A Maids Reflection (Patreon Exclusive)

A Maids Reflection

The Kitchen of the Heversham manor was as busy as always. A young maid avoided one of the chefs as they dashed by with a pot of hot water. They were preparing the feast for the Viscount and his family later this afternoon. Head Chef Orca barked orders at a young girl as she cut a carrot in the incorrect shape. The small girl flinched at his firm reproach bowing for forgiveness as Freda dashed by.

Freda disliked the Kitchen.

In particular, she was not fond of the head chef. Mr Orca was a strict man who often enjoyed picking on the new maids. She had been subject to his torment more than once when she started her employment several years ago. Trying to keep herself silent, Freda swiftly approached the sink to deposit Lady Heversham’s untouched breakfast. The eggs were now cold and inedible, not that it was a pleasant dish warm.

Scrapping the eggs into a nearby bin, she noticed the eggshells mixed into the whipped egg. With a slight frown, Freda chose not to comment, stacking the dish with the other unwashed plates. It was never wise to question Mr Orca when he made a dish personally. He and the head butler, Mr Ruopold, despised Lady Lynette Heversham. Ever since the young Lady was adopted into the family, they repeatedly questioned the sanity of the Viscountess, claiming her a stain on the family and, in turn, their respectful professions. They felt dishonoured having to serve a commoner born of a lower status than them. She was nothing but a street rat.

“Did that ungrateful wench not eat?” Mr Orca’s voice caused Freda to slow her steps.

“No,” Freda answered reluctantly.

“Well then, I will have to make her something she can’t resist for lunch”, Mr Orca boldly smirked. “She should be thankful I prepare her meals personally.”

“Of course”, Freda nodded as a habit. She would not say that Lady Heversham doubtfully knew Mr Orcha made her meals. The Lady never paid much interest since she had been serving her.

Freda had become Lady Heversham’s personal maid two years ago, a bet she had lost with her colleagues when she drew the shortest stick presented by the head butler’s hand.

Freda had been a mere kitchen maid at that time. Many would jump at the chance to be promoted to a noble's personal maid. However, Lady Lynette Heversham was not a noble many wanted to serve. Her rash temper and obtuse manners were challenging to handle. Many maids had returned in the past shivering in their boots from the harsh words and many objects the young woman had thrown at them.

With a heavy sigh, Freda wiped her hands against her apron. The Lady had requested her satchel for an outing. Just what was she up to this time? She furrowed her brow as she made to exit the Kitchen. This morning had been strange. As always, Freda had brought the Lady her morning basin of water. It was a trivial task, but she hated doing it. The Lady often ignored her in the morning without giving any direction for Freda’s daily tasks.

At first, Freda accepted her new role with enthusiasm. She was glad to be out of the Kitchen under Mr Orca’s thumb. However, she soon found that serving Lady Heversham was dull. The woman did not care for many things. She chose to hole up in her room most of the time. Freda simply had nothing to do with serving her. The Lady had not once requested her assistance in dressing or completing errands. It was impossible for her to even attempt to clean the Lady’s room as she would kick her out with insistence. Eventually, Freda gave up waiting to be asked and simply did what was expected, such as bringing her the morning water and accompanying her on outings.

Freda did not understand the Lady’s hostility toward her, which frustrated her beyond belief. She had taken this job with hope. As a personal maid, she finally had the chance to receive rewards directly from a noble. Freda had been excited to finally get her hands on a gem or some discarded jewellery like Lady Kara’s maids boasted about. Yet, she was never given a chance.

That was why the Lady’s words this morning were odd. Today, the young Lady had thanked her. Words she had never heard come from the Lady before.

Freda pursed her lips as she walked the halls alone. Mr Ruopold was arguably worse than Mr Orca. On the few occasions the Lady would leave the manor, Freda would always be reprimanded by Mr Ruopold for not controlling her actions when she had an outburst. What was she supposed to do? She had no control over a noble, even if the Lady was born a commoner. This job had no benefits, only repercussions. She hated it.

