maid chapter 7

Ellie answered hesitantly. “But… they said it was a temporary position. Is it alright for me to ask to be moved to the kitchen?” She’d worked as a housemaid at the Baron’s estate, never in a kitchen. She’d barely secured this temporary position with her limited experience. Wouldn’t requesting a kitchen transfer render it all pointless?

Diana found Ellie’s reasonable objection frustrating. It wouldn’t be strange for a temporary employee to be dismissed for being picky about their work. Even if she were reluctantly transferred, life wouldn’t be easy.

When Diana remained silent, Ellie ventured, “What about you? Could you go to the kitchen?”

Diana shot her a sharp look. Pretty, but terrifying. Ellie stammered, “No, I was just asking…”

Diana considered for a long moment. She’d honestly thought it would be easy to get rid of Ellie. The girl seemed naive enough to burst into tears and leave with a little pressure. But Ellie Brewer was tougher than she looked. Diana had planned to ignore her, hoping she’d tire of the situation and quit. Participating in this hazing ritual wasn’t pleasant, but then she’d unintentionally heard Ellie’s plight. Now, she didn’t want to force her out. Ellie was clearly as desperate as Diana herself.

There was one last resort: give Ellie some money and tell her to go home. But that might raise unwanted suspicions. It wouldn’t make sense to pay someone tens of times a maid’s salary just for a private room.

Even if she got rid of Ellie, another new maid might arrive. If sharing a room was unavoidable, the seemingly simple Ellie Brewer might be preferable.

Having reached a decision, Diana spoke. “Alright, let’s do this.” She didn’t plan to stay here long anyway. Her goal was to achieve her objective and leave the mansion as quickly as possible. There couldn’t be a better solution. “You can stay in my room until they reassign us. I’ll even help you adjust to life here.”

Ellie’s face brightened. It was a bit condescending, considering it wasn’t Diana’s room to offer, but having help adjusting was more than she could ask for. Diana seemed popular with the other maids, too. However…

“But…”

That dreaded “but” again. Ellie openly scowled, and Diana’s eyes narrowed. “Do you object?”

“No, no. Go ahead.” Ellie plastered on a bright smile, though its insincerity was obvious. Diana didn’t care.

“I hate sharing my personal life. So, let’s avoid each other when changing clothes, washing, things like that.”

Ellie pouted. Was this really why Diana had wanted her gone? It was just another woman. Ellie wondered if all the women in the capital were this prissy.

Seeing Ellie’s sullen silence, Diana pressed, “Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Ellie quickly composed her face and nodded vigorously. She didn’t understand Diana’s sensitivity, but perhaps her standards were different from someone who’d shared a room with four brothers.

It wasn’t ideal, but Diana had agreed. She turned and removed her hat and apron. “I’ll wash up first. Oh, and the washing time here is…”

Turning back with a change of clothes, she froze. Ellie was undressing right there. Her worn corset barely covered half of her ample bosom. Ellie tilted her head, half-naked. “Why?”

Diana flung the apron at Ellie and turned away sharply. The white fabric landed on Ellie’s pale chest. “You said you understood!” Diana shouted.