The town sat close enough that the Dominiques rarely bothered with a carriage unless it was freezing or storming. Scarlett loved their trips into town but always preferred them when she went alone. It was always a welcome break.

Her puppy dog eyes must have worked—at least a little. By the time they reached the bakery, her father casually suggested they stop by the boutiques on the way home and maybe pick out a new dress. If she played her cards right, she might even convince him to buy her a pastry before they left the shop.

“Hello, Marie.” She smiled at the young girl behind the counter as she placed down her basket of bread.

“Scarlett!” The young girl beamed and leaned over the counter space. “Do you see? Father is letting me run the counter all by myself today.” Marie extended her small arms eagerly over the wide counter, brimming with excitement.

“Wow, all day? You must be the most responsible girl in this whole town.” She pulled out the loaves of bread and set them down for Marie to wrap. “And what a wonderful job you're doing too.”

“Well, turning seven means I'm very mature now. I’m not a little kid anymore." She smiled proudly and puffed out her chest as she started to wrap the bread.

"Wow, turning seven already? You must be growing up so fast, Marie." Scarlett smiled at the young girl.

Marie wrapped the loaves and placed them back in the basket. “Is that all?”

Before she could answer, she felt a large hand on her shoulder. “Scarlett! It’s been a while since you’ve been ‘round ‘ere. Come to think of it, I don't think we've seen ya since your birthday.” Mr. Covet, the owner of the bakery, stood behind her and smiled down at her with a blinding grin.

“Papa! Scarlett said I’m doing a wonderful job.” Marie jumped off the stool she had been standing on and ran out from behind the counter.

“That you are, peanut.” He ruffled his daughter's hair.

“I’m terribly sorry; things have just been so busy since then.” She embraced the towering man in a hug, feeling small in his large arms.

“Don’t worry 'bout it, love.” He patted her back and picked up Marie, spinning her around and plopping her back on her stool. “Is this all you're getting today?”

“Actually—” She started to speak, but suddenly her mother was next to her.

“Can we also place an order for some of your rolls, John? Jacob wanted me to let you know that you can choose something you'd like as well, Scarlett. It's a little treat for you.” Mrs. Dominique placed a quick kiss on her daughter's forehead. “I’m taking Jacob to pick up some sewing supplies for a new project. Would you be a dear and wait until the rolls are ready, love? We'll be back shortly.”

Scarlett tenderly rubbed the spot on her forehead where her mother's kiss had lingered, a small smile playing on her lips before she nodded in agreement. “Yes, ma’am.”

After her mother left the store, Mr. Covet rolled his eyes. “And good mornin' to you too, Ingrid,” he said sarcastically. “I guess I'll go get those ready."

"I'm so sorry for her, Mr. Covet," Scarlett apologized anxiously.

"Nah, It's not your fault yer mother's right barmy." He ducked into the back, wiping his hands on his apron. There was a loud smack followed by a shout.

"John, ye ain't to talk like that around Scarlett." Mrs. Covet came out from the back, glaring back at her husband with a stern expression. She dropped a basket of bread down and opened her arms wide. "Oh, Scarlett. It's so nice to see you, darlin'!" She scurried over and enveloped her in a hug.

Scarlett gasped for breath and managed to wheeze out a reply from the almost-crushing hug. “It's nice to see you too.”

"Oh, look at you!" The woman practically squealed as she let go of her. "All grown up. A proper lady now. How's yer brother? Have ya heard from him at all?"

Scarlett patted down her dress and caught her breath. "No, I'm afraid I haven't. He's sailing on the Lady Marina, so he'll be away for a while, ma'am."

"Oh, that's a shame, dear." Mrs. Covet started to straighten the bread on the shelves and fix the baskets. It was a nervous tick Scarlet noticed she had.

"He'll be back before the winter festival, though. He promised he'd be there so we can release a lantern together like always." She followed behind Mrs. Covet, looking over the baked goods for a treat.

"Ain't he a sweet one." She stopped her nervous rearranging and turned around swiftly, nearly knocking her over. "Speakin' of sweet ones… you haven't taken to any courtships yet, have ya?"

Scarlett took a step back. Mrs. Covet's nervous fidgeting finally made sense. She already knew where she was going. All she wanted was one hour where she didn't have to talk about anything involving courtships or jobs.

"No," she hesitated. "I haven't yet."

"Oh?" The older woman hummed thoughtfully and started to place the bread she had brought out onto the shelves. "Yer parents pushing you to choose anyone?" She glanced over her shoulder.

Scarlett twisted her hands together, internally wincing. She knew where the conversation was headed. "Well, they've been asking me to take a look at some of the offers. They've also advised me to look at some job opportunities. The Mylar family up in Shire has offered me a year on their staff."

"Ack!" Mrs. Covet scoffed loudly. "Who'd want to be some crummy ol' maid?" She waved her hand around in the air. "Shire, you said? That place is filled with all the rich muckety-mucks. You ain't want to go there, Scarlett, dear."

