by Jackie J
Epilogue
Richard said it wasn’t right, that we did
not need a maid, and in truth, we didn’t, with many rooms unused, I have
managed adequately after letting my maid Linda go. Richard was reluctant but I convinced him
that, if not for us, then for when and if the Mistress returns, Miss Millicent.
We would have to leave Crestley House if she returned, and she would require an
established and competent maid wouldn’t she.
A strong marriage holds no secrets, but it
was not yet the time and perhaps it never will be, to inform my husband who the
maid I have hired actually once was. However, it was worth letting Richard know
that should Miss Millicent ever return we would be made to leave the luxury of
Crestley House. A magnificent residence that we have come to treat like our
own.
Milly arrived much as I believed she
would. Settled into the maid’s quarters and dressed, in the new uniform’s that
I had organised for her, I am genuinely