Whispers In Florence

Chapter 8: A Maid's Duties

The morning sunlight streamed through Isabella's window, gently waking her. She quickly remembered the hard work of the day before and knew today would bring more of the same in the busy Castellini household. She had to be ready for whatever tasks lay ahead.

By 7 a.m., Isabella was in the kitchen, putting on her apron and getting started with her duties as a scullery maid. Her routine was tough but familiar. She scrubbed dishes and polished silverware carefully, determined to do everything just right.

As the morning went on, Pietra came over and called Isabella away from the kitchen. Isabella wiped her hands on her apron and followed, feeling both curious and worried.

"Pietra, is something wrong?" Isabella asked, her voice nervous.

Pietra gave her a serious look. "Tonight, Signora Teresa Castellini is having a small party to welcome home her sons, Cardinal Antonio and Cardinal Francesco. They've returned from traveling across Europe."

Isabella's eyes widened. The Castellini sons were respected clergymen, and their return was an important event for the family. She listened closely as Pietra continued.

"Your job tonight will be different," Pietra said. "You'll help serve the food at the dinner party. This is an important task, Isabella. The family expects you to be quick and quiet."

Isabella's heart raced with nerves, but she nodded. "I understand, Pietra. I'll do my best."

"Good," Pietra replied. "Now, back to work. There's a lot to do before tonight."

Pietra went back to her tasks, and Isabella returned to scrubbing the kitchen floor. As she cleaned, her mind kept thinking about the evening's event. She imagined the mansion decorated for the party, the guests dressed in their finest clothes, and herself, a simple maid, moving among them.

She also worried about how she might be seen—her dark skin and humble background. Would the guests look down on her? What if she made a mistake and embarrassed herself or disappointed Pietra?

Determined not to fail, Isabella scrubbed harder, pushing away her doubts with each stroke of the brush. She knew she couldn't afford to make any mistakes. Her future at the Castellini household depended on it, and her family back in Monteverde was counting on her.

As the day wore on and the sun began to set, Isabella's nerves grew stronger. She quickly bathed and changed into her clean servant's clothes, brushing her hair back with shaky hands. With every hour that passed, the pressure of the upcoming party felt heavier, a real test of her ability to handle life in the Castellini world.