There are always people who matter. And there are always people who don't. The people whose names you forget as soon as you hear them. The ones whose absence no one remarks on. I'm one of those people, and it has never bothered me. Until today.
Paul is gone and I'm sure I'll be next.
It all started a month ago when Ada, who was nine, didn't return to the servants' quarters.
I remember staring at her empty bed questioning the others about her. My concerns were immediately brushed off, as Ada rarely finished her work on time. It was common for her to fall asleep in the kitchen. There was no reason to worry. Still, a dread started building deep inside me — I knew something was wrong. But I chose a safe and easy ignorance and forced my eyes shut.
Next morning, I found Milly peeling potatoes in place of Ada.
"Ada ran away, Din. Madam Brown just told me. Maybe we should run too — Madam Brown is furious," Milly whispered. But of course we did not. We had nowhere to run. Neither did Ada.
A week later, Madam Brown announced that our mistress's cousin's maid had died of old age and Milly, who was twelve, was sent to fill her place. She didn't say her goodbyes.
Today Paul, who was thirteen, was supposedly kicked by a horse and taken to a hospital. Madam Brown promised that he will return soon. But we all knew he wouldn't.
I am Daina. I am fourteen and I do not want to die.
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YOU ARE READING
The Wards' Mystery
Mystery / ThrillerThere were four child servants in the Wards' manor. Three have disappeared. Fearing for her life, young Daina seeks help from the aspiring journalist Lady Jannet, who may not be as bad-tempered or cynical as people believe. Will they learn to trust...
