Free Downstairs Rules by Sullivan Clarke Page B

Consumption, the doctor called it, and one of a particularly furious nature.

    Ella had nursed her to the end, and the day before the funeral had been informed by her tearful father that Lord Chatworth had made reference for her to Lady Eleanor Baxter, the new bride of Lord Arthur Baxter.

    “He wants shed of me, then?” Ella had said. “And we both know why. Lord Chatworth’s going to marry that wretched Sylvia Banks, isn’t he? And with my lady not even cold in her grave?” Ella had begun to sob, burying her face in her hands. Her father sat down beside her and placed a gloved hand on her shoulder.

    “It is not our place to question. I, too, mourn our Lady. She was a good and gracious person, and next to your mother the finest I have ever known. I do not agree with Lord Chatworth’s flouting his mistress, nor do I agree with his decision to engage in a hasty marriage so close to his wife’s death. The new Lady Chatworth..”

    “Don’t call her that, father…” Ella stood.

    “Still your tongue, child. You’re still not too big to go over my knee.” His tone was gruff, and Ella turned to her father, apologetic.

    “Forgive me,” she said.

    “Lady Chatworth encouraged you too freely to speak you mind, child,” he said. “We may not like what has happened, but we are powerless to change it. Sylvia Banks will become the new Lady Chatworth, and will come with her own maid. But think on it, Ella, could you ever serve her with the love you had for her predecessor? Especially knowing that this woman betrayed her?”

    “Papa,” Ella said quietly. “You always were the voice of reason. I just wish that I could have been consulted, rather than having Lord Chatworth move me to another position on another estate as if I were a chess piece.”

    “Blame me, Ella, for I guided his hand,” her father said. “You are too good to be demoted to maid, and you’ve been the envy of the other ladies in the region for years. I attend the parties and dinners. I’ve heard other ladies complain of their maids even as our Lady talked you up so.” He smiled. “Your mother raised you well, girl.”

    “I am the one who suggested that you would be suitable for Lady Baxter. She’s young, and newly married. But unlike the new Lady who will be living here, she comes to her husband pure and naïve. She is willful, apparently, and unschooled in the ways of ladies to some extend in spite of her breeding. It is said that her parents indulged her. You, being just a bit older than she can guide her based on what you know of ladies. You’ve always been persuasive. Lord Baxter is intent on having you, and I would see you continue your success. The Baxters are wealthier even than the Chatworths.”

    “I don’t care for wealth,” she said.

    “I know,” he replied. “But it matters, even among our kind, and it would do your father’s heart good to know you are safe. Do this for me, Ella. Please.”

    She turned and hugged him. “Only for you, papa,” she said. “Only for you.”

    It felt disorienting, being unanchored from all that she knew. And now as Ella watched the families reuniting on the station platform she realized she’d never felt so alone. Perhaps she should just go back and beg her father to recommend her for a housemaids job. At least the surroundings would be familiar, even if her co-workers were distant…

“Miss Carter?” A voice caught her attention. She turned to see a young man standing nearby.

    “Yes?”

    “Oh good then. I was hoping I’d not mistaken you for someone else. I’m Billings. I drive for the Baxters. I’ve been sent to fetch you to Baxter Hall.” He held out his hand. “Shall I take your bag?”

    “If you wish,” Ella said.

    “Is this all you have?” he asked.

    She nodded. “Don’t need much, really.”

    “Very good. Follow me.”

    He led Ella down the platform to a car. It was shiny and green, a Model S. Ella knew this from listening to her father, who enjoyed