She was standing there when she saw two girls rushing towards her. With a quick glance, she could gauge the duo's ages - one was likely a pre-teen, hovering between 10 and 11 years old, while the other was a blossoming teenager, probably between 15 and 16 year old.
The little one ducked behind her, using her as a shield, while the big sister stood in front of her, arms crossed, having a fierce look on her face.
"Girls, how many times will I tell you to stop fighting, you're supposed to be best friends," Mrs. Sterling uttered, in a scolding tone.
"Mum, just warn her to stay clear off my business," the eldest one demanded, with a glare.
"Mum, I didn't do anything," the younger one defended, still hiding behind Isadora.
"It's okay ladies," their mum answered, with a light chuckle.
Sophia, the Sterlings' leading lady, was a vibrant 15-year-old who paved the way for her little sister Piper, the family's sweet youngest gem, who sparkled at 10 years young.
"Who's she?" Sophia asked, looking at Isadora with displeasure.
"She's your new nanny," her dad answered, in a relaxed voice.
"Yay," Piper said, jumping up happily behind Isadora.
"Dad, I told you I don't need a nanny, I'm old enough to take care of myself. I don't like her and I don't want her," Sophia answered, with a haughty attitude.
"This is not up for debate, Sophia. You don't have a choice," her dad replied, in a firm but polite manner.
"I hate you," she answered, with a bark and stormed off.
"I'll go comfort her, and new nanny you look pretty," she said, walking off happily as there was a smile on Isadora's lips.
"Now listen, your job is to take care of those girls, if anything happens to them you won't like me, take them as your own," Mrs. Sterling addressed, in a warning tone.
"Yes ma," she answered, her voice shaking slightly while her head was bowed to the ground.
"Honey, I've got somewhere to be, I'll see you later," she said planting a kiss on Maxwell's lips and departing through the door with two body guard and a cheffur trailing behind her.
Mr. Maxwell and Mrs. Adriana Sterling were a formidable force, revered throughout the vast expanse of Calonia as a powerhouse couple, their influence and prestige unmatched.
"There's a change of plan, you won't serve as a maid anymore instead as my girls nanny, don't try anything funny while you're here, you don't want to see the other side of me," Maxwell warned immediately his wife left and she nodded her head swiftly in agreement.
"Agnes Flynn," Maxwell called out, in no distant time a woman with grey hair appeared before them.
"Yes master," she answered, getting to where they were standing.
"Introduced her to the other workers, show her around and to her room, fill her in on the house rules," he instructed, in a firm manner.
"Yes master," she answered in a way showing respect, with that Maxwell walked off.
Agnes Flynn is a warm and weathered woman in her early sixties, with a lifetime of gardening experience etched on her face. Her silver hair is often tied up in a bun, with a few stray strands framing her rosy cheeks.
Her bright eyes twinkle with a deep love for nature, and her gentle smile puts everyone at ease. Agnes's hands are her most distinctive feature - worn and wrinkled from years of digging, pruning, and planting, with a few prominent veins visible beneath her papery skin. She moves with a quiet confidence, her worn Wellington boots and faded floral apron a testament to her many years of tending the mansion's gardens.
Agnes did as Maxwell has commanded and introduce her to all the numerous workers in the mansion. After the introduction, Agnes showed her to her room, where she left her alone.
Isadora sat on her bed, looking around the room.
The room is a serene oasis, bathed in warm, honey-colored light. Plush carpets and rich wood walls create a cozy haven, while stylish furniture adds a touch of flair. Vibrant artwork and fresh flowers add pops of color and fragrance, while sparkling chandeliers and marble accents add a hint of glamour. Every detail is polished to perfection, creating a space that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
"So, this is my new fate," she muttered, closing her eyes and then opening them back to truly confirm if she was leaving in reality, of course she was.
After exploring the room from some time, she left heading towards the garden to look for Agnes to get more information about the Sterling's family and hopefully she found her there, sitting under a gazebo. The garden was beautiful: Vibrant blooms dance amidst lush greenery, with winding paths and tranquil water features, surrounded by serene statues and trellises, inviting relaxation and wonder.
She walked up to her and sat beside her, Agnes turned to her with a beaming smile. "Shouldn't you be enjoying the interior," she asked, full of surprise.
"I got tired of it, I love nature more. You're so kind Mrs. Agnes and I'll love to know you more," Isadora inquired, her eyes full of curiosity.
"Nothing much, I'm just as you see me," she answered, with a warm smile.
"How long have you been here," Isadora asked.
"Well I've spent 15 years in the Sterling's mansion if I recall correctly," she answered, admist a slight laugh.
"That's long, aren't you planning on leaving," she asked, wondering why she has not retired.
"As you can see, age is no longer on my side so I'll happily die doing this. By the way, I have no where to go, this place has been my home for a long time, since my husband died," she explained, the reason behind her decision.
"That's so sad, I'm so sorry about that. So what have you experienced and noticed throughout your years here," she inquired further, ready to learn what she'd be dealing with.
"It's okay my dear. About my experience, it has been good but not for the Sterling's family," she started, adjusting herself on the chair.
"What do you mean?" She asked, in a puzzled tone.
"I'm not the one to gossip my Master, but just know that the Sterling's brother has been at war with each other," she responded, bowing her head.
The Sterling siblings consists of, Maxwell, the eldest, Ethan, the second, and Liam, the third. And then there was Ava, the baby and only girl of the family.
Isadora noticed a tear dropped from Agnes eye, as her head still bowed.