Story: The Education and Rehabilitation of Miss Caroline Drake. Chapters 8-9.

by Jackie J

Chapter 8

Five months had passed since they had first set sail and clearing the docks the party of Lady Drake hugged. It had not been the most pleasant of sailings for the last part of their journey home, but they were all save on dry land now. Lady Drake had business to attend in London with the banks and bid farewell to her travelling companions, Lord and Lady Stokes and the company accountant, Cecil Browning.

Deeds and share certificates needed to be deposited at the bank and Gwendoline was anxious to know what carnage her profligate step- daughter had caused with the family finances whilst she had been away. Leaving the bank, Gwendoline retained a degree of disbelief and smiled, deposits outweighed withdrawals, by a considerable amount. Spending had been rather frugal. A large withdrawal two days after she left but not excessive and a similar amount two days ago, but the rest of the withdrawals, small amounts in line with the household budgets Mrs Dillon ran. Hardly anything, in fact nothing from the salons, drapers, jewellers, high end fashion houses, café’s, travel? How extraordinary she thought? Lady Drake had expected to be met by the debris left by a tsunami of Caroline’s reckless spending but nothing, nothing at all.

Her letters had not been answered, not that she expected them to be, she had been travelling extensively around her late husband’s global interests and it could be that mail got lost or is still following her trail. Two weeks spent in London with her friend, in contrast to the hustle and bustle of her travel, allowed her to relax and prepare for her return to Longwater. Cecil Browning had agreed to escort Lady Drake from London to her estate and duly arrived promptly. 

Gwendoline was pleased to see that her carriage was waiting for her when she left the rail station, Mrs Dillon would have received her letter which outlined her final travel plans following her stay with friends in London.

Gwendoline thanked Cecil for his company before he boarded his train for the return journey to London.

The carriage began its not short journey to Longwater from the railway station and Gwendoline pondered what she would find on her return.

Judging by the total collapse of Caroline’s spending it would seem the hiring of Miss Prentice had no doubt had the desired effect. Her plan with the infantile clothing and no doubt her strict discipline must have carried the day. Gwendoline doubted that she would find her stepdaughter still with ribboned pigtails and dressed in frills, it had been over five months going on six, but could not help smiling at the prospect. Gwendoline had enjoyed her time away from Longwater not least that she had not had to put up with Caroline’s arrogance and reckless lifestyle. Hopefully, whatever Miss Prentice had achieved would be a new beginning for her Stepdaughter. With her husband’s overseas affairs now settled and whilst Gwendoline remained custodian, Caroline would be receiving significant amounts once the transfers were completed. Whilst reluctant to open the floodgates of disposable monies to Caroline she would have no choice. Once Caroline signed the document’s she would be free to squander at will. The recent record of spending however gave Lady Drake some hope. Perhaps she would find a totally different Caroline waiting at Longwater. 

Awaiting the return of Lady Drake, Miss Prentice, in turn, had called each member of staff at Longwater to Mrs Dillon’s office and paid them the second instalment of their reward for their contributions in fulfilling the debasement of their young Mistress, reducing her to the simpering maid Bella she had become. Maid Jenny enjoying that little extra for the enthusiasm shown with the task. Each indemnified against any repercussions from what they had collectively and individually done to and with Bella, they returned to their respective work sworn to secrecy.

The majority of Lady Drakes luggage had been sent ahead by the shipping line and the groom made short work of removing the one large trunk from the carriage and taking it into the manor.

Mrs Dillon fussed around her ladyship ushering her into the parlour where Miss Prentice sat awaiting her arrival.

Standing and offering a polite modest curtsy Miss Prentice smiled.

“Lady Drake, so good to see you, I must say you look a picture of heath the trip obviously agreed with you.”

Lady Drake smiled.

“I feel my short stay in London may account for that more than my travels, which were not without a degree of discomfort, but I am home now and glad for it.”

Mrs Dillon poured two glasses of Sherry and then left Lady Drake and Miss Prentice alone in the parlour.

Sitting and taking a sip of her drink Lady Drake smiled at Miss Prentice.

“Well Miss Prentice, I must say I was pleasantly surprised when I reviewed the bank statements on my return. It would appear that you have definitely worked your magic to seal the purse of my profligate stepdaughter. I assume that I will also see quite a change in her attitude.”

Miss Prentice sipped a good measure of her sherry.

