What happened in the archives was tucked deep inside my memory, which I swore to never divulge to another person. Part of me wondered if I was simply hallucinating, or someone was playing a nasty prank on me. It was simply just a bad dream. At least that's what I hoped.
The inconsistency in the shipments logs bugged me constantly, the sudden rise in shipments was uncanny at best, but for the expenses to remain the same, something shady must have gone on. Whether if its a paid cut for the workers, or unfair salary, the queer numbers made me question the legitamacy of the business in the fishing hamlet.
As I lay on my bed, Edna ran downstairs, her footsteps could be heard even before she entered the room. In her hand, she clutched a miniature version of a butler's uniform, tailored exactly my size. She held it out and smiled.
¨Starting tomorrow, the duke wants you to start working during daytime.¨ Her grin grew even wider as she jumped jubilantly. ¨In return, you will receive a proper education!¨
She tossed the uniform onto the bed and urged me to try it on instant, which I obediently obliged.
She must have never thought I would never have the chance to receive an education, given our social status. I thought to myself. Coming from a poor family, she never had a chance to study either. This is the sad reality of this world. Only the affluent can obtain knowledge, the poor will remain ignorant. This is how societal hierarchies are maintained.
The uniform fits surprisingly, well, a bit small but I will manage. She spun me around on my heel, amazed by, I could only guess, how stunning I look in the uniform.
¨You look amazing¨ She gawked giddily. Her hands were placed on my shoulders. ¨Does it feel uncomfortable?¨
¨No, mother. It suits perfectly fine.¨ I reciprocate the same smile she had, hoping it was sincere enough to please her. Edna was the only person that stood by me and gave me unconditional love. It was a gift I ought to never take lightly.
She giggled gleefully and whispered. ¨I can't wait to show Melvin how cute you look.¨
I cracked a smile and laughed, her enthusiasm was contagious.
¨He would be shocked to see how handsome I have become.¨ I grinned slyly and playfully punched her shoulders, which made her burst out in laughter.
Edna laid on the bed, her hands covered her teary eyes. She then tugged me down next to her, slowly stroking my hair. She always had a habit of humming a song before we went to sleep. It was a slow melody, like the placid surface of the sea, tranquil and soothing. When the song finished, she patted me on my head and whispered.
¨Get some sleep, we have a lot of work to do tomorrow.¨
I was woken up in the morning by a nasty tug on the ear. Edna was already fully cladded in her maid uniform, her bodice secured tightly around her chest and a snow white blouse on top.
The sun had not yet risen yet, but it was already time for work. I was already in my uniform before I fell asleep, so I went to the washroom and tidied up my hair. Edna stood by my side, applying a faint layer of makeup to highlight my cheeks and eyelashes. My cheeks dyed with shades of beige, with a faint touch of peach pink on top. My eyelashes were emphasised by the dark shadows of the eyeliners, making my gaze much sharper, more mature. Edna took out the lipstick, but I had to politely refuse… anymore makeup will make me look too feminine.
She took me by my wrist and dragged me upstairs to the vestibule, where all the butlers and maid stood in a straight line facing who seemed to be the estate manager. He had a rough complexion, wrinkles deep in my rugged face and eyes squinted into a thin line. I stood beside Edna, my hand fidgeted nervously behind my back.
When all the maids and butlers gathered, the estate manager gave out his morning announcements and what needed to be done during the day. Gardening, cleaning and other mundane tasks. After he handed out individual tasks to the maids, he held out a sheet of paper of the food that needed to be prepared before the duke´s family woke up. Some had to help out with the laundries in the backyard. Others had to accompany the duke in shifts. Finally, he pointed at me and paused for a moment. He glanced at me and then at Edna.
¨Will Lorelai be working day duties?¨
Edna replied with a nod and nudged me forward with a push on the shoulders. I stumbled slightly forward, and stood before the towering man. He looked at me and sighed. After handing me a slip of paper and explaining briefly what I need to do, he continued to dish out tasks to others.
7:00–Wake up Lady Melyssa
-Prepare appropriate attire and other support.
-Stand guard until 12:00 when shift ends.
12:00–Report back at the vestibule.
-Prepare appropriate assistance when required.
-Stand guard until 6:00
Without wasting any more time, I took the stairs and found Lady Melyssa´s room. It was rather easy to spot, much of the door was covered in stripes of gold, countless rhinestones laced around the rim of the frame with her name engraved in the centre in ruby red.
