the book (hosie)

maid to serve

Josie saltzman walked through the halls to her employer's home. She was the maid to Doctor Hope O'Deorain, an enigmatic and wealthy woman who countered all that was expected of a woman by utilizing her wealth not throwing parties or progressive causes but to finance and pursue her interests in science.

And so, despite all of the obstacles thrown her way, Hope O'Deorain persisted and came to be one of the world's most renowned scientists. With this fame, Doctor O'Deorain was gone from home a lot, and so she hired Josie saltzman, a recent immigrant from Switzerland, as her maid to keep the house tidy while she was gone.

Josie made her way to her employer's lab, cleaning the tables, glassware, and various oddities Doctor O'Deorain kept around. The young blonde stood in the middle of the room and admired her work. Toying with the skirt of her maid outfit, she wondered what to do next, as she had already cleaned most of the house.

"I know, I'll clean her office," Josie said to herself. She wasn't really allowed in Doctor O'Deorain's office, but Josie was willing to wager it needed attention desperately. Besides, her employer would be most grateful for the room to finally be clean.

Josie walked across the lab and entered Doctor O'Deorain's office. Shelves on both sides were lined with many items pertaining to her employer's scientific interests. Models, diagrams, and various books filled the space, and they all were covered in dust.

"Well now, this won't do at all," Josie said to herself. She immediately got to work, cleaning off the layers of filth that had accumulated on Doctor O'Deorain's possessions. Finally, after nearly an hour of cleaning, Josie stood at the center of the room, beaming from her job.

As she turned, Josie noticed one object that she had missed. Josie didn't know what it was, but it was incredibly dirty and it seemed to be the Doctor's most prized item.

"Oops, missed one," Josie said. She picked it up and looked at the object. It not only was dirty, but it seemed very delicate despite its simple looks.

Josie carefully dusted the object, smiling as the dirt on it practically fell away. Finally, the object was cleaned and Josie moved to put it back. However, once she set it down, she didn't notice that one of the fibers of her duster had hooked on the object When she moved back to close the cabinet, the object was pulled out.

Josie could only watch in horror as the object fell off from its spot and onto the floor. It broke into several pieces, scattering across the floor.

"Scheisse!" Josie yelled. She knelt down next to the destroyed object, worry and fear running through her mind. "I'm going to be in so much trouble!"

"Josie, what are you doing here?"

Josie gasped and quickly rose. Standing in the doorway was Doctor O'Deorain. She was dressed in her evening suit, having been attending a small function with other scientists.

"Doctor O'Deorain!" Josie said in surprise. She looked to the spot where the object broke and back to her employer. "I am so sorry. I just wanted to surprise you by cleaning your office, and I-"

O'Deorain raised her hand, silencing the blonde. "What have I told you about my office?"

Josie felt as though she shrank under her employer's gaze. "T-That I wasn't allowed."

O'Deorain nodded. "Yes. Because I have many delicate and priceless items in here. The one you broke was an original 1850s Bunsen burner prototype."

Josie's eyes widened. "I'll pay for it. I'll work for a third of my pay for you," she pleaded.

O'Deorain rolled her eyes. "Josie, that item isn't something that can be replaced," she said as she looked down at the remains of her burner.

Josie fell to her knees. "I'm sorry. Please, Doctor O'Deorain. I need this job. I'll do anything."