Snatching up the satchel out of the Lady’s closet Freda huffed as she left the Lady’s dark room. It was a dreadful place, dirt stuck to the floor, and the curtains were never drawn, basking the room in unease. Freda had no idea why the Lady left it way. She would happily clean it if she was asked. Maybe she would be rewarded if she did. She dare not do anything without the Lady’s permission or ask directly, though, for fear of the Lady’s personality. Freda would likely end up having an object thrown at her like the previous maids.

Freda shuddered as she passed the many paintings hung on the wall. She often felt like their eyes were watching as she passed them. It was creepy.

Rushing, Freda made her way down the stairs towards the entrance of the manor where Lady Lynette Heversham waited. Handing the Lady her satchel, Freda then moved to open a hidden door painted to blend into the walls of the foyer. Pulling out one of the many travel cloaks for the servants, she wrapped it around her shoulders as the Lady spoke with Mr Ruopold. Henley was being openly rude to the Lady, something Freda would not dare to do. The Lady was born a commoner like them, but she was of noble status.

Freda listened quietly as the Lady declared her intention to visit Hanson’s, a well-regarded jewellery store. She sighed a little in relief. The Lady often went shopping. Most of the time, it was uneventful, so perhaps today would not result in a reprimand from Mr Ruopold.

They left the manor and together followed the carriage boy Henley had summoned. Freda realised he was the new kid, only hired a month ago. Henley really should have used one of the older boys for Lady Heversham. She shook her head at the servant's carriage and the Kreshna beast that pulled it. The butler often pushed what he could get away with mistreating the Lady, much like Mr Orca did. Perhaps the Viscount allowed their actions because they had been here since childhood. The Lady spoke with the carriage boy Miguel, and something she said made Freda pause with fear. 

“The temple?” Freda questioned as she realised the Lady was up to mischief again. “My Lady, you told Henley you were going to Hanson’s store?”. Freda followed Lady Lynette into the rickety carriage, her brows furrowing. Just what was the Lady doing this time? 

“We will. We are just going to the temple first,” The Lady answered as Freda settled into the seat opposite. 

“But my La-” Freda tried to protest as the daunting reprimand from Mr Ruopold sunk into her body. The last time she had been forced to bow her head to the floor for not controlling the lady's actions. It was embarrassing and wholly unjustified as she had no part in her Lady’s will. If she had to repeat that act, she likely would be fired this time. This was a job that Freda could not afford to lose. 

“It’s not a lie, Freda, only omitted truth” The Lady shrugged. “The Temple, please”, she continued nodding to the carriage boy. 

They talked as Freda silently mulled in anger. Anger she could do nothing about. It was not her place to question a noble's actions, but this woman was directly causing Freda grief with her carelessness. Oh, why could she not have been Lady Kara’s personal maid? 

“My Lady, if Henley finds out..” Freda began tugging the brown cloak she wore tighter. She tried to resist shouting in frustration. Was this woman so oblivious to her struggles?! Gah, no, she was noble; she, of course, would not understand the struggles of commoners even if she was born one. 

“He won’t find out because we won’t tell him”, The Lady stated, making Freda frown. What? The Lady must know that Henley will find out; they weren’t the only ones here. Henley will surely inform the Viscount and The Lady will be punished to her room for being untruthful. Freda will then face the consequences from Henley since he can’t punish the Lady himself. 

“But-but the boy..” Freda hesitantly asked. If anyone would be stupid enough to tell Henley, it would be the new kid. Freda certainly wouldn’t say anything if it was just the two of them. 

“Don’t worry. He won’t say anything if we ask him not to. He’s probably just as much aware of how much trouble he would be in for taking us to the temple once he finds out I didn’t have permission” The Lady grinned, causing Freda to freeze. Did the Lady know that Mr Ruopold reprimanded them over her actions? Was she that uncaring about their struggles? Or did she simply believe the boy would understand something he had yet to experience? 

