Chapter 42 Come with me

Raven looked at her, not knowing what she meant. "What suddenly happened?" he later on asked.

"The truth happened. I don't want to be used. What will happen if you get married?"

"I'm not planning on getting married to anyone," he said. "You know that's not true. Sooner or later, you will have to get married and start your own family. And where shall I be dumped?" "I won't dump you." "What am I to you? Can you proudly tell people that I am the mother of your child if I ever get pregnant? Can you admit to the rest of the world that the two of us have an affair?"

When he didn't reply to her questions, she said," You see? You and I cannot be. You are looking for someone to pass time with, and I am not that person your grace. I have always dreamt of getting married to someone decent however little we may have and start our own family. I love being with you but I can't settle for less." With those words, he walked away from her and she turned to look at his back.

"That is why I am asking that please, stay away from me. Please," she said and slowly walked out of the room.

One month later...

Hazel leaned against the wall as she watched the sunset. The sight reminded her of the time they shared with the Duke in the past. He had obliged to her request of staying away from her but she had to admit that it wasn't easy for her. She longed for his teases, jokes, mischievous smile and her body longed for his kisses and touches. To make matters worse, Eleanor visited the manor more often and sometimes, she would sleep over. At this rate, she was worried that they might receive a pregnancy announcement soon.

'Isn't it what you asked for?' she asked herself as she made way towards the kitchen and on her way, she met Emily. "I have been looking for you everywhere. You have a visitor," she mentioned.

"Who is it?" she asked. "He said he's called Lucas," she replied before continuing to walk away. What was he doing here?

Walking to the front of the manor, she caught sight of him standing. "Lucas," she called and he turned to look at her. Smiling at her, he said," Hazel." "What are you doing here?" she asked for as far as she knew, they communicated through letters. "I came to see you," he said lowering his voice when she reached him. "But why did you come?" she asked looking around. "Servants are not allowed to have visitors," she reminded him.

She didn't want any problems now more than ever because unlike before, she didn't have the Duke's back up. "I'm sorry but I had to come and see you. I want to tell you something," he said. "Tell me."

"I am leaving for Treadstone in a few days," he said. "Oh, why? Are you quitting your job at Hemm's tailors?" she asked. "Yes unfortunately. I just received a letter yesterday that my uncle passed away a week ago," he said. "What?.....I'm so sorry," she said sincerely feeling sorry for him because he had once told her that his uncle was the only blood relative he had. v "Its okay I will be alright," he said. "I don't understand why you're going though," she said.

"My uncle operated a bakery and it made some fair income. My aunt, his wife wrote to me saying that he wanted me to remain in charge since they didn't give birth to any children," he said and she nodded. "That's why I'm asking you to come with me to Treadstone," he said.

"Coming with you?" she asked. "Yes," he replied before adding," We shall have a better life there. I won't be an employee anymore and likewise, you won't be a maid anymore. What do you say about it?" She looked at him and didn't know what to say. "Lucas- " "I'm not asking you to give me an answer right now. I'm leaving in three days. Think about it," he said and she nodded. "Alright. I will leave before I cause you trouble," he said and he walked away. Emily who had been eavesdropping on the conversation also tiptoed away before Hazel could see her.

Hazel remained behind thinking about what had been told to her. Deciding to go back to the kitchen, she had taken only a few steps when she caught sight of a carriage coming inside. She paused to see who it was and on opening, Eleanor came out and she straightened her ash grey hair. Not long after, the Duke emerged from inside and approached her. Not wanting to watch them, she quickly left the place.

By the time she reached the kitchen, word had already spread. "Hazel, we have just found out that you are leaving with your lover," said Rosalie startling her. "Is it true Hazel?" asked Emily. "I don't know what you're talking about," she told them. "We know the truth. You just don't want to tell us," said Rosalie. Before she could talk back, Charlotte intervened and said," And so what if it's true? She is old enough to make her own decisions. Let her be."

When the two left the place, Charlotte came closer to her and asked," Is it true? You're going?" "A friend gave me an offer but I haven't thought about it," she said and she nodded. "You want to leave because of the Duke?" she asked and Hazel looked around to make sure that no one heard and she nodded.

"I understand," she said before adding," I would love you to stay but if it's for the best, I will support you." "Thank you," she said. "Anytime," she replied.

At night when Hazel was in her room, she thought about Lucas's proposal. Leaving Hollowvale meant that she will be leaving everything behind including the Duke and the memories they created together. She wondered how life would be in Treadstone. Would she be able to forget about the Duke? Will she find a man of her own?

Coming up with a final decision, she got off the bed and grabbed a pen and paper then started writing a letter to Lucas.