Scandal's Daughter (A Sherlock Holmes Fanfiction)

Chapter Three

As it turns out, it is easy to become a maid and not so easy to actually be a maid. With the notices in my hand, I set off to find myself a place. As Mrs. Hudson's reaction to me earlier that day had proven, I was capable of looking the part. Despite my lack of references, I was hired at the first home I visited. I gave my name as Mary Leigh. Only someone who knew me would discover me behind that name.

My work began immediately. That first day, I dusted and polished every inch of woodwork in that home! In between, I hauled hot water up and dirty water down the stairs. I even had the chore of emptying the chamber pots, an extremely nauseating job I hope never to perform again!

What followed was an excruciatingly long week. I vowed to never again take for granted anyone who worked for me, but especially my much loved Mrs. Leigh! I'd truly never considered the work that servants had done for me and my parents. It was a humbling consideration.

I was exhausted when I collapsed onto my bed that, and every other, night. My determination to seek out my parents had not diminished, so when I was sent to the market for some fresh fish early the second morning, I made a detour to the telegraph office. I sent out ten telegrams, seriously depleting my funds. I made arrangements to return for any responses, giving the name of Mary Leigh.

Also, I sent a message to the Leighs' to assure them I was fine. Just to be cautious, I chose not tell them where I was or what I was doing.

I learned nothing that week save that a maid is a resilient person. I'd received no responses to my messages; obviously, they had not been regarded as important. And I was finding myself the recipient of some unwanted attention from the oldest boy of the house.

Tired, and more than a little homesick, I made my way once again to Baker Street on my first day off. This time, I knew to wait for the housekeeper.

She seemed as weary as I felt. "Are you here for the position?"

On the verge of denying this and explaining the situation, I paused. If I was to be a maid while waiting, what better place to wait than here? And where else would I be safer than in the home of the famous Mr. Sherlock Holmes? "Yes, ma'am," I said, striving for a meek tone. "My name is Mary Leigh. I'd half expected the position to be gone by now."

"I am Mrs. Hudson. You're American, aren't you?" Mrs. Hudson asked, turning and allowing me in. She limped along the hallway, leading the way to the kitchen. There, she sank gratefully into a chair and motioned around the kitchen. "If you would be so kind?"

"My mother was American," I admitted, taking off my hat and coat. I set these articles aside and started searching for what I needed in the cupboards. My maid persona was already firmly in mind. "I must tell you I've only been in a position of this sort once before."

Mrs. Hudson nodded once, her manner cold and distant. "You do understand this is temporary?" she asked. She nodded at her ankle. "Dr. Watson says a month or two of rest is necessary before I can do everything that I normally do."

"A bad fall, was it?" I asked, reaching for the already hot kettle.

"Quite a bad fall," Mrs. Hudson answered, watching my every move carefully. "And here I am with boarders to take care of. Goodness knows, Mr. Holmes needs every bit of looking after as I can-." She broke off suddenly, looking guilty. "Never mind that."

Amused, I poured the tea. "Milk or sugar?" I asked. She declined both, so I handed the housekeeper a cup and took a seat opposite her. "Although I have no references, I assure you I am a hard worker, Mrs. Hudson. If you wish, there can be a trial of a week or two."

Seriously, Mrs. Hudson sipped her tea. "Mind, if you're caught running to the papers with tales of Mr. Holmes, you will be turned off," the woman warned.