“O-Of course, my Lady”, Freda replied uncomfortably. The Lady was being naive. 

“Relax, Freda, if anything happens, I’ll take the blame” The Lady’s words made Freda widen her eyes.

“T-take the blame, miss?” Freda said, processing this. Was the Lady ill? 

“Yes, I don’t want to deal with a new personal maid anytime soon”, The Lady said, causing Freda’s cheeks to redden. What was wrong with the Lady? She would never say such a thing. She never considered Freda before in any of her actions. No Noble offers to take the blame for their decisions to save a commoner. Especially not Lady Lynette. Lady Lynette had no issue in changing personal maids in the past. If anything, Freda felt like Lady Lynette held no regard for her from her lack of caring. 

Freda lowered her head as she placed a hand on her cheek, feeling its warmth. The Lady did not want to replace her...

“Thank you, miss”, Freda finally said as her thoughts spiralled. 

“It’s nothing I can’t handle anyway”, The Lady shrugged nonchalantly. “If you don’t mind, could we sit in silence for a while? I need to think.”

“Yes, my Lady”.Freda smiled, thankful for the break. Her mind was fluctuating with thoughts of the Lady as she struggled and failed to think of an answer for this sudden change in personality. 

                                                                         ***

Freda slumped onto a chair in the servant's quarters, feeling like life had drained from her. The Lady had insisted on entering the temple alone. Freda had been forced to escort the young carriage boy with no idea as to the Lady’s whereabouts or well-being for quite some time. It was an experience that had left her feeling stressed and worn out beyond belief. If anything had happened to the Lady in her absence... she dared not think about what could have happened to her.

She was relieved to see the manor on their return. 

Worn out, Freda reached out to the cup of tea that she had made, trying to calm her mind. The Lady was being strange; she spoke with the carriage boy without any defensive hostility that she so often displayed to the servants. She even indulged the boy and stayed longer to watch the parade with him. 

Freda placed the cup down, slowly moving her hands to tighten her hair bun as a ginger strand of hair fell loose. The Lady had said she wasn’t a true Heversham. That statement had shocked Freda. The Lady had never shown any incline to feel that way. She prostrated her status as a noble with every chance she had to gain influence. She even used it when shopping to demand discounts and treatment expected of a noble. Freda had thought the Lady was just another arrogant noble who never had to face the struggles of commoners. 

However, Freda realised the Lady does indeed struggle. 

Mr Orca’s meals were always unfit for even a commoner. He made them fit only for a street rat. He had been given her such food for as long as Freda could remember. However, Freda paid it little mind as she knew the Lady would eat when she went on an outing. Besides, it was not her business. She could do nothing against Mr Orca even if she wanted to.

Then there was the rest of the Hevershams. Freda did not often see the young lords. They resided in the capital for most of the year, only visiting briefly. Lady Kara was a sweet woman but lacked understanding of the world outside of this household. She was a sheltered flower, as many noble women were. The Viscount was a man who rarely interacted with the servants. Only Mr Ruopold directly spoke with him. Freda had no true understanding of the family's relationship. 

Perhaps there was more to Lady Lynette than her brash personality. 

The door to the servant's quarters opened, revealing an older woman with short-cropped brown hair. 

“Freda”, the woman spoke, pushing a set of glasses higher up her nose. “Lady Kara wishes to speak to with you.” 

“Lady Kara?” Freda replied, not surprised. Lady Kara always requested her after Lady Lynette went out. “Please escort me to her location, Mrs Jure”, Freda bowed to her elder. Mrs Jure was Lady Kara’s personal maid. She was once the Viscountess’ maid. Out of all the maids, Mrs Jure was the most experienced, and Freda held a lot of respect and admiration for her. 

Freda was also jealous of Mrs Jure. Lady Kara was the ideal noble Lady to serve. She acted as expected of a noble lady and did not lash out against her servants. 

