Emilia was keen to swap her suit consisting of black jacket, straight trousers, and white shirt, for a more comfortable casual wear, I.e. a t-shirt and black denim trousers. Once changed, she sat down by the desk and took out her laptop, continuing to research Christopher Hayden and Crimson Tech that he build from the ground up.
It became very quickly apparent that there was very little about Christopher from the reliable sources. Even his Wikipedia page referenced solely tabloid articles. He was private about his life and barely ever did an interview and only about the business. He skilfully avoided answering questions about anything beside work. A few articles made it clear how challenging it was to even see him in person.
Emilia was surprised about it. She wondered whether her role was so important to Christopher that he even made time to attend the selection process. Perhaps it was. He needed someone right for managing his public image during the engagements without having to research every person attending himself.
She thought back to the man that kept looking up at her from the files as he dismissed other candidates. He was as handsome as others have said. Maybe even more in real life. He did seem very serious and quiet though. He was contemplative. Maybe stuck up? Emilia dismissed the last thought. He was way above her and he had a right to look down on her.
The house was deathly silent. Not a single voice in a distance. Emilia caught a glance of cleaning staff when she was moving in, but they were not heard. The silence was isolating. It made her feel even more anxious about being in the manor and how she was going to do in her new role.
It wasn't until her stomach rumbled that she remembered that she hasn't eaten all day. Although Patrick made it clear that she can ask a cook to make her a meal, she hated the idea, so she made her way to the kitchen herself in hope to find some snacks.
She entered the kitchen which was now beaming with life.
It was a young woman, similar in age to Emilia, who noticed her.
"Good evening, madam." She smiled.
"Good evening." Emilia responded shyly. "I am new here and…"
"Yes, Mr Cosby have said. Dinner is almost ready and I was about to go and call for you. Would you like to sit in the dining room?"
"I do not want to cause trouble. Is there anything I can help with?"
"Oh no, madam. We're all set. Thank you."
"Oh." Emilia felt bad for not being of use as she stood on the side.
"Come on, madam. Let's get you set in the dining room." The woman led Emilia to the room with an enormous wooden table. She set the plate up for Emilia.
Emilia sat down and looked at the woman expectantly but she hasn't sat beside her.
"Aren't you all sitting down to dinner?" Emilia asked as she blushed in dark red.
"Oh, we eat in the staff quarters, madam."
"Why have I been set up to eat here?"
"It's because of your position, madam."
"Is there a chance I could eat with everyone else?"
"If that's your wish, madam. Mr Hayden will not be joining you for dinner today so I do not see an issue with it."
"Thank you." Emilia picked her plate and followed the woman back into the kitchen and to the back of it where the little corridor led to another dining room which was not as magnificent but still enormous. The table was about the same size as in the other dining room. And there was a pleasant bustling sound of people sitting down to their meal.
The young woman pointed Emilia to a free spot near the end of the table, and Emilia was eager to sit down as to not draw attention. She was glad that everyone else was focused on filling their plates and not paying attention to her. But that was short lived.
"Good evening, everyone. As you all know, we had someone special join the Hayden household today. Madam has joined us for dinner tonight so remember to be respectful." The young woman stood up and spoke with everyone suddenly going silent and staring at Emilia.
"Hi everyone. My name is Emilia and as mentioned, I am new here." Emilia waved and introduced herself awkwardly.
"Good evening, Emilia." They welcomed her in almost a complete unison.
The young woman sat back down beside Emilia.
"What's your name?" Emilia asked her, trying to be as kind and friendly as she could. Being an introvert didn't work in her favour on days like this.
"Bernadette but everyone calls me Bernie." The woman replied.
Emilia managed a small talk during dinner but she felt the scrutiny from the other staff members.
After dinner she hid away in her room and continued her research on Christopher and Crimson Tech, awaiting further information from Patrick. This came through an email at nearly 22:00.
Emilia started reading it, realising that her job was very simple. Positively promote Christopher Hayden and Crimson Tech during any public engagements, stay out of trouble and don't bother Christopher.
There were also a few house rules for when there were no events. A curfew of 22:00. Meal times. Generally no loud music or noises when Christopher was around. And keeping away from Christopher's private space.
It seemed too good to be true.
In the end, there was only one upcoming event in over two weeks time. Plenty of time for Emilia to prepare.