Someone Competent

Chapter 2: Estella

You blink away the shock from your conversation with the Baroness. She's noticed all of the times you were staring. You're embarrassed, but the Baroness told you to follow her.

Quickly, you leave the Baroness' office and follow behind her. You wasted enough time trying to collect yourself. Once you get to the bottom of the stairs, you clap twice. Everyone turns from their work and faces the Baroness. She has all of her designers get in a line. Ready to present their creations. She's like a drill sergeant, ordering her men around. All of the designers are nervous. You can see a sweat starting to break out on one designer's forehead.

The Baroness looks completely uninterested. You knew she would be disappointed in her employees' displays. You grab a clipboard and a pen from the sewing station to your right. You assume you'll have to write down the names of those she fires.

Tapping her straight razor in her hand, the Baroness starts down the line. The tension is heavy in the room. It's broken by the click of the Baroness' heels. You follow behind her, clutching the clipboard to your chest. You'd be lying if you said you weren't watching her ass in those tight trousers.

She looks at a blonde woman's dress. "It's foolish.". She glances at the next garment. "Unhinged.". She gestures to an older man with her razor. "Well, you're fired.". You give the man a look of sympathy and jot down his name. No one dares to make a sound. The fabric of the Baroness' slacks rubs together as she walks. "Pasty, pasty, pasty." she grimaces.

She pauses in front of a green gown. The red-haired girl is standing next to it, grinning like a toddler. The Baroness hums curiously and retracts her blade. Slicing the sleeves off of the dress, she snags the girl's hand. She gasps and jerks her hand back as the Baroness adjusts the front of the gown. Not removing her eyes from the dress, the Baroness asks, "Why are you speaking, Estella?". "I think you nicked me," Estella replies, focusing on her bleeding hand. The Baroness takes Estella by the wrist and examines it. She twists her wrist, "Fabrics! Can you get me a red like that?" she inquires. She drops Estella's wrist and continues down the line.

You feel a twinge of jealousy against the new girl. She's been working for the Baroness for less than a day, and the Baroness already knows her name. She didn't even acknowledge your existence until your fourth day.

You roll your eyes and approach the Baroness. Being her assistant, you schedule everything for her. She has two hours before a meeting with a few investors. "Baroness, you have a meeting with the department store investors soon," you inform her. She sighs, checking a nearby clock. "Yes, I suppose I do. Come along.".

You follow the Baroness out of the building to her car. John, the Baroness' most trusted guard, and one other guard join you. The Baroness is a very wealthy and influential woman, so she needs to be protected at all times, like one of her pricy jewels. John steps in front of the Baroness and opens the car door for her. She gracefully enters the vehicle and slides to the left side. You sit on the right side, behind the Baroness' driver.

The ride to Hellman Hall went smoothly. The Baroness didn't fire anyone, and she wasn't annoyed by the traffic. She wasn't quick to dismiss small talk either. You had a pleasant conversation about the Baroness' spring collection and her upcoming ball. You admire how passionate she is about her brand. You enjoy watching her face light up while she tells you her plans for the future.

The car rolls to a stop in front of the Baroness' mansion, and you wait for John to open the door. After you exit the vehicle, you follow the Baroness into her estate.

Hellman Hall is chaotic as usual. Maids and butlers are preparing the mansion for the Black and White Ball later this week. The Baroness navigates the mess with impressive ease. Mostly because everyone stays at least 6 feet away from her at all times, so there was nothing in her way.