The Fox, Red

006 - Getting Cleaned Up

My internal clock wakes me up just before the sun peers over the hillside. I wake up expecting Madam Odette to be right by me telling me what to do for the day. I stand and stretch while looking around for Madam Odette but she's nowhere to be seen. There are others about doing their own thing. I see the mole squad getting their stuff together for the day. One of them looks over to see me looking at them. He gives a smile and cheery greeting, "Mornin' mate!" I smile and wave to him. "Don't worry, we'll get ya taken care of!" I don't get what he means.

About an hour passed and still no sign of Madam Odette. I hear the door open from the main house. One of her maids is carrying a platter my way. It's Anne carrying my breakfast. Toast, eggs, bacon, and a glass of orange juice. I sit down at my table as she places it down. She stands up straight to address me, "Madam Odette has instructed me to tell you to meet her at the front door at 10 am. She has provided a watch for your convenience." There is a watch on the platter. The time now is 7:32 am so I have a lot of time. "She has also instructed me to pass along that there has been a change to the rules. You are allowed to speak to the house staff but cannot issue orders to them."

I'm a little taken aback. After so long I'm allowed to be social again. "Is there anything else I can do for you Red?" I open my mouth for a second before I answer, "Um, no. I think I'm fine. Uh... Thank you, Anne." She bows slightly before leaving me for my breakfast. I eat it slowly but I'm still stuck on the rule change. I can now speak to others. It's weird how such a small thing can mean so much. I didn't miss it until it was gone.

With breakfast finished I walk up to the door with everything in my hands. One of the badgers stepped in front of me while the other stepped inside. A raccoon maid steps out to take the dishes from me. I adjust my watch on my wrist as I step down the stairs. Out of an old habit, I have the watch face facing in instead of facing out like most wear it. I still have an hour and a half left but not sure what to do during that time.

It's weird to see the garden in the daylight. I only really get to see it at night when I get back from work. Everyone else seems to be doing their own thing. There are a few maids outside taking care of the gardeners and everyone working outside. I noticed that the mole crew has disappeared from view. I know they got the stumps but beyond that, I don't know what they do. I kind of want to leave everyone alone. They're all working on their things. It's neat to see what's going on and what I've missed. With nothing better, I sit at my table by the overhang watching the world around me waiting for time to pass.

To be safe I arrive at the front door five minutes before we're supposed to leave. Her limo is parked in the circle driveway idling, waiting for Madam Odette. At 9:59 she walks out beckoning me to follow her to the vehicle. At 10 sharp the wheels start rolling. Once out of the driveway she addresses me like she always does; "Red."

"Yes, Madam Odette."

"Did Anne speak with you this morning?"

"Yes, she did. She mentioned that I am now allowed to speak to others but cannot give orders. Am I correct, Madam Odette?"

"Correct. Did she mention anything else?"

"To meet you by the front door at 10 am and to give me this watch."

"Good. We're going to make a few stops today that I need you to accompany me on so there's going to be a change. At the house, you will continue to address me as 'Madam Odette'. In public, around others, you will address me as 'Lady Odette'. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Madam Odette."

"Good. You are still only to speak when spoken to for myself and others. Are you missing anything?"

"I understand, Madam Odette."

In the past three weeks, I have been referring to Madam Odette as such, so much so that it has become second nature to me. I know it's a type of psychological training but I can't fight it. At this point I'm willingly in her care, living by her rules and orders but I've adapted to it. I no longer struggle with the long hours. I can do the physically demanding work she expects to be done. It's quickly become my life. But it's still not the life I was told I would have by coming here.