maid chapter 13

Among the long-serving maids in the mansion were some particularly territorial ones. Betty was one of them. They would huddle together, gossiping and shifting their work onto others. In that respect, she was consistent, often targeting Daniel. It was unfair and against the rules, but Daniel always complied with her requests. He didn’t want the hassle, and besides, he wouldn’t be doing this for much longer anyway. Ellie, however, could face far more trouble if she got involved. It wasn’t any of his business, of course, but he warned her anyway. Whining later would be annoying.

Ellie sulked at the curt explanation. Daniel, leaving her to her mood, entered the storage room under the stairs. Black coal filled the small space. He immediately picked up a shovel.

“Give me that.”

Ellie quickly held out the empty bucket. Daniel struck a large lump of coal with the shovel. He scooped the fragmented pieces into the bucket, filling it to the brim.

Crouched on the floor, Ellie watched him. With her body at ease, her mind wandered. Anxiety surfaced first. Could she really manage here? She suddenly felt unsure.

Everyone had gotten along at the Baron’s estate. There had been the usual subtle tension with the kitchen staff, but at least the housemaids supported each other. They were all in similar situations, and there was no reason for power struggles when the work was already hard enough.

Daniel, finished with his task, leaned the shovel against the wall and lifted the bucket with both hands. He walked straight past a dazed Ellie and into the hallway. Snapping back to reality, Ellie hurried after him, reaching out.

“Uh, let me carry that.”

Daniel ignored her and strode back the way they had come. Ellie glared at the back of his head, pouting. She wasn’t sure whether to consider herself lucky or unlucky with her roommate. He wasn’t exactly kind, but he wasn’t unkind either.

Back in the study, the atmosphere was strange. Everyone was tight-lipped, glancing at Ellie. Betty, the one who had shirked her duty, didn’t even offer a word of thanks. Oppressed by the stifling air, Ellie pretended to clean.

As dawn brightened the sky, the maids returned to the hall. Ellie trudged after them, stomach rumbling. She’d barely tasted her dinner the night before.

The housekeeper and other senior staff usually dined separately. This allowed the maids to sit together freely during their meal.

Daniel took a seat at the very end of the long table. Ellie, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, sat beside him. She ignored his surprised look. She had nowhere else to go.

A young scullery maid brought their meals. Ellie picked up her fork just as Amanda entered.

“Diana, Ellie!”

She waved and approached. Ellie’s face lit up. They had only briefly exchanged names, but Amanda felt like an old friend. With her fork halfway to her mouth, Ellie pulled out the chair next to her.

“Thanks.”

Just as Amanda was about to sit, a chilly voice cut through the air.

“Amanda.”

Ellie and Amanda’s eyes turned towards the sound. Betty smiled sweetly, pulling out the chair next to her.

“Come over here.”

“Uh…?”

“Come on. Sit with us.”

Amanda looked hesitantly between Betty and Ellie. Daniel gave a reassuring nod. Rubbing the back of her neck, Amanda mumbled,

“Well, enjoy your meal…”

Amanda scurried over to Betty’s group. Ellie’s spirits sank. She’d almost made a friend. They were deliberately doing this, trying to isolate her.

Ellie glanced at Daniel. Unlike her, who longed for companionship, he seemed perfectly content alone. In fact, he probably preferred being left alone. As he began eating in silence, Ellie reluctantly took a bite of sausage.

“Hmm?”