Mrs Jure led Freda down the hallways of the Heversham Manor toward Lady Kara’s room. The hallways here were bright, paintings of landscapes and flowers adorned the walls, and the soft scent of roses drifted. 

Mrs Jure opened the door to Lady Kara’s room, announcing their arrival with a dignified curtsy. Both of the maids held their position until Lady Kara’s voice permitted them to rise. 

“Miss Parsons”, Kara smiled, sitting in a lounge chair in the plush carpeted room. She wore a bright pink gown with many ruffles. Freda spotted a glint in the fabric as jewels sewn into the skirt shined against the sunlight filtering from the window. Lady Kara’s room was painted in a similar pink, her four posted bed plumped with pillows and stuffed toys. 

“Please, take a seat, Miss Parsons” Kara waved to the second chair at the small table to occupy. Freda nodded and swept up the skirt of her black uniform to prevent wrinkles as she took the seat offered. Lady Kara’s room was twice the size of Lady Lynette’s. Freda frowned as she noticed the many gifts that scattered the room. Lady Lynette never received gifts from the Hevershams. 

“Tell me, Miss Parsons”, Kara gently picked up a cookie from a plate. “You went on an outing with my sister today?”

“Yes, Lady Heversham” Freda nodded, knowing this whole routine. Lady Kara cared deeply for Lady Lynette, so much so that she always wanted to know what Lady Lynette did. It was sweet. It was a shame Lady Lynette did not show such care. Yet, had Lady Kara ever given Lady Lynette a gift? 

“I hope it was a successful outing?” Lady Kara probed, offering one of the cookies, which Freda gladly took. She was always rewarded when she came here. Lady Kara was not stingy with rewarding servants. 

“It was pleasant”, Freda smiled as she bit into the cookie. “Lady Heversham, I believe, enjoyed watching the parade.” 

“Oh! She must be excited to see our brothers” Kara giggled like the young girl she was. Freda often forgot that they were the same age, their upbringings so vastly different. “Is that all you did?”

“No, my Lady”, Freda hesitated a little. She shouldn’t mention the temple. The fewer people knew the less chance Henley would find out. “Lady Heversham visited Hanson’s store and purchased some new chokers”. Lady Lynette had shown them to Freda on the carriage’s return. They were surprisingly lacking any jewels. It was also information that would not bring any harm. 

“I see. She did say she wanted some new jewellery,” Lady Kara sighed happily. “Are you sure that was all?” The Lady raised a hand to her cheek as she tilted her head thoughtfully. “I could have sworn someone said that the carriage turned down Enderson Street when it left?” 

Freda’s mouth hung open as she paused, taking a second bite of the cookie. She closed it and swallowed as Lady Kara smiled at her in a way which sent a shiver down her spine. Lady Kara knew she was omitting some truth. Freda put the cookie down and felt a redness heat as she realised she had been caught out. Lady Kara was a sweet woman, naive to many things, but she still held a lot of power in the Heversham household. She did not appreciate being lied to. 

“Lady Heversham…” Freda began hesitant. “Visited the Temple” 

“The Temple?” Lady Kara asked curiously. “Whatever was she doing there? Lynette is not religious, is she?” 

“Not that I am aware of, Lady Heversham” Freda dipped her head as sweat began to form on the back of her neck. Why did she suddenly feel so ill? It was like a feeling of incessant throbbing ached in her heart. 

“Did my sister elaborate on why she went to the Temple?” Lady Kara asked 

“She did not, Lady Heversham.” 

“Hmm…I suppose she wouldn’t,” Kara sighed, removing her hand from her cheek to stand. “Please do continue to take care of my sister, Miss Parsons”, Kara dismissed Freda as she moved to Mrs Jure. “I think I will go visit her before lunch. I imagine Lynette has not readied herself yet.”

Lady Kara left the room, leaving Freda alone with Mrs Jure. Freda stood to take her leave, the feeling of sickness growing. 

“Thank you, Freda”, Mrs Jure bowed, opening the door for Freda. 

