Chapter 7 Duke-007

The next morning, Hazel woke up with a heavy feeling in her head. A severe headache made it impossible for her to get out of bed. Her body felt hot, and she had a high fever.

When the maid arrived at Count Ellsworth's request, Hazel could only lie weakly. "Miss, are you alright?" the maid asked anxiously.

Hazel could only shake her head weakly, her breath heavy. "I can't get up... my fever is high..."

The maid immediately reported to Barnum. "Sir, Lady Hazel has a fever and cannot get out of bed."

Barnum responded angrily. "She's sick again!" he fumed. "We just received word from Duke Kingsley that he would be visiting this afternoon. Now, Hazel is sick!"

With a stern tone, Barnum ordered the maid, "Call the doctor immediately! Make sure he arrives as soon as possible, and Hazel must be up before Duke Kingsley arrives. Whatever it takes, Hazel must be in good condition!"

The maid quickly went to summon the doctor, while Barnum sat in his study, feeling anxious. Time seemed to crawl for Barnum, who grew increasingly worried about Duke Kingsley's reaction if he found his fiancée seriously ill. A meticulously planned event was now at risk of failure just because Hazel was ill again.

"Haahhh... such a troublesome weakling!" Barnum rubbed his tired forehead.

Soon, the doctor summoned by the maid arrived. He was quickly brought to Hazel's room and immediately began examining her. "Her fever is quite high," the doctor said, "but we can try to lower it with medication and cold compresses. I will give her an injection to help bring her fever down faster."

Barnum, standing at the threshold of Hazel's room, listened attentively. "Make sure she can get up and look healthy before this afternoon, doctor. Whatever you have to do."

The doctor nodded firmly, quickly preparing the necessary medications. "We will do our best, Mr. Ellsworth."

While the doctor and maid were busy attending to Hazel, Barnum tried to devise another plan in case things did not go as planned. He knew that Duke Kingsley's visit was crucial for the Ellsworth family, and he could not let Hazel's illness ruin this opportunity.

"Hazel, no matter what happens, you must get up this afternoon!" Barnum left Hazel's room grumbling.

In her room, Hazel struggled hard against the pain and weakness that overwhelmed her. She overheard part of the conversation between the doctor and the maid, realizing how important Duke Kingsley's visit was that afternoon. Yet, her body felt so heavy, and her eyes were hard to open.

***

Duke Rainhard Kingsley sat at his desk, reviewing documents in front of him. The handsome man with black hair appeared deep in thought when the door to his study was knocked gently.

"Enter," his voice was firm but calm.

Francisco, his loyal head servant, stepped in politely. "Lord Kingsley," Francisco greeted respectfully. "I have a report to make."

Rainhard shifted his gaze, his sharp blue eyes focusing on Francisco. "What is it, Francisco?"

Francisco took a deep breath before answering, "One of our couriers sent to the Ellsworth residence heard that their daughter, Lady Hazel, is ill again. Count Ellsworth has called for a doctor and seems to be forcing his daughter to recover in time to meet you this afternoon."

Rainhard's eyes narrowed, showing concern and determination. He sighed deeply, putting down the pen he had been holding. "So, they are forcing a sick woman to meet me," he murmured bitterly.

Rainhard stood from his chair, his tall figure moving gracefully towards the window. He looked outside for a moment, contemplating the situation. After a moment of silence, he turned back to face Francisco.

"Francisco," he said with a firm yet gentle tone, "send an official message to the Ellsworth family. Inform them that Duke Kingsley is canceling his visit to their residence. Ask Lady Hazel to rest well at home."

Francisco nodded quickly, his eyes reflecting respect and understanding. "Certainly, Lord Rainhard. I will carry out your instructions immediately."

Rainhard sighed again, his gaze drifting far out the window. "I don't want her to be forced in such a condition. Her health is far more important than this meeting."

Francisco gave a slight smile, understanding his master's feelings. "You are right, Sir. I will ensure this message is delivered promptly."

