The next morning, Stella woke to a noticeably cooler room.
The change in temperature had become more apparent with each passing day. Winter was only a month away, and on this continent, it was known to be considerably harsher than the other seasons.
After getting out of bed, Stella's first task was to make sure her belongings were properly hidden.
She chose a place that would be difficult for anyone to notice, carefully arranged everything inside, then covered it up and checked the spot twice. Satisfied that nothing looked suspicious, she finally turned her attention to getting ready.
At least she no longer had to wear that uniform. The thought alone was enough to improve her mood.
She chose a simple yet elegant pale-pink dress with sleeves suited to the increasingly cool weather. A few understated accessories completed the outfit, while her hair was neatly braided and tied back.
Once she was ready, Stella left her room and began her assigned duties. Her first task was to wake Eleanor and help her prepare for the day.
It was during those quiet morning preparations that Stella got her first proper impression of the woman she was supposed to serve.
Eleanor was elegant in a way that did not require any effort to be noticed. Her clothes were refined, her posture naturally graceful, and every movement carried a quiet confidence. Yet there was nothing excessive about her appearance. She did not seem particularly interested in displaying her wealth or status.
It was simply there.
The way she spoke, the calmness in her voice, and even the measured pace of her steps all suggested someone who had never needed to prove her position to anyone.
Before leaving for breakfast with her mother in the garden, Eleanor turned toward Stella, "Alina, I'm going out after noon to meet someone I know. I'll be going with Henry and should be back in a few hours, so don't forget to come and help me, understood?"
Stella nodded. "Yes, my lady."
The two then left the room together and made their way toward the garden, where Henry was already waiting for them.
Breakfast had been arranged beneath a covered terrace overlooking the gardens. The table was elegant without being overly elaborate, with only a few carefully prepared dishes laid out across it.
Cecilia was already seated, waiting for her daughter.
She looked particularly elegant that morning, dressed in a refined outfit that suited her age without making her appear overly formal.
Eleanor smiled as she approached. "Mother, you look wonderful today. Is there some special occasion?"
She paused, then added with a faintly amused expression, "Well, I mean, you always look wonderful, but today..."
Stella watched the exchange quietly.
There was something unexpectedly casual about the way they spoke to each other. They seemed less like a mother and daughter from a noble household and more like friends.
Cecilia smiled. "We have guests today. They'll be arriving after noon."
She picked up her teacup before continuing. "The ladies from the society your grandmother founded wanted to visit us today. There are a few matters they wish to discuss."
Eleanor nodded, apparently unsurprised.
The rest of breakfast passed peacefully. Once they had finished, Stella accompanied them back inside before returning to her own duties.
There was more work than she had initially expected.
She helped keep track of some of Eleanor's personal expenses, checked several household arrangements, and later went to the kitchen to make sure everything was being prepared according to schedule.
She also met the rest of Cecilia's maids. Unlike some of the servants Stella had encountered elsewhere, they were quite friendly and readily helped her understand the household's routines.
By the afternoon, the guests arrived as expected.
Stella received them alongside the other servants before helping throughout the gathering.
Tea was served, dishes were cleared, and whatever the guests required was brought to them while the women discussed matters concerning the association.
The meeting lasted nearly two hours. For Stella, it was painfully dull.
Still, she had little choice but to remain nearby. Eleanor was present, and as her maid, Stella was expected to be available whenever she was needed.
Once the guests finally left, Stella returned to Eleanor's room as instructed. She helped her prepare for her outing, making sure everything she might need was ready before she left with Henry.
Only after the carriage had disappeared from view did Stella finally allow herself to relax.
She sank into a chair and let out a quiet breath. There was far too much work here. She hadn't even had time to scratch her head all day. Still, she couldn't complain too much.
At least she was finally free from the trouble of having the other servants and Evelyn watching her every move.
After lunch, Stella was on her way back to her room to rest for a while. Eleanor had yet to return, which gave her a rare chance to take a break.
She had barely reached the corridor when she encountered Cecilia and one of her maids coming from the opposite direction.
Stella immediately stepped aside and bowed respectfully. "Good afternoon, Madam."
She was about to continue on her way when Cecilia stopped her, "Alina, could you please ask Eleanor to come to my room?"
There was a pleasant note in her voice. "The ladies gave me some gifts, and I'd like her to choose something for herself."
Stella froze for the briefest moment.
"Hadn't she told her mother about her plans? Then why...?"
Before she could think further, Cecilia spoke again.
"Please hurry. I'd like to rest soon."
Stella quickly composed herself. "I apologize, Madam, but Miss Eleanor is asleep in her room at the moment. She asked me not to wake her. She mentioned earlier that she had a slight headache and wanted to get some rest."
Cecilia's expression softened with concern. "Oh, I see. Then that's all right. You may go."
She paused briefly before adding, "Tell her to come to me when she wakes up."
"Of course, Madam." Stella gave another respectful nod before continuing down the corridor.
As she walked, Stella thought back to her answer.
"If she wanted to tell her mother, she would have told her herself. So there's no need for me to get involved."