*Now we pick up Hattie's part, 14 years after the wedding. Olive does not come in unless I change it along the way*

"I hope no one of station sees me like this," Hattie said to herself, "If I'm going to marry I need to buy some new clothes." She had moved to Ayortha, yet her mother was not pleased, and took all of her best gowns. Hattie was on her way to the market, she needed to buy some food. "That woman at the inn is just dreadful; I can't believe that she actually expects me to work for her to pay the rent! Now what did she ask for again? A sack of apples? Yes I believe that was it."

Hattie had arrived at the market and was gathering the apples, when she dropped one. She bent down to pick it up at the same time as the man next to her. She hadn't noticed him as she was caught up in her complaining. He got to the apple first and held it out to her.

"You dropped this," he said. Hattie immediately noticed that he was wearing costly noble clothes.

"Oh thank you kind sir. I was so confused at what this nice woman was saying," At this she pointed to the lady behind the counter, "that it fell out of my hands. You see I don't speak a word of Ayorthian."

"Are you visiting from Kyrria?"

"No, actually I've decided to move here." Hattie was hoping he would act like his station.

"Where are you staying? If you like I could show you around and translate for you." She was right.

"Oh that would be wonderful. I'm staying at the inn over by the horse pasture."

"I'll come for you tomorrow."

"Thank you so much."

*****

The next day, the man showed up. While he was showing her around, to Hattie's delight he revealed himself to be the King's Advisor. His name was Albert. Every day Albert came to the inn, showed Hattie around, and translated for her. She would invite him to stay and eat dinner with her. It progressed like this for six months. One night Hattie invited Albert over for supper as usual, and as usual, he accepted.

As they finished the first course, he asked her a question. "Hattie, my dear, how do you feel about me?"

"I quite like you. I could spend all day with you, and never experience ennui," she replied sweetly, that enormous smile intact.

"How about every day?"

"Albert whatever do you mean?" Could this be it?

"Hattie will you marry me?" Hattie jumped inside.