“Yes thank you, Caroline, yes quite a change, we must discuss that, erm well…I…

Lady Drake cut Miss Prentice short.

“Discuss, what is there to discuss, putting that arrogant madame into frills and pigtails certainly did the trick. I have never seen such frugal spending you are to be congratulated Miss Prentice, a job well done. Whatever you did to achieve that is fine in my book.”

Lady Drake paused and smiled.

“I don’t suppose you still have my stepdaughter bedecked in ribbons and frills do you. I doubt that the strong-willed Caroline could have resisted your persuasions for all this time, especially being dressed like you have had her. I must say though that vision does amuse me so. I am looking forward to seeing the reformed Miss Caroline. Is Caroline here, is she at Longwater?

Miss Prentice drained her glass.

“Well Yes, she is Lady Drake but, well, you wanted your stepdaughter taming, brought to heel, to have and show respect for others, and yes of course to curb her excesses with regards to her spending. I can put my hand on my heart and tell you that all of this has been achieved. Now whether she is to remain within this character will be your decision to make. You are correct that Caroline is no longer dressed in ribbons and frills, far from it in fact. To consolidate the personality which you asked me to develop within your stepdaughter, it was necessary to move things forward from her infantile regression. A rehabilitation and education that many may consider extreme, however, I would hope that you will share my thoughts, that the ends justify the means?”

Lady Drake stood to collect the decanter and refilled both Miss Prentice’s and her own glass.

“Miss Prentice the ends are very clear you have dammed the torrent of money that freely flowed from the coffers of Longwater manor. A trickle that became a torrent when Malcom passed away. The means, the means were at your disposal you will have no recriminations from me, neither will any of my servants, including Mrs Dillon, that was agreed and confirmed in writing before I departed on my travels. If Caroline’s behaviour has changed as dramatically has her spending, and you assure me it as, then whatever you have done to achieve this, by whatever means, then that is fine with me.”

Miss Prentice sipped on her sherry wondering whether such resolute support for her methods and outcome would be shown when Lady Drake actually sets eyes on Miss Caroline, Maid Bella.

Lady Drake finished her sherry,

“Well Miss Prentice, it was a long journey from London, I will go and refresh and change then meet with my stepdaughter. From what you have told me I am not sure what to expect, it will no doubt be a surprise, a pleasant one I hope.”

Lady Drake suitably refreshed and changed from her travel clothes met with Mrs Dillon at the foot of the stairs. Not knowing what had been said, regarding Miss Caroline, Mrs Dillon was reluctant to enter into conversation with her Mistress, but it was unavoidable.

“Mrs Dillon, Miss Prentice tells me I will see quite a change in my Stepdaughter, Caroline, all for the better I am told. I am assuming the changes involve less harassment of the staff and of course yourself. Would my assumptions be correct?

Mrs Dillon could not help but smile.

“Absolutely Mistress, absolutely, I am sure Miss Prentice will explain everything.”

A curtsy and Mrs Dillon continued on her way to the Kitchens, Bella was to spruced up, a clean dress and apron, looking her best. Mrs Dillon having been given her instructions by Miss Prentice

Returning to the parlour Lady Drake looked questioningly at Miss Prentice.

“You said that Caroline was here at Longwater? I have been to her rooms, very tidy I must say, but no trace of Caroline. She is here, isn’t she?”

Miss Prentice suggested Lady Drake sit which she did and Miss Prentice continued

“Yes, she is here at Longwater and she will be joining us shortly, but before she does, I should explain. During the months of your absence, as you requested, I have sought to achieve the goals you outlined. Which I indeed have. Caroline has changed much, remarkably so, and I assure you she is accepting of whom she has become. You may be shocked, I am sure you will be, but you will find that the traits of arrogance, petulance, and overall lack of respect for others she no longer shares. With regards to spending, well that is no longer an issue, so the ends are clear. I ask that when you see her you restrain your emotions, do not rush to judgement, consider the benefits of the education and rehabilitation she has undergone, then decide if the ends justify the means.”

Miss Prentice pulled the call cord and sat back into one of the large chairs.

Lady Drake was facing away from the door through which a smartly dressed maid entered tray in hand who curtsied in front of the low table which sat between Lady Drake and Miss Prentice.

“Tea Mistress.”

Lady Drake had paid little attention to the servant entering, why would she, and only glanced up at the maid hearing the squeaky and unfamiliar voice. Her mind already conditioned that it was just a new maid hired whilst she had been away.

