My Daughter, Audrey [ON HOLD]

The Maid

The whole month of November was a still one. Letter exchanges between the Jennie, Peter, and Audrey became scarce as the work hours grew. Jennie had found a steady job as a waitress at Sonny’s Diner and Bar and was paid exceptional tips along with her minimum wage. There wasn’t much to report to Peter, except how much now could add to their debt. Peter worked at the butchers dutifully and was paid seven and sixty-four pound sterling an hour, which came out twelve dollars even in American currency. Peter later wrote in a letter to Jennie that “the smell of fresh, cold meat is one of the most wonderful smells ever, for it reminds me that I am one step closer to Audrey, and even closer step to you.” It wasn’t easy for the couple to go on weeks without seeing one another, but by grace and mercy, they stayed true one another. Jennie mentioned in a letter to Peter that “though distance is our enemy, I have grown found the states and pond between us because it gives me times to nourish my love for you. For when you return to my side, you will have new and stronger feelings from me. ”

               Audrey spent her lonely days casting her shadow by the window.  Her cold had naturally vanished with good treatment and plenty of sleep.   Though, her illness from the separation from her parents could not be cured. Helen had her old black maid transported to her from the east coast because “she had too much time on her hands, and needed assistance”. Her poor maid, having thought let go from her mistress’s hands, took on the job for only one reason: seeing Audrey. The maid, Jessica Williston, was a young woman of thity-seven. Her late husband left her with three little children and an adolescent son who recently dedicated his service to the war in Vietnam.  Jessica needed a change of scenery, so even though she hated the woman so, she quickly responded to Helen’s offer and was on her way the next morning. 

               “Jessica!”  Helen squawked from her boudoir.  “I’m powdering my face and have to leave in five minutes!  I sent my father back to his flat, he won’t be taking care of Audrey today.  You think you can?  There are errands on the fridge, please take care of those while I’m gone!”  Helen flew out of her room, collecting her coats, handbags, and hatboxes.  “Jessica!”

               “I heard you, ma’am,” Jessica replied in the gentlest Southern voice that could tame the heart of anyone, including Helen.  For if she was still hard towards the maid, she wouldn’t have called her in her dire need.  “I’ll take care of the baby while you are away.  Don’t worry about us.” 

               “Good,” Helen said breathlessly, flipping her long blonde hair from side to side and combing the tangled strands with her fingers.  “I left some money on the counter for you to spend on her, don’t let her do whatever—don’t want a stubborn child on my hands!”

               “Don’t you worry about us, ma’am, you go on and take care of yourself.  Audrey and I will be good.”

               “Thank you, Jessica.  I will be home tonight.  If not, it’s probably because I’m at a dinner party.”  Helen hurried out the house to the limousine outside.   Jessica followed her to the door and watched her leave.

               Audrey came up behind Jessica, clinging to the maid’s white, wrinkled apron.  “Jessica,” Audrey began, “There’s a letter addressed to Mother.”

               Jessica smiled at the sound of her little mistress and looked down.  “Why, Audrey baby, why the sad face?”

               Audrey sniffled and whipped the letter behind her back.  With her head bent in deep shame and her round little knees wobbling, Audrey confessed, “I open it and read it.  But I didn’t know what it said because it’s all curly!”  Audrey revealed the envelope with the shredded top and the crinkled letter crammed back inside by guilty hands.  

               Jessica pursed her lips and led Audrey back into the foyer with a soft, but firm hand.  “Now, baby girl, you know it ain’t polite to go rippin’ up Mama’s letters!”

               Audrey stomped her foot in frustration at herself.  Her thin eyebrows bent in sadness, and she replied softly, “Because it was from Mommy.”

               “From Mommy?  What you mean?  From Helen?”

               “No, my other Mommy.  The one Mother took me away from.”

               Jessica’s large eyes disappeared behind her lids as she let out a long sigh.  “I didn’t get wind of this.  But don’t it sound like a Helen thing to do?”

               “I didn’t read the letter, but can you read it to me?”

               “It ain’t mine to read.  If it’s to your Mama, we got no business snoopin.’  Now, put on your fine coat and we’ll take a walk.”

               Audrey obediently slunked to the coat tree and took down her evergreen coat.  While slipping it on, she saw Jessica tuck the letter underneath some of Helen’s belongings on the desk.  “Jessica, is there a letter in there for me?”

               “Lord, help you child, you must stop being so interested in another person’s mail!  Now, don’t be sullen, your Mama can share it with you when she gets back.”

               “But I haven’t gotten a letter from Mommy or Daddy,” Audrey said in concern. 

               Seeing Audrey’s sincere face of uneasiness, Jessica made a huff and fetched the letter.  She peeked inside and saw a second later.  “Bless you, child, there is another letter to you!  Good thing you had me look again.  Knowing Helen, she probably would’ve kept it from you.”  Jessica handed the smaller note to Audrey and watched her with interest.

               Audrey, cherishing every letter she had ever received, kept the letter folded until she settled comfortably on her grandfather’s navy blue sofa with her feet stretched out in front of her.  She carefully freed the letter from its compacted form, and began reading.   Her eyes widened and a smile leaped on to her face.   Springing from the chair with such energy, Jessica raced forward to steady her.

               “Goodness, child, did she put something in there special!”

               “Yes!”  Audrey gasped, clasping her hands together.  “Mommy’s coming to visit!”