A new start

I may have done something stupid and naive… I signed up for a job as a live-in servant at a massive mansion. The pay and the hours sounded too good to be true: paid boarding, free meals, eighteen dollars an hour, and only five-hour shifts every day. I applied as soon as I saw a poster in my small, less fortunate town, feeling the stirrings of hope in a heart that had seen little joy.

Now, I sit across from a skeletal-figured older man who claims to be the steward. He is dressed in a fine, pressed black suit with a thin smile placed on his face. His office is simple yet imposing… A leather chair, a massive desk, and broad windows that bathe the room in a stark light. Bookcases line the walls, filled with tomes that whisper of history and wealth. Heavy oak doors separate his space from the rest of the manor, creating an air of exclusivity.

“Welcome to Hawthorne Estate,” he says in a dry voice, his dark eyes piercing through me with a mix of amusement and simple calculation. “I trust you were informed of the particular nature of the position you applied for?” His tone is sharp, a testament to years spent in power.

I nod quickly, my heart pounding in my chest. “Yes, I read the information on the posters…” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Good. Now, let’s get up to establish your living arrangements. We will walk to the east wing; most of the newer servants are stationed there.” He rises from his seat, and I scramble to follow him.

As we step out of his office and into the long, dimly lit corridor, the atmosphere shifts. The polished wooden floorboards creak under our footsteps, and the walls are adorned with portraits of stern-faced ancestors, their gazes almost accusatory. It feels as if I am trespassing through a world that does not welcome intruders.

As we walk, I steal glances at the intricate details of the manor: the ornate moldings, the heavy drapes that seem to shimmer in the sunlight. My excitement is laced with uncertainty, my surroundings a blend of extravagance and isolation. I can almost taste the history that permeates these halls, each room filled with echoes of lives long past.

“Catherine, was it?” The man glances back at me, probably sensing my disquiet. “You will find that the estate requires—” he pauses briefly, as if choosing his words carefully, “—an unwavering commitment to your duties.”

“Yes, of course,” I reply, eager to please. The unyielding pressure of his gaze makes my stomach churn, but I hold my chin high, determined to prove that I am worthy of this opportunity.

We arrive at a door at the far end of the corridor. The man opens it, revealing a small, tidy room furnished with a narrow bed, a modest dresser, and a small window that overlooks the sprawling gardens. It’s not much, but it feels like a sanctuary compared to the daunting impression of the rest of the estate.

“As you can see, your living quarters are comfortable,” he says, his tone now carrying an air of finality. “I expect you to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and diligence. If you fail in your tasks, do not expect leniency.”

I nod once more, suppressing a shiver at the weight of his words. “Thank you, sir,” I manage to say, my voice steadier than I feel.

“Now, I must attend to matters of business,” he continues, stepping back into the corridor. “You will find the staff will be in the kitchen for the subsequent hours. I suggest you introduce yourself.”

With a curt nod, he strides away, leaving me standing alone in the simplicity of my new room. The quiet of the space envelops me, a stark contrast to the office's imposing air. Unsure of what to do next, I begin to unpack my belongings, methodically placing my few dresses and personal items in the dresser.

As I work, my mind wanders to the man I heard owns this place, Kent Hawthorne. I had caught only glimpses of him through murmured conversations among the townsfolk before my arrival. They spoke of his brilliance in business, but also of a curdling sadness that seemed to hover about him. A man burdened by the past, they had said, haunted by decisions made long ago.

With a sigh, I finish arranging my clothes and step out of my room, closing the door softly behind me. The air is heavy with anticipation as I make my way down the corridor, the distant sound of laughter guiding me towards the kitchen.

Upon entering the kitchen, I am greeted by the bustling of staff preparing the evening meal. The air carries the rich scents of roasted meat and freshly baked bread, and for a moment, all my nerves dissipate.

“Hey there! You must be the new maid!” A stout woman with rosy cheeks and a welcoming smile approaches me, her hands dusted with flour. “I’m Agnes, the head cook. Welcome to the Hawthorne family!”

“Thank you, Agnes. I’m Catherine,” I reply, my spirits lifting in her presence.

The kitchen is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the rest of the manor. Laughter fills the air like music, and I feel a tug at my heart, a longing to be part of this camaraderie. Perhaps here, I would find some semblance of home.

As the staff surrounds me with warm welcomes, the intriguing figure of Kent lingers in my thoughts. He is a man shrouded in mystery, wrapped in shadows, his solitude an entirely different realm from my own. How strange it is that he did not even take the time to greet me, a new hire stepping into his world.