "I... I just want to help," she murmured. "I want to be able to do something for myself... an

is your chance to find out. We received word that Baron Helmond's household i

ally?" she asked, hardly able to contain he

ou have a good heart, and you're hardworking. They'd be lucky to have someone with

ould send money back every month! To help with food, clothes, or

say that," she said softly. "The priest and I will help you pre

, leaving behind the familiar faces and walls of the orphanage. But this was her chance to grow, to learn, and to take control of her future. With each item she tuc

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her: the sprawling mansion with its grand marble steps, towering columns, and intricate stained-glass windows. She'd never seen anything so opulent, and though

gray eyes and a stern but fair expression, Mrs. Hensley wasted no time in setting the to

ding Zazriel. "Baron Helmond and Lady Helmond expect order and respect in this house. You will keep

mured, Zazriel among them. She nod

verhead. Zazriel's gaze was drawn to the intricately woven tapestries adorning the walls, each depicting a scene from the estate's histo

nd family for generations. Each portrait along this hall represents one of the former masters or m

is is Lady Stella, the baron's daughter," Mrs. Hensley explained, her voice softening slightly. "She'

the stern faces of the older family members in the other portraits, there was a wa

d slightly toward Mrs. Hensley. "Lady Stella..

e acknowledged. "Lady Stella is indeed kind. She doesn't care for the rigid lines of class that othe

replied, determination

h space for each maid to have a small, private corner. As Zazriel settled into her spot, placing her few belongings in the little cabinet b

h as she could to the orphanage-to Sister Liana, the priest, and all the children who looked up to her. And pe

wasn't just dreaming of her future; sh