The maid curtsied and turned to leave

Lady Drake looked at a smiling Miss Prentice then back at the maid already preparing to leave. Lady Drake was to her feet, it couldn’t be, it just couldn’t?

“Girl you, what is your name.”

Bella curtsied

“Bella Miss, Bella.”

Lady Drake stood frozen in shock at the realisation of who the maid was.

Miss Prentice stood and eased a faint feeling Lady Drake back into her chair.

“Off you go Bella.”

Another curtsy and Bella left.

Not sherry, but a glass of Brandy was placed into the hand of an incredulous Lady Drake who stared at the door through which her aproned Stepdaughter had passed.

Having taken a gulp of the brandy she had been given Miss Prentice eased the glass from Lady Drakes hand and set it down by the tray that had been delivered. 

“There is more, please read this.”

Lady Drake was feeling numb at the revelation and, taking the document handed to her, read the contents with dismay, serving to increase her feelings of unease. Bella’s maid contract hung loose in her fingers she turned to Miss Prentice.

“Miss Prentice what have you done, Bella, Bella, a maid, Bella a housemaid, Caroline, what have you done to her? Tell me this is a ruse, surely not Caroline a maid? Why does she speak like that, and the way she is, her hair, rosy puffy cheeks, she has put on weight, a lot of weight, what have you done? Why did she not recognise me?”

Miss Prentice sought to calm an emotional Lady Drake.

“Ends and Means, Lady Drake? I said that you would be shocked. What have I done? What you asked, no more no less. Through education and rehabilitation your surly arrogant spendthrift stepdaughter is no longer the problem she was, no longer a problem for you. You will find Bella is filled with humility and what is more she is a most competent maid, a maid, as you will have seen from the document, who is contracted to Longwater manor. It may disturb you, but I assure you Bella is comfortable in her servitude.”

Lady Drake drained the brandy glass and stared at Miss Prentice.

Caroline was the bane of her life, but this was extreme she never thought it would go this far. A maid, her stepdaughter reduced to a maid.

“Bring her back Miss Prentice, this must stop, it can’t go on, Caroline a maid in her own home, it’s preposterous. The way she spoke in that squeaky voice and the slowness of her speech like she was searching for every word. Caroline is so articulate!”

Miss Prentice continued 

“I said earlier that when you see her not rush to judgement. Before you make any hasty decision for Bella, why not take some time to consider the benefits of eventually having Caroline completely under your control. No more lavish wasteful spending, no more confrontation, no more harassing of the servants, not now she is one herself. It may be a little strange, uncomfortable perhaps at first but before you seek to emancipate Bella why not take some time a few days, a week, maybe two to consider your options see the girl at work. Bella has been a working a maid for Mrs Dillon for some months now, since the contract was raised, you will note the date. Continuing in service a little longer can bring no harm. “

Lady Drake still in a state of shock at the transformation of her stepdaughter thought on Miss Prentices words. Caroline was nothing but trouble and she had asked Miss Prentice to bring a resolution to her behaviour, which she certainly had. A weak smile came to her face. Caroline one of her maid’s perhaps Miss Prentice is right, no need to rush, see what a good maid Miss Prentice has made of her. What will a few days more matter or a week, her smiled broadened or perhaps two?

“Well, alright Miss Prentice, I asked you to do this, not exactly like this, but like you say a little longer is not going to make matters worse. You will have to stay, stay here at Longwater for a while longer. I am not sure that I can share your resolve that has brought this to pass. A competent maid you say, she certainly looks like one, even her voice is uncultured, quite vulgar in fact. No doubt you have an explanation for that but spare me the detail, I don’t think I could face that just now, how you reduced her to this state.”

How quickly those two weeks turned into four.

 

Chapter 9

 

During the first few days, of Lady Drakes return to Longwater, Miss Prentice had witnessed a similar fracture in Bella’s still fragile cocoon of accepted servitude, as with her encounter with Abigail. Bella’s subconscious had forlornly rallied again, a hint of recognition for the new lady of the house. Bella’s glimpse into a world she once knew was fleeting and forcefully placated to be a mere fiction. Why should she not recognise the gracious lady it was her Mistress, always had been had she not, mistress had been away and returned. Bella served her mistress of course she did.

