Maria sat quietly in the room that Mrs. Spencer had assigned to her. She had been awake for some time now, lost in thought.
The room was silent, but her mind was loud with questions, uncertainties, and pieces of the past she hadn't yet come to terms with.
A knock on the door disrupted her thoughts. She stood immediately and walked to it, pausing just before opening it. "Who is it?" she asked.
"It's one of the maids, ma'am. Breakfast has been served, and Mr. Frederick requests that you join him at the dining table."
Maria thanked the maid, then turned to glance at the mirror. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair to tidy it, checked her reflection, and, satisfied, left the room for the dining area.
She found Mr. Frederick already seated and waiting. They exchanged greetings warmly, and she took her place beside him.
"Hope you slept well. How are you this morning?" he asked with a soft smile.