Gulping down my fears, I calmed myself down. Breathe. I told myself. It was my first time interacting with nobles and I could not afford to mess it up. I tidied up my hair and checked my breath. Everything was set. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door.
¨Come in¨
I gently pushed the door open and slid myself in through the door. In front of me, a young girl not any older than me, laid half asleep on her bed with eyes still not yet opened. She curled up in her blanket facing away from the windows, her back laid bare against the warmth of the sunlight that caressed her pale skin.
I bowed slightly, recalling the proper etiquette when serving a noble, well… at least the parts I can remember. I walked quietly towards the corner of the room where the closet is and took out the designated clothing for her to wear for the day. It was a naval blue blouse and skirt with golden embroideries. I stood awkwardly with her formal attires in my arms, afraid to do anything that might upset her.
She was still in her nightgown, sheepishly sleeping away. Her hair glistened under the sun like sweet caramel, messily arranged on her pillow. Her skin was as white as snow, pale and innocent. The serenity of her complexion, her scarlet red lips, and her charmingly soft eyes captivated me instantaneously.
¨What are you looking at?¨
She sat up on her bed and stared at me perplexedly, her hair still in a dishevelled mess.
I tensed up and looked straight into her eyes. The first rule which I have broken.
¨My apologies…¨ I quickly shunned my gaze away, looking straight down onto the floor.
¨Who are you?¨ She looked around the room and asked suspiciously. ¨And where is my maid?¨
Letting out a nervous cough, I answered timidly. ¨Today is my turn to serve you, Lady Melyssa.¨
She hasn't budged one bit and continued to stare at me like I was an unbeknown creature. Fear slowly crept up behind me as cold sweat drizzled down my back. I was messing up badly and had to fix this up this instant.
¨Here are your attires for the day.¨ I walked beside her and made sure my height is constantly belows hers to show servitude. Without missing a beat, I pulled out a chair for her to sit on.
Hesitantly, she pulled herself out of bed and sat on the chair, her eyes never once left me.
¨I never see you around here.¨ She asked. ¨Is it your first day?¨
Taken aback by her casualness, I replied quickly and humbly. ¨Yes, I will be serving you today under the estate manager´s orders.¨
I took out a brush under the drawers, and started to comb her hair. Her hair was as smooth as silk despite being tangled. I held her hair under my hand and brushed it slowly, making sure not to pull too hard while trying not to go too slowly. Once her hair was straightened, I took one of the ribbons on the table and began tying a ponytail.
¨Is it acceptable?¨ I whispered quietly, unsure what tone is the most appropriate in this situation.
She looked at me nonchalantly in the mirror and nodded slightly.
I had little experience with applying makeup, but seeing how Edna applies her makeup everyday, I had a general idea of how to do it. I turned her chair around to face me, her blazing red eyes locked onto mine, for a brief second, my heart skipped a beat.
I took up the tools and began applying the foundation of the makeup. After a layer of powder foundation, I applied faint touches of blush which further highlighted her red cheeks.Then, I traced the eyeliner and eyeshadow around her eyes and onto the eyelashes. When I got to the mascara, she held out her hand and stopped me.
¨No need, there's not much time left.¨ She pointed at the clock that was slowly approaching 8:00 and sighed.
¨I´m sorry for taking so long.¨ I could feel my tears slowly well up in my eyes. I messed up even the easiest task the estate manager has given me. Other housekeepers had to conduct an entire morning routine in a mere hour, whilst I only had to attend to a member of the duke´s family. I casted my gaze down, afraid to meet her eyes.
¨It's alright, list the itinerary for the day while I change.¨ She waved me away with her hand and grabbed the attire on the bedside.
I stepped out of the room and closed the door and started to list out the schedules for the day.
¨Breakfast will be in fifteen minutes.¨ I recited the texts on the slip of paper the estate manager gave me.
¨Metamorphosis class begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 12:00 AM. There will be a short break until 2:00 PM, General studies will end at 5:00 PM.¨
I continued to list out other classes for the day when the door suddenly slammed open. She was now fully draped in noble attires and walked pompously with an aura of authority. Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arm and urged me to follow downstairs to the ground floor.
¨Anything else?¨
¨No, Lady Melyssa.¨ I said quickly while maintaining a proper distance behind her.
¨Let's get going then.¨