The way the maid had stared at Lady Drake had unnerved her, given her second thoughts but with Miss Prentices drug induced persuasions the new reality, her only reality, was imbedded into Bella’s receptive mind. Lady Drake was the Mistress of Longwater, Bella’s Mistress. There were no further impertinent mental conflicts for Bella regarding the Mistress of Longwater. Maid Bella knew her place.

The methods adopted by Miss Prentice, with the assistance of the servants, to present her with such a servile maid on her return to Longwater had made her shiver. Lady Drake had insisted on knowing what had happened, what she had condoned to reduce her sophisticated articulate stepdaughter into the mumbling shrew like maid that Bella was. The physical and mental abuse, the belittling and humiliation, the insidious mind-numbing indoctrinations, the adulteration of the calorie rich diet laced with the mind dumbing essence. The whole sordid catalogue of deprivation and degradation.

Apart from the unsettling staring by the maid, which had not been repeated, Lady Drake grew ever more comfortable in accepting Bella for what she was, who she was.  Lady Drake had watched the maid at work alongside the other maids, no one would single Bella out to be anything other than what she was. Whether scrubbing floors, labouring in the laundry, cleaning and blackening the fire grates and laying coals or serving at table, the podgy humble Bella looked and acted as if to the apron born.

Two weeks had passed and Gwendoline’s fascination with her stepdaughter being a common maid, being one of her maid’s, had diminished little. There was an undeniable and wicked appeal in what Miss Prentice had done with her, what Caroline had become. Lady Drake had wanted to curb Caroline’s excesses and had given Caroline’s old Governess a free hand in achieving this, little thinking this would be the outcome, but the manor was calm, the staff contented, and the drain on the family’s wealth was no longer an issue. 

Kept busy by Mrs Dillon, like all the maids, there was little trace of the young socialite she was. The way she now spoke, all her mannerisms, the way she was dressed, the natural servility, how could she possibly return to who she once was. What if she did, broke the spell that held her in servitude, what then, what recriminations would follow?  But Caroline could not be kept a maid indefinitely, aproned in the service of Longwater manor, could she? Could she? Lady Drake chuckled at the prospect. Perhaps a few more weeks anyway, until the end of the month at least

Miss Prentice gloated, she had her revenge, her life had been ruined by the surly, deceitful Miss Caroline Drake with her lies, now she had the pretty spoiled princess befuddled and put to the apron, a working maid in what was her own home.  She had Lady Drake on the cusp of accepting that it would be best for all concerned that her stepdaughter remained in service, remained the maid she had become, remained maid Bella. The seeds of such a wicked continuation of Miss Caroline Drakes wretchedness, to seal her fate into a life of domestic servitude having already been sown.

 Miss Prentice had told Lady Drake about Caroline’s friend Abigail, how she had convinced her that Caroline’s decent into a life of servitude was of her own volition. That she had demanded to be put to the Apron, signed herself into the service of Longwater with a binding contract, insisting the contract be sealed by the notary. That so strong her desires for her own degradation she had discarded all and any pretence and actually become the maid of her desires, Maid Bella, that is what she wanted, what she became, what she is.  The way Miss Prentice relayed the story it was so believable, so credible. if Lady Drake did not know better, she would be convinced of the truth of it, but she did know better.

Three weeks since her return and Lady Drake sat in the Parlour reviewing the transfer documents that she had brought back from the bank requiring Caroline’s signature.  There was a moral conflict of course, but there was no rush, not now was there.

Lady Drake chuckled at her own thoughts.

They would require Caroline’s signature, not that of a maid.

Miss Prentice had convinced Lady Darke that Abigail would be the perfect advocate to confirm, and no doubt proclaim Caroline’s decent into servitude, to relinquish privilege and position, to become a common maid, was of her own making. The evidence for her transformation was clear enough, wasn’t it? Just to see her, watch her at her work, the testimony of the staff, the contract signed by Caroline’s hand, that could not be disputed, could it?

 Lady Drake wrestled with the idea of Miss Prentice to invite Caroline’s friend Abigail to Longwater and considered a contrived agenda. Let Abigail see that she herself had reluctantly accepted Caroline’s wish to become a maid. That she was fearful for her stepdaughter’s sanity if an unwilling Bella was forced back into her previous life. That she did not want to see Caroline committed to a sanitorium, that the best protection she could provide for her stepdaughter’s unfathomable desires was right here in the safety of her own home, for her to remain at Longwater, maid Bella, certainly, in the short term.  It would be strange and uncomfortable of course but thought best to see how things developed, Bella had shown no indication to discard her Apron and until she does, well, we will have to see. 

