Chapter 23 In trouble again

"Do you want any of these?" the woman asked. Yes. I will choose from them," replied Hazel. She first picked the brown ones, picturing how the pattern will match his brown eyes. She then chose grey, black and white. "These will be enough," she told the woman who retrieved the remaining ones. "Is that all?" she asked.

"No. I also want a sewing needle and a pair of scissors," she said and the woman nodded before going inside to fetch it. "This is all. How much will it be?" asked Hazel as she received them.

"It will all cost four silver coins," she stated and Hazel checked in her pocket before getting out a gold coin and handed it to her. It was the only money she had saved at Hemm's tailors and she didn't mind spending it this way. Packing the things in her bag, she was given her change which she placed back in her pocket. She then smiled at the lady and said," Thank you. Have a nice day." As she hurriedly walked to find Charlotte whom she assumed to be already tired of waiting for her, she heard a voice," Hazel."

Stopping to look around, she saw Lucas who was coming towards her as he ran. She also noticed that he looked different. In black breeches and a white shirt with brown suspenders. His hair had been neatly combed too.

"You're so dressed up. where are you going?" she asked the moment he reached her.

"I came to meet you of course," he replied placing his hands on his waist. "You can't dress like this when you just came to see me," she said. "Why not?" "I don't know. I thought you look extra but good," she commented. "You like it?" he asked. "Yes. I think everyone can admit that you look great," she said before adding," I have to go Lucas. My friend must be tired of waiting for me."

"This fast?!" he asked, his eyes widening. "Yes." "Why? I thought that we were going to spend some time together," he said.

"I'm sorry but I can't. We always have a limit of time set for us when we come for grocery shopping," she said as her eyes wandered around the place.

Apart from wanting to go find Charlotte, she wanted to leave this place. The people around especially women were giving her weird looks as if speaking to a boy was a crime. "Alright even though I'm disappointed. I wanted to spend some time with you," he said. "I'm sorry. Have a great day bye," she said and when he nodded, she smiled at him before turning to leave when she bumped into someone. The next moment, she heard something break on the floor and she looked down to see ceramic pieces scattered around.

"You broke my vase?!!" the woman exclaimed. "I-I am sorry. I didn't mean to-" "You didn't mean to?! Do you the price of this unique piece?" she exclaimed and Hazel shook her head. "Eight gold coins!!" she said and her eyes widened.

Lucas who hadn't yet left intervened and said," Please forgive her. She didn't do it purposely." "I don't care! She either gets me a brand new flower vase or she gives me back my money. Right now!"

Hazel couldn't help but wonder why she had the worst luck. She was always running into trouble. She looked around the place to see that almost everyone was looking at them.

"We don't have that much money as you can see," spoke Lucas. "Do I look like I care? I am taking you to the magistrate," she declared.

"Please forgive me. I-I can pay for the vessel with my salary in installments until I complete the money," she said. "I want a new vessel or eight gold coins right now," she said and Hazel sighed not knowing what to do or say next.

A number of people had come to gather around them as they watched the drama unfolding.

"What is happening here?" a strong mascular voice came behind the crowd and most people turned to see who it was.

"Your grace," Hazel heard people murmur and she swallowed. What was he doing here?

People made way for him and he came to stand in front of them. "Your grace," the woman bowed on seeing him. He glanced at Hazel before looking back at the woman and he asked," What happened?" "This girl here wasn't watching where she was going and she knocked me. In the end, I dropped my flower vase that is worth much. I am telling her to pay for it," she explained. After, Lucas intervened to say," Your grace, Hazel was only turning to leave when she accidentally knocked her."

"She was being careless not looking where she was going," she retorted back.

The Duke lazily looked at the bickering between the two. He had been on his way to finish off some errands when he spotted a crowd in the market. What attracted him was the farmiliar braided chestnut hair and he ordered the coachman to pull the carriage over such that he confirms his suspicion.

And as he had thought, it was her, in trouble again.

He cleared his throat before looking at Lucas and asked," What is the relationship between you two?" "She's my friend your grace. I met her when she came to work at Hemm's tailors in Peeker's Valley. It's where I work," he answered. "So you were together?" he asked and Lucas who didn't know how to reply just nodded his head.

He then looked at the woman and asked," How much is the vase?" "Eight gold coins your grace," she replied. "She is my employee," he mentioned and the woman held an embarrassed expression on her face.

"This one?" she asked pointing at Hazel and he nodded. She laughed awkwardly and said," I-I didn't know about it and she didn't mention it to me, your grace."

"Alright. If you want compensation, you should come to the Atticus Manor and claim it," he added. "It is fine your grace. I don't want any compensation," she said waving her hands in the air. The Duke looked at Hazel and said," Go to my carriage." She bowed her head and glanced at Lucas before turning to walk towards the direction where she had left Charlotte. "I said my carriage," she heard the Duke say and turned to look at him," It's this side."

___

Hey lovelies

Please don't forget to vote for the book daily and to also drop your comments. Also, check out my other book called His Sweet Temptation. Thank you guys for reading.