Chapter 14 - Arrival of the Duke's Emissaries

Amelie Huber's heart raced against her chest, mirroring the chaos that had erupted in her family's estate at sunrise. The surprise visit from the Duke's emissaries had thrown the servants into a frenzy, their aprons flapping and voices clamoring in urgency. Secluded in her upstairs room with her sister, Amelie watched as her mother, dressed in a delicate morning gown, tried to maintain an air of composure while overseeing the commotion.

The sitting room, where the Amelie's Mother now waited to greet their guests, exuded an air of refined elegance. Paintings of bucolic landscapes adorned the walls, and the faint aroma of jasmine lingered from bowls of potpourri placed on mahogany tables. In contrast to this serene setting, Amelie's siblings sat anxiously on plush settees, exchanging worried glances while a jittery footman poured tea into dainty china cups.

As the sound of carriage wheels announced her father's hurried return, Amelie retreated deeper into the shadows of her sanctuary. Her hand instinctively moved to caress her swollen belly, a secret she could no longer hide and keep hidden from everyone. She thought back to the days when she used to run freely through open fields, devouring books with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and laughing with boys who were more like friends than potential suitors.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the sitting room door opening with a firm click. Two men, dressed in impeccably tailored frock coats and perfectly tied cravats, entered the room. Their expressions were grave and weighed down by the importance of their mission; even the gold embroidery on their waistcoats seemed to bear down heavily upon them.

"Amelie, your parents and the duke's emissaries

must speak with you," Silke, the housekeeper, relayed through the slightly ajar door with a mix of sympathy and sternness.

Amelie nervously shifted in her seat, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "I wonder what they want from us," she whispered to her sister. "I feel so exposed, showing off my belly like this." Her sister nodded in agreement. "Just smile and try to act natural," she replied reassuringly. But deep down, they both couldn't shake off the feeling of embarrassment and discomfort in this strange situation. "I'll be waiting here for you when you come back," Caroline assured.

Amelie hesitated for a moment before smoothing her dress over her body and descending the stairs with measured steps. As she entered the sitting room, all eyes turned towards her – filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

The younger emissary stepped forward, his gaze both sharp and compassionate. "We have come on behalf of the Duke," he began in a voice that exuded practiced diplomacy. "You may already be aware of the tragedy that has occurred in the Duke's household, just as we have been informed about your family's situation."

A collective breath seemed to be held within the room as the emissary revealed the Duke's proposal with the precision of a well-rehearsed speech. "As the Duke's son is growing weaker and suitable nurses are currently unavailable, we turn to your family with an urgent request. The Duke wishes to hire you as a nursemaid for his son."

Amelie was taken aback by the revelation that her lactation, something she had kept secret even from her family, had been exposed. How did they discover this? Now, she felt even more embarrassed. She didn't want to see her parent's expressions at the moment.

Her parents, however, had no time to react to the proposal as the older emissary continued, "The Duke is willing to overlook your...delicate condition..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "You will be required to live at the Duke's estate and nurse his son until he is weaned," he finished briskly.

The room fell silent; the weight of the proposal hanging in the air as heavy as the evening tapestries.

Amelie's parents exchanged a knowing glance, silently communicating their thoughts. The promise of generous compensation hung in the air, shimmering with equal parts temptation and desperation.

"The situation is dire, and this offer is truly one-of-a-kind..." added the other emissary, his eyes hinting at the gravity of what remained unsaid.

Amelie stood silently, absorbing the weight of expectations and possibilities. Her mother's hand found hers, offering a gentle squeeze of comfort and solidarity.

"We understand the uniqueness of this opportunity," her father said cautiously. "However, we must ask for some time to consider. Would you kindly return tomorrow?"

The emissaries bowed politely in understanding before taking their leave, giving Amelie's family a night to deliberate on a decision that could change their lives forever.

As the door closed behind them, Amelie felt like she was walking upon a tightrope, balancing between necessity and hope. The light of tomorrow would bring with it a choice – one that was born out of desperation, but glimmered with a sense of possibility.