Georgette’s morning had not turned out like she had expected. She had awoken in her small cot in the attic before morning light, dressed, and gathered her coal bucket to begin lighting fires.
She had taken great care to dress as was appropriate for a maid in the Earl of Hamphordshire’s country estate. She had combed her hair and pinned it back before dressing in her black wool skirt and starched white blouse with an apron to cover.
Everything about her had been prim sophistication as was appropriate. She had trained for this position and had been so glad to get it, remembering how nervous she had been during the interview.
Mrs. Horace, the housekeeper, had been a kind but imposing figure in the interview. She had inquired about Georgette’s background, training, and demeanor, questioning her frequently about her discretion.
“There’s to be no gossiping with other maids about his lordship. The Earl of Hamphordshire is a powerful man who enjoys his privacy.”
“Yes, ma’am. I understand,” she said, taking pains to speak carefully and properly to avoid any hints of her accent. She needed to be perfect to work in a fine house such as this.
“Any hint of mischief or speaking ill of him and his business will not be tolerated and is grounds for immediate dismissal.”
“Of course, ma’am,” Georgette had said before she had been given a tour of the house and walked through her duties, which included fires, lines, and polishing the furniture. Silver and...