A Victorian Secret

Chapter 3

Elizabeth woke up to a sharp tapping on the shoulder. Constance stood over her, her blonde hair now hanging in Elizabeth's face. "We got a letter. It's from Abigail, and she said we have two days until we leave to Bath."

"Bath?"

"Yes, you bloody idiot." Constance put her hands on her hips and waited. "Well, get up! we have things to do!"

Elizabeth looked around. With the curtains open, it was still dark, but Constance had a small candle in her hand. "Ugh. It's really early."

"Of course it is! We have plans to make, things to pack. How are we going to meet again, what are we supposed to do. Get up!" Constance was whispering, but very loud, and Elizabeth could only make out yelling.

"Could you shut please!" Elizabeth sat up, rubbed her eyes, and let her brown hair down. The two girls got dressed, and crept downstairs into the drawing room. Apparently Abigail had already sent in letters for them, for the job, and thanks to her recommendation, they landed the jobs easily. Elizabeth was to stay at the family for a month, while Constance was to stay with James for a month and two weeks, and Elizabeth was going to join her as a chamber maid with a new name. Constance changed her last name to Ten, and Elizabeth could keep hers at the time being. The girls each decided on simple clothes, except Elizabeth got a few more elegant, just in case Jane threw some sort of soirée and she happened to be invited.

The two girls were eager and ready, and by the next morning they awoke at the same time. They both got into the carriage, and lit the candles. The coach driver was silent and dull. It happened to be raining, so both girls carried a parasol. The ride was long, but not to long as if they had to spend a whole day.

Constance was the first dropped off. She actually waved a goodbye to Elizabeth. The streets name was Cobble Street. As she looked at the manor she gaped. It was tall, and the masonry was old and worn, giving the house a creepy look to it. Their were only four windows in the front, and by the foundation, their seemed to be a basement below the servant and maid quarters. She walked to the door, gripped the knocker, and knocked. Oddly, no answer, but the door swung open at touch.

"Hello?" She asked cautiously. It was silent. No servants or maids bustling about. She finally heard some sort of shouting down below. The coachman entered, left her trunk at the front and bid her a good day. Constance shooed him off. She needed to find that shouting.

It was loud, and continuous, and seemed to be above her. She found the steps easily, and walked up them, tip toeing. Finally she made out vague words of "BLASTED...SILVER...MERCURY...KEEPER...MAID...!" Constance was almost afraid. Looking out a window, the carriage was gone. What if this was the wrong house, and she was alone? She had to be strong. She continued up the steps eager to find out information, and suddenly a glass flew above her head, hitting the wall.

A man, with black hair and good posture angrily came out of the shadows. "Who are YOU? Coming into my house to solicit?"

"No...sir. I'm the new housekeeper. Constance...Constance Ten." The man looked nothing like how she imagined a chemist.

"Ha...number folk are you? Very well then. Join me downstairs in the parlor."

He walked down stairs in a haste, and she hurried behind him. Seeing the drenched trunk, he eyed it suspiciously, and then angrily huffed. As he sat on a sofa, Constance stood. How did a housekeeper go about, sitting? Standing?

"Alright, Constance. The basic rules of the house, keep everyone in line, no getting out of line, no disrespecting me or my guest...your pay will add up until you need it, your bedroom is downstairs in the maid chamber, and please keep everyone on schedule. Any questions?"

She wanted to shout "Did you try to kill the Queen and Henrietta putting it under her name, and why?" But she simply said. "No sir."

"Good. You have two legs and arms. Carry your belongings downstairs, and you begin working straight away. The staff had a little break today since I was in my...my," he looked down.

"Your what?" Constance asked.

"Nothing, nothing. Forget it. Go on." Constance sighed and turned to leave. Suddenly the man, James, called out, "Constance?" She spun around.

"Yes?"

"You may hear rumors down there...don't believe them, alright?" James asked worrisome.

"Uh, yes Mr. Mags." She bowed deeply before smiling and exiting the room.