Kelpie

The Difficulty of Finding a Maid

Finding a maid is harder than it looks, especially when no one wants the job. Mrs. Hope knew that despite this, she had to try, if only to try one more time. She thought to herself: What could one more time hurt?

Though she was quickly running out of the little time she had left, she knew she had to give it her all. Poor little Jane needed looking after, she knew. It wasn't right to leave a child alone or neglected after Mrs. Hope was gone. Sure, there was Cook, but she had her own duties of preparing the meals and didn't have the time or the patience of looking after the child. The groomsman, Old Man Jack, seemed unfit to even take care of his own job properly. Plus, Mrs. Hope couldn't trust that crazy man. Who knew what was really going on inside his head? As for Mr. Samuels, he did little to look after the child, let alone take care of his own health. The man usually wasted most of his life away on alcohol and God knows what else the fool was doing.

No, she knew, deep down, she had to do this herself. But, who would apply for a job when there were so many rumors about the place and Mr. Samuels himself? Whenever the poor woman would go from house to house, people would shut the doors, seal the windows, and pretend they weren't home. Whenever she went to the stores, people would pass by her quickly, whispering about the woman and avoiding her like the plague. The only time that people were civil was if she was buying groceries for the household and staff, and even then, the store owners and cashiers seemed in a hurry to get her away.

Rumors are ugly things that destroy people, she thought. What can I do but try again.

She knew what they said about her behind her back. She wasn't deaf. They said that Mr. Samuels murdered his wife and blamed a horse for his crime. Others speculated that it was the curse of the Kelpie that made the man the way he was, secluded from society, grieving for the lost and dead, and not caring for anyone but himself. There was some merit to these rumors, Mrs. Hope admitted. But the nerve of some people! As if the very man she worked for was a murderer! She huffed. She'd never work for a man who would. She knew that Mr. Samuels loved his dear departed wife dearly, and was simply grieving over her loss. It was true that Mrs. Hope didn't know what really happened the day the lady of the house passed away, but that didn't mean that the man was guilty of these things! Mr. Samuels seemed a very sensible man, and he loved all of his horses. Why would he go out of his way to hurt a creature that took a form of something he loved? And why indeed would he believe such superstitions in the first place!?!

It was true that there were odd occurrences in the house. But that didn't necessarily mean that the house was haunted by a curse! They were just understaffed, she told herself. After the lady of the house died, it was difficult for many of the staff to stay. Some left because of their attachment to the departed lady. But most left due to society and groundless rumors!

Mrs. Hope sighed. Who was she kidding? Who in this town would actually want to be added to the dwindling Samuels' staff?

Her hands shook, and the old woman paused, unable to move due to a sensation of light-headedness. She began to see spots before her eyes, and felt a weakness in her limbs as she tumbled-

-and was caught by a young woman. "Whoa! Easy there-" a kind feminine voice spoke.

"Thank you, young lady. You wouldn't happen to- ugh!" Mrs. Hope gasped as another wave of dizziness hit her.

"Oh my. Here, sit down a bit."

"But I have to keep going."

"Not in this state. You're close to collapsing."

"Fine, but just for a few minutes."

"Geez. What could be so important that you neglect your own health?"

"I'm a busy woman. I'm looking for hired help. And you? I've never seen you around before."

"Oh, I'm pretty new to town. Just looking to start a new life for myself. I'm Eve Connors."

"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Mrs. Hope."

"Is it too much trouble to ask if your job opening is still available?"

"Of course it's still available, but no one's really been interested in the maid position I had in mind."

"Really? And here I thought people would jump at the chance to get a job. You seem like a pleasant enough person, Mrs. Hope."

"Why, thank you. But there's rumors about the place. Are you still interested in the job?"

"Pfft! Why should I listen to common gossip? I'd gladly accept the position."

"Do you believe in Kelpies?"

"Why, Mrs. Hope. I do believe you are trying too hard to scare me off."

"Then, you're hired! Well, as soon as I get back to the Samuels Mansion."

"Wait. Are you sure you're feeling up to it?"

"Don't worry about me, dear. I've had my rest. I feel much better."

It's true that Mrs. Hope was feeling better. But for how long? She knew it was only a matter of time before she actually fainted due to her old age and fatigue. Even with feeling lighter in spirit, her body wouldn't last.