Madeline and Jo both looked at each other.
Her father had left for work, and her mother was out in their farm just at the backyard.
They hardly ever received visitors, and they weren't expecting anyone.
"Is it from the castle?" Jo innocently asked, staring at the door. "People said you will be going to the castle."
Madeline sighed. Maybe she should stop him from playing with Mrs. Sophia's children for now and he should just focus on reading and writing, so he wouldn't be open to listening to rumors.
"Let me check," she sighed and left her unfinished food to go to the door.
The knock came again, slower this time, as if whoever it was hesitated to knock.
Madeline opened the door and was shocked to find out who it was.
How was it that the visitor was one of Mrs. Sophia's daughters, Elizabeth, the third, who was of the same age as Madeline?
Mrs. Sophia's daughters were popular for being the prettiest; their blonde hair almost felt like it had been kissed by the golden sun, much more appealing than Philemon's.
Their hazel eyes gleamed, their noses pointed, and they almost seem like triplets except for the one-year age gap between them.
Although they were being called the prettiest and envied by every young lady, the only thing was none of them were married as she had expected they would be by now.
She heard they rejected suitors because none of them were rich, none held high positions, and since their father was the village head, it was only right that they marry well.
Madeline had no relationship with them; they were among those who talked poorly of her behind her back. She knew this because sometimes when she passed by their mother's shop, she would see and hear them gossiping without realizing she was aware.
Never in her mind had she thought that one of the daughters would be standing in front of her doorstep.
Elizabeth bowed upon seeing her, with her velvet gown fashioned into a fine corset and hennin. Typically, only noblewomen could afford such dresses, but given that their mother was a tailor and their father was the village head, it came as no surprise.
Her skin was smooth, as if she had never had to work hard or spend long hours under the scorching sun.
"Good day, Madeline. A blessed morning, is it not?" Elizabeth smiled, her expression perhaps a bit too friendly, causing Madeline to be taken aback by the wideness of her mouth.
"Indeed, a surprise visit," Madeline replied with a slight bow.
"Oh yes, I heard you are to be at the castle in a few weeks," Elizabeth mentioned.
Madeline tilted her head, watching Elizabeth keenly, realizing why she was there—no doubt due to the news of her upcoming visit to the Castle. They must have been curious.
"It is for work," Madeline stated with a shrug.
What were they expecting? That she would be at the castle for some special treatment?
'It's not as if the king has asked for her hand in marriage, so why is everyone so caught up with this?' Madeline wondered silently.
"I know," Elizabeth smiled, her expression too bright, illuminating her face. Her hazel eyes stared at Madeline with curiosity, but there was something else in her gaze that was far from kind.
"The Castle is a grand place. If you are going to be there, you will need a fine dress to fit in," Elizabeth suggested.
Madeline stared at her with an open mouth, then threw her head back and laughed. Elizabeth looked at her as if she had just seen a ghost.
"Does it call for laughter, Madeline?" she asked.
Madeline shook her head. "Well, of course not." After she calmed down, she took a deep breath. "I don't think anyone would need to look at me, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's face remained composed. "You do need a good dress. Maybe by wearing fine clothing, you will also attract a rich suitor."
Madeline wondered about Elizabeth's intentions. She didn't merely come here to have her mother make her a fine dress. Was it also a way to promote their business?
"Elizabeth, I do not need a dress fancy enough," she said calmly. Perhaps Elizabeth had good intentions, or maybe all she wanted was to promote her mother's business.
"Very well, I shall take my leave. But in case you need a fine dress, do come over to the shop," Elizabeth said. She bowed again and left, stealing a glance at Madeline before departing.
"What must she be thinking," Madeline muttered.
She had to admit, she did not have fine clothing like Mrs. Sophia's daughter, nor would her dress fit in with the nobles. But she was going there for work, not to dress to fit in.
And what was Elizabeth saying about marrying a rich man? Or was she merely referring to herself?
The only thing Madeline ever wanted was to marry for love. If she had to marry for wealth, it was because she wanted to help her family out if they were lacking. But with this great opportunity coming their way, she would rather focus on finding something good to convince the king.
"Who was it?" Jo asked when she walked back in.
"Oh, a lady who seemed lost and was looking for directions but she knocked on the wrong door."
"Did you help her out?" Jo asked innocently.
"Of course I did," Madeline smiled.
Then she picked up her bag where she placed all of her working tools. "Father must be waiting," Jo seemed like he was about to protest but she interrupted. "The food must have gone cold. Come on, Jo, let me take you to the cathedral."
As they approached, the towering stone wall loomed overhead. Madeline fixed her gaze on the open entrance, through which children his age scurried eagerly. This grand cathedral held the distinction of being the town's largest and most visited building.
Here, people poured out their sins, sought God's forgiveness, and engaged in reading and writing. It served as a hub for events, drawing noble visitors as the country's biggest cathedral.
The priests and bishop gave freely of their teachings in reading and writing, a privilege to the villagers.
"Off you go, Jo," she waved as he ran inside, seemingly in a hurry to join his friends. Madeline turned to leave; fortunately, the place where she worked wasn't too far from the cathedral. In just a few minutes' walk, she would reach the shop.
Except that might be delayed because the moment she turned, a carriage engraved with black-looking stone stopped right in front of her.
However, that was not what concerned Madeline. What happened when this carriage stopped in front of her was that it passed a pothole filled with water, splashing on her dress. Madeline's face blazed with anger, and she shot the carriage a sharp glare.