"Thank you, Francisco," Rainhard replied softly. "Make sure the messenger understands how important this is."

Francisco bowed slightly before leaving the room, leaving Rainhard with his thoughts. Behind his calm and composed demeanor, there was deep concern for Lady Hazel. He understood how heavy the burden might be for a young woman forced to meet her family's expectations.

Rainhard returned to his desk, picked up his pen, and began writing an additional note to ensure the message was sent on time. He hoped this message would bring a bit of peace to Lady Hazel, even though he had never met her directly. Through this action, he hoped to provide some relief to a girl who might be feeling pressured by her circumstances.

Meanwhile, Francisco moved quickly to deliver the message. He knew that his task involved not only the skill of message delivery but also the sensitivity and respect for the situation faced by the Ellsworth family. He carefully ensured that Duke Kingsley's message was well received, bringing a little relief amidst the tension that might be occurring at the Ellsworth residence.

However, the cancellation did not bring peace to Count Barnum Ellsworth. Hazel lay weakly in her bed, her body feverish. Hearing that Duke Rainhard Kingsley had canceled his visit made Hazel feel relieved. She stared at the ceiling of her room, trying to regulate her breath amid the exhaustion that plagued her.

The sound of the door opening abruptly startled Hazel. She turned and saw her father, Count Barnum Ellsworth, entering with a flushed, angry face. Behind him, her mother, Samantha, looked anxious but dared not approach due to her husband's prohibition.

"Hazel, you've truly embarrassed this family!" Barnum shouted, his eyes blazing with anger. "Because you're sick, Duke Kingsley has canceled his visit! Don't you know how important this visit is for our family?"

Hazel could only look at her father with a weak gaze, unable to defend herself. Her body was still weak and dizzy, making it hard for her to speak. In her heart, she felt hurt by her father's constant harshness.

"This cannot be tolerated," Barnum continued in a cold voice. "You must be held accountable for your actions. Maid!" he called loudly.

A maid hurried in, bowing her head respectfully. "Yes, Sir?"

"Take Lady Hazel to St. Patrick's Cathedral," Barnum ordered without looking at the maid. "She needs to receive a blessing from Archbishop Gregory Wilton."

The maid looked hesitant for a moment, glancing at Hazel, who was weakly lying in bed. "Sir, Lady Hazel is still ill..."

"Don't care!" Barnum snapped. "This is an order! She must be taken to the cathedral to pray and receive a blessing. The blessing will make her well. Hurry up. Immediately!"

The maid nodded obediently, though looking concerned. She approached Hazel and carefully helped the young woman get out of bed. Hazel tried to stand, but her weak body nearly made her fall.

"Mother..." Hazel called weakly, looking at her mother with hopeful eyes. But Samantha could only look back with a face full of concern, unwilling to defy her husband's orders.

"Come on, Lady Hazel," the maid said gently, guiding her out of the room. "We need to leave now."

Hazel walked slowly, her steps faltering under her father's sharp gaze. In her heart, she felt hurt and exhausted by the constant pressure that haunted her. Yet, she knew that resisting would change nothing.

As they reached the door, Count Barnum said in a cold tone, "Remember, Hazel. The Ellsworth family's reputation must be maintained. Don't cause any more problems."

Hazel could only nod weakly, lacking the strength to respond. The maid helped her into the waiting carriage, and they set off for St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Inside the carriage, Hazel felt the journey making her already weak body feel even more drained. She looked out the window, watching the scenery pass quickly. In her heart, she wondered why her life was always filled with demands and pressures.

As they approached the cathedral, the maid spoke softly, "Miss, I will help you as much as I can. Stay strong; we will arrive soon."

Hazel could only nod, trying to find strength amid her weakened condition. She knew that before Archbishop Gregory Wilton, she had to show that she was strong and capable of meeting her family's expectations, even though her heart was hurt and her body exhausted.

***