maid chapter 2

Temporary, half wages. Ellie was momentarily speechless. Temporary was fine; she’d just have to work twice as hard to earn a permanent position. But half wages was a problem. She had three younger siblings to support.

She had no other choice. She’d spent her remaining money on travel expenses and couldn’t return home empty-handed. There was no guarantee she’d find another position in the capital, especially one with room and board.

“Yes…” she replied, her voice dejected.

“Then read this.” Mrs. Wise handed her a sheet of paper. A neatly written employment contract. Ellie took it and began to read.

Her eyes widened after just a few lines. The wages were remarkably high. Even half this amount was more than her previous weekly pay.

Ellie’s heart pounded. This might even satisfy her aunt, who often complained about how much the children ate. She realized the Baron had drastically underpaid her, but the prospect of her future earnings overshadowed that realization.

Below the wages were the working hours, holidays, and other terms of employment. Standard fare for a housemaid. Considering the grandeur of the manor, the conditions weren’t particularly generous or harsh.

As she reached the end of the document, Mrs. Wise asked, her voice cool, “Have you reviewed everything?”

“Yes, yes…!” Ellie nodded quickly, determined not to jeopardize even this temporary position. Mrs. Wise offered her a pen. Holding her breath, Ellie carefully dipped it in ink and signed her name.

Mrs. Wise was inwardly relieved to see Ellie read and write. Given her shabby appearance, she’d almost suspected it was a lie. Even if it had been, she probably would have hired her as a scullery maid. With rumors of fortunes to be made abroad, finding anyone willing to work was nearly impossible.

Just as the contract was signed, a knock echoed through the room. A maid with her hair in a neat bun entered.

“You asked for me?”

“Yes. This is Sarah, the head housemaid.”

Sarah glanced at Ellie, her expression as indifferent as if she were looking at a pebble on the road. The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Ellie lowered her gaze, intimidated. In the frigid air, Mrs. Wise continued, “This is Ellie Brewer. She’s starting today as a temporary employee.”

Now a sharp, appraising gaze fell upon Ellie. She involuntarily gasped. Housemaids interacted more with the head housemaid than the housekeeper, so falling out of favor with Sarah could make life difficult.

Ultimately, the hiring decision rested with the lady of the house and the housekeeper she’d entrusted with the task. Sarah simply replied, “Understood.”

Ellie, having survived the scrutiny, exhaled the breath she’d been holding. The long journey, getting slightly lost, and the nerve-wracking interview had left her exhausted.

Mrs. Wise nodded curtly. “Then I’ll leave the rest to you, Sarah.”

“Yes. Follow me.” Sarah turned abruptly and left the office, the keys at her waist jingling. Ellie, momentarily dazed, snapped to attention at the sound and hurried after the head housemaid, grabbing her bag.

By the time she reached the hallway, Sarah was already some distance ahead. As Ellie scrambled to catch up, Sarah asked gruffly, “Is that all your luggage?”

“Yes.”

Sarah looked Ellie over again. Just as the other maids had reported, her attire was rather shabby.

Ellie fidgeted with the worn cuff of her coat. Was it really that noticeable? It was her only coat.

Unlike the other maids who seemed preoccupied with appearances, the head housemaid cared more about competence, which could be assessed in due time. Sarah strode forward again. “You’re from the east, you said?”

“Yes, Newchester…”

“Backwater,” Sarah stated flatly.

Ellie couldn’t argue. She’d seen enough to know that Newchester was indeed a backwater in the eyes of city folk. The train station had only been built recently.