maid chapter 15

***

Daniel emerged into the hallway, his eyes scanning the surroundings sharply. Only after repeatedly confirming he was alone did he unfold the note. Scrawled on a torn strip of paper was a single line: “Hunt failed. Await by the water.” 

Daniel’s brow furrowed. He’d opposed the plan from the start. The chances of success were slim, and it risked alerting their prey. His supposed allies were safe in their “lair,” while he and his people were the ones taking all the risks by the “water.” They should stay put instead of meddling. Daniel, too, wanted a swift resolution. It was the only way he could escape this wretched life as a maid. But for now, there was no end in sight. He massaged his throbbing temples.

He sensed someone behind him—a distinctive, bustling presence he couldn’t mistake. Without a flicker of surprise, Daniel quickly refolded the note and tucked it inside his collar. At that moment, hands landed on his shoulders.

“Waa!”

Such theatrics. With a cool expression, Daniel turned. As expected, it was Ellie Brewer, blinking owlishly.

“Aren’t you surprised?”

As if. Daniel strode forward, clearly wanting nothing to do with her.

“Tch, how boring.” Ellie grumbled under her breath, but she stuck to him like glue. “The food is amazing, isn’t it? Do we get this every day? Oh, they won’t kick me out for eating too much, will they?”

Her incessant chatter grated on his nerves. Daniel shot her a sidelong glance. “You’re more likely to be kicked out for being too loud.”

“Hmph, as if I’d fall for that!” Ellie scoffed. Daniel stared at her, his gaze unwavering. His look said she very well could be. Ellie’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. “You’re… joking, right?”

“Perhaps.”

“Oh, come on, don’t do that!”

Daniel walked ahead, leaving her trailing behind. Ellie continued to chatter endlessly, enough to warrant expulsion. She’d only been in the house for a day, but Daniel already felt utterly drained.

***

The busy days flew by. Fortunately, Ellie adapted to the Count’s household without any major incidents. Within a few days, she’d gleaned a fair amount about the inner workings of the house. She’d picked up bits and pieces about the Count’s family, but as a maid, she belonged to the world below stairs. Ellie focused on the dynamics between the servants, learning who to be wary of. Daniel was helpful regarding work, but not so much with interpersonal relationships. He simply wasn’t interested in other people. Even among the other maids, he seemed to exist in a different world.

Amanda was much more helpful in that regard. She was a good listener and even better talker. Today was no different. Amanda scrubbed the rough stone floor of the bathroom with a stiff brush, continuing her gossip. “So, Betty and Joanna don’t get along. It’s because Ian keeps going back and forth between them.”

“Oh, really?” Ellie replied, polishing the taps to a gleaming shine. She offered a polite response, but her mind was elsewhere. Betty and Joanna were among the longest-serving maids in the house. Yet, they weren’t on good terms. Amanda claimed they used to be friends, but their friendship had soured because a footman named Ian had created a love triangle.

Ellie couldn’t bring herself to believe it. Ian was the same dark-haired footman Daniel exchanged notes with. Could such a handsome man, involved in secret correspondence, really be trifling with other women? It seemed far more likely that there was a misunderstanding.

It wasn’t her business, but Ellie felt a prickle of indignation on Daniel’s behalf. Still, she couldn’t betray her friend’s secret. Maintaining a neutral expression, she steered the conversation elsewhere. “Amanda, do you have anyone you like in the house?”