Four weeks had now passed since Lady Drakes return to Longwater, the elephant in the room had to be addressed. Concerning and perversely amusing as it had been at the outset, it was becoming increasingly difficult for Gwendoline to see Bella as anything indeed anyone, other than what and who she was. During the second week of her return, from curiosity at the absurd situation, she had asked Bella why she was a maid. I have always wanted to be maid she had replied. Of course, she did, of course she had. Brutally traumatised into her new reality that insidiously planted seed of desire for self-deprecation had been pitilessly nurtured and ruthlessly reinforced to become Bella’s Raison d’etre.                

Lady Drake asked Miss Prentice to join her in the parlour, decisions had to be made. It was late in the afternoon when Miss Prentice left the parlour and Lady Drake sat ashen faced reflecting on what had been said, what had been agreed. what choice did she have?

Lady Drake had called the meeting with thoughts of Caroline’s emancipation in mind but whatever that agenda was, it was quickly usurped by the wickedness of Miss Prentice’s pursuit of retribution for the past sins of Miss Caroline Drake.

Lady Drake had instigated all of this had she not, recalled and hired Miss Prentice for the sole purpose of restraining the excesses her stepdaughter. She had condoned Caroline being put into ribbons and frills, to be kept as a child. Who would not say that she was responsible for having her stepdaughter put to the apron? Having discovered what had happened to her stepdaughter, when she returned from her travels, why had she not immediately sought to reverse the madness, reached out for medical opinion. Why had she waited so long? The inconvenient truth confronting Gwendoline, so eloquently and poignantly put by Miss Prentice, being that she was complicit indeed responsible for her stepdaughter’s debasement.

Emancipation? No, the risks where too great, this had already gone too far for that. There appeared only to be one course to follow for which the ground had already been prepared by the triumphant Miss Prentice.  The absurdity of Miss Caroline bringing this on herself, wanting to live a life servitude, to become a common housemaid was so ridiculous, so incredulous as to be believable, to be credible, to be the truth.

Perhaps what Miss Prentice had said was right, had young ladies not turned to the convent, to purge themselves of all pomp and grandeur, to become a sister of the cross and secrete themselves in the sanctuary of a nunnery? Would Caroline’s strange desires not be viewed with no less if not the same mere puzzled curiosity, but respectful acceptance? Miss Prentice had assured her they would.

There was to be no emancipation for Miss Caroline, it was to be Bella who would be remaining at Longwater manor.

Abigail was invited to Longwater by Lady Drake and over luncheon, whilst Bella served table, they consoled each other over the apparent long held and inexplicable wish and deep desire for a life of servitude of Lady Drakes stepdaughter and Abigail’s friend.  It was obvious and manifest before them whilst they dined that Bella was not troubled in any way with her station in life. The respectful and natural curtsies, the weak but obviously genuine timid smile when complimented bearing testament to that. With the competence displayed at her duties and her servile deportment who would or could ever consider the girl to be other than a maid of long standing.

Abigail of course accepted Lady Drakes wish to keep Bella safe at Longwater, why wouldn’t she? Miss Prentices repeated fictional comparison of the nunnery, by Lady Drake, sat well in Abigail’s conscience. Of course, it made sense, not a nunnery to provide sanctuary for Caroline’s self-deprecation, but Longwater manor where Lady Drake could keep her maid Bella safe. Abigail was most pleased that her friend was not to be sent to a sanitorium that would be awful. Abigail, not realising that this least of all options would be the only salvation for her friend.

Abigail had been troubled, fretted since she had first discovered what her friend had become, wanted to become. She had even fantasised over having such a shared fate forced upon her. Thankfully, those strange thoughts had faded having reflected on the hardships of such a menial impoverished existence. Having met with Lady Drake she felt, more comfortable, relieved in fact. She had been convinced that Lady Drake, on her return, would have immediately had Caroline committed, institutionalised to purge, what could quite rightly be considered a perverse madness from her stepdaughter.  During conversation Abigail had found a reluctant acceptance in Lady Drake, thoughts very similar to her own. Better a maid than a nun at least she would remain at Longwater? An insidious conundrum implanted into Abigail’s receptive mind during the luncheon she had enjoyed.