Freda returned the gesture leaving Lady Kara’s room with an overwhelming power of guilt settling into her stomach. 

                                                                      ***

Freda stood wide-eyed as she watched the dining room devolve in chaos. She had never witnessed such anger from Lord Callan before. His rage was loud, and it hurt her ears. She had been employed for many years in the Heversham household. For the first five, she had been kept away in the kitchens and did not see the nobles except in passing. Since becoming Lady Lynette’s personal maid, she had been exposed a little more to the Heversham nobles. She had witnessed many meals of Lady Lynette’s silence as she poked her food, she had seen the nobles dismiss her presence many times, but she had never seen Lord Callan or the Viscount himself get angry on Lady Lynette’s behalf. 

Seeing Mr Orca cower under their gaze was satisfying as his foul play was finally brought to light. Freda couldn’t help but smile in joy at his pitiful form. The man deserved it. She had seen what he had tried to feed Lady Lynette, that disgusting pile of gruel. He had pushed his luck. 

Commoner born or not, Freda hated having to serve such meals to a noble. 

Lady Lynette was arguing with Lord Callan now. Freda could feel the tension in the room as some of the other maids shrunk back to avoid the conflict. A conflict with a summoner was a death sentence for a mortal commoner. One hit from one of them could spell death for their constitutions. Freda gulped as she spotted Mrs Jure hesitantly moving closer to Lady Kara, her responsibility outweighing her fear. Freda glanced toward Lady Lynette, her own charge, as she pried away the hands of Lord Eduard. 

“Freda, if you could help me to my room, I’d appreciate it” Lady Lynette pulled Freda out of her fixation on the chaos. Quickly Freda moved to help Lady Lynette out of the room, gently placing a hand under the Lady’s arm. Freda walked the Lady being mindful of her, The Lady appeared visibly pale, which worried her. She would have thought a marriage proposal was joyous news. 

Freda did not miss that this was the first request the Lady had made of her. 

Ensuring the Lady reached her room safely, Freda was quickly sent away as Lady Lynette forced her out. Freda closed the door behind her feeling a little empty. 

Lady Lynette was obviously displeased with the marriage proposal. For the first time, she had spoken up about her food. Freda felt a warmth circle in her stomach. Was she.. proud? 

Freda shook away the thought with a frown as she carried her feet back to the Kitchen. She had watched for the past two years as Lady Lynette was served the food Mr Orca made. Freda had known of it, but she had assumed that the Hevershams knew of this. Lady Lynette was the crazy Cerue Lady who caused the Heversham name distress.

Perhaps… Freda wrapped her hands around her waist. Why had she never said anything? Why did the other maids laugh and leer and Lady Lynette so much? She was lucky to be adopted as a noble, whereas she and the rest were forced to work to put food on the table. 

Freda opened the Kitchen and paused. It was deadly silent. Not a kitchen maid in sight. Freda looked around a little confused but did not question it any further as she moved to the storage cabinet and pulled out a loaf of bread. The feeling of unease she had when speaking with Lady Kara crawled under her skin. 

Freda slowly began to cut the loaf as she sedimented her feelings. She had always waited for Lady Lynette to request her assistance directly, afraid of her retaliation if she acted out of turn. But what if… The Lady did not ask as she did not expect her assistance. The Lady spent most of her time alone, and Freda knew her previous maids were disgruntled to be her service. Maybe, they were fired by Lady Lynette for good reasons… 

Freda left the loaf and gathered some butter and cheese from the pantry. Returning to the counter, she began to butter the sliced bread. Had she viewed Lady Lynette wrongly? The guilt gnawing at her made her grimace as she cut off some cheese to place in the bread. The sandwich was completed. Freda picked up the plate and headed to leave the Kitchen to bring Lady Lynette the meal. 

Resolved, Freda knew she wanted to do better. She did not want to become like Mr Orca and Mr Ruopold. She would do whatever Lady Lynette would ask and what she did not ask of her. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi! What do you guys think to Freda's perspective?