She huffed in amusement and rolled her eyes. "Trust me—I know. But it would get me away from home."

Mrs. Covet stopped, her head tilting like a dog hearing their name. "Is everything alright at home, love?"

She cursed internally. She had unknowingly fed the side of the woman who thrived off gossip. She loved the older woman, but she had loose lips and a tendency to be nosy. As much as she loved the Covets, it was hard being close to the town gossip. Being adopted didn't help quell the town gossipers from leaving her alone either.

She quickly plastered on a smile and replied, "Oh, everything's fine. You know how the Dominiques are. They're just eager for me to find my place. Even if it feels a little rushed." Mrs. Covet nodded understandingly, but she could see the curiosity lingering in her eyes.

Mrs. Covet gave a small hum of acknowledgment and turned around. It was obvious her mind was already busy somewhere else. "Well, ya know that our Collin still hasn't accepted any courtships yet. He's had a few ladies come 'round, but I'm sure he'd be willing to start a courtship with you." She paused for a moment before turning around. "That is… only if you want to, dear."

Scarlett bit her lip. An awkward feeling crept up her back and made a small sweat break out on her brow. "Thank you, ma'am... but I can't. Besides, the Dominiques… you know they'd never allow it."

She let out a loud huff. "Yer stuffy parents can shove their opinions up their arses. You know, It's bad enough they won't let you come work with us, but now our son's not good enough for 'em?"

"Oh, no, it’s nothing like that, Mrs. Covet," Scarlett called, hurrying after her as the woman stormed across the store.

She trailed behind, fidgeting with her sleeves, scrambling for something—anything—to pull herself out of the mess she'd just made. "You know how they are," she said quickly. "They just… they'd prefer to know the family I marry into. And Collin, he—he’s not…" Her voice faltered, the words drying up as fast as they came.

"Not good enough?" She huffed. "Not fancy enough? And what’s stoppin’ them from gettin’ to know us, huh?" She spun on her heel and stormed into the kitchen, leaving Scarlett trailing behind. "You know who went to greet ’em when they first moved in?" She called over her shoulder. "Do you know who held her when she found out she couldn’t have children?"

She passed Mr. Covet, who raised an eyebrow but wisely stayed quiet as she barreled past.

"Who gave her advice when she showed up lookin’ worse for wear, two kids toddlin’ behind her outta the blue?" She slammed a handful of flour onto the counter and started kneading a ball of dough like it had personally offended her. "Like hell they don’t know this family," she muttered, shoulders tight with something that wasn’t just anger.

Scarlett glanced at Mr. Covet, silently begging for support. But he only gave her a puzzled look, and her stomach twisted. “They do know you, ma’am. And they love all of you, truly. It’s just…” She hesitated, words clumping in her throat. No matter how she said it, it was going to sound wrong. “They just don’t know Collin as… personally. I mean, he’s not—he’s not family by blood.”

Mr. Covet puffed out his cheeks and let the air out in a slow, uneasy sigh.

"Your folks think they’ve got the monopoly on adopted children, do they?" Mrs. Covet snapped. "Just because we didn’t pick him out of some fancy private place like them doesn’t mean he ain’t just as special. By that logic—if they don’t see him as my son, then you’re not their daughter either."

She ended with a sharp huff, but the words seemed to hit her as soon as they left her mouth. Her expression faltered, softening with regret. "Ah, Scarlett, love… I didn’t mean it like that."

Despite herself, Scarlett felt something twist in her throat. "No, no, it’s okay," she murmured, her hand drifting to her chest, as if she could press the ache back into place.
It shouldn’t have stung so much. But it did. She wasn’t their daughter. She was their patron. She was bought to fill a void, play a role, and nothing more.

Mr. Covet smiled awkwardly, clapping his hands to break the tension. "Didn't your mother say to pick out a treat for yourself?" He guided her out of the kitchen and back out into the store. "How about we find you something nice? Or I can make you something. How about that?"

She smiled a little more genuinely. "Thanks, Mr. Covet."

She had to admit, her appetite was gone. Still, the gesture was kind, and she appreciated it all the same. She wandered through the shop at a leisurely pace, hoping something might catch her eye and stir her appetite. She’d only had a small breakfast, and it was nearly lunchtime, but her stomach sat heavy, like a stone.

"Marie?" She turned to the little girl who had been watching her quietly from the counter. "Could you help me find something tasty to eat?"

Marie's eyes lit up. She jumped down from behind the counter and scuttled over. "Don't worry, I'm very good with helping the customers," she announced proudly. She narrowed her eyes and looked around suspiciously. With a small hand she beckoned Scarlett down. "But because you're my friend, I can show you where our extra good stuff is."

Scarlett chuckled and let Marie take her hand and lead her. "Well, thank you. I'll make sure to keep it a secret."