Lady Drake had been most convincing that, despite all her efforts, since her return, Bella had refused to accept her to be anything other than her Mistress. Disconcerting as it was, she had to accept this is what Caroline wanted. Lady Drake had conspiratorially confided in Abigail that whilst it would be most embarrassing, when news became known, of who the new maid at Longwater manor was, it would have to be faced, and the sooner the better. It could be kept a secret no longer. The ridicule would pass and, like with Lady Drake herself and Abigail, when people see what Caroline has become, accept Bella to be nothing more than the common maid she is.

Abigail having left Longwater, it was late in the afternoon and Lady Drake sat with Miss Prentice.

“So, Miss Prentice, the die is cast, I did like you said, are you sure Abigail will spread the word about Caroline.”

Miss Prentice chuckled.

“Caroline? You surely mean your maid Bella Lady Drake, there is no longer a Caroline at Longwater manor now is there.”

There was a wistful look in Lady Drakes eyes when she spoke her confirmation.

“Yes, Miss Prentice, you are correct, there is no longer a Caroline at Longwater, only Bella, one of my maids.”

Abigail was almost back at Clegg Hall. Contrary to her believe and much to her surprise Lady Drake had not chosen to remedy her friend’s self- sought servitude, but to accept it. Bella was to be kept a maid at Longwater. For how long was not said, and Lady Drake had implied that she was not going to keep what Caroline had become a secret.

Abigail had kept the burden of secrecy about her friend for long enough and her parents were the first to be told that the Miss Caroline Drake, they so despised, was now nothing but a common maid named Bella, in the service of her stepmother at Longwater manor.

Eyebrows raised in disbelief both looked concerned but inwardly held a smug feeling of satisfaction whilst their daughter relayed the where, when, how, and why of Caroline’s descent into a life of servitude that had a comforting suspicion of permanency about it.

Abigail’s mother smiled.

“Well, Abigail, this is all rather disturbing but I for one will not be shedding any tears for that little madame. What she wanted you say, to be a maid, forced the housekeeper to make their little game more real for her whilst Lady Drake was away. Very real now from your account, hoist on her own petard, springs to mind, and Gwendoline is going to keep this Bella girl for one of her maid’s at Longwater. The irony of it all, Caroline Drake a maid, a maid in her own home, just perfect. I could not have wished for better, good riddance I say, and I doubt I will be alone in those thoughts.”

Dislike is probably not a strong enough word to describe how people in the wider community thought of the surly arrogant Miss Caroline Drake. Most of whom, at some time, having been confronted by her rudeness. News that the same despicable young women was now nothing but a working maid, apparently by her own hand, and taking the name Bella, brought much amusement to those who knew or knew of her. One previously rejected suitor, on hearing, thought to visit Longwater and have his pleasure with what now was just a mere maid. The fat, crop haired aproned plain Jane he found pegging laundry in the rear yards of Longwater however stirred no emotion. Percy quickly thought better of sullying himself and left only with the vision he would convey to his friends.

Over the months that followed the revelation of Caroline Drakes demise, visitors to Longwater manor did not openly mock the new maid at Longwater, quite the opposite, Bella was found to be a most competent maid. The transformation was stark and well established which encouraged an unquestioning acceptance for what Bella was, just a maid.  Caroline, youthful, articulate, pretty with fine features, flowing golden hair, lithe, and sprightly, filled with self-confidence to the point of arrogance, and always dressed in the finest fashion. Bella, her belly, bust and backside, prominent even within her baggy plain uniform, capped short hair, rosy cheeks and puffy face, a shuffled gait, and a developed servile meekness befitting of her rank. Hard to consider that Miss Caroline and Bella were one and the same and, over time, such an uncomfortable contradiction was considered less and less until not at all.

There had been hints of recollection in the maid during early visits to Longwater, but cynical management of her essence returned such aberrations into the cerebral oblivion from whence it came. There were no further episodes, the dosage of essence was now minimal, more to placate Bella’s addiction than to befuddle the mind. A mind traumatised into a wicked deception of an accepted reality that held and imprisoned the would- be mistress of Longwater manor in the persona of a common maid, maid Bella.

They say that time heals but there was no emancipation for Miss Caroline Drake, a maid she was and a maid she remained, Maid Bella, that was until…

Well, that is another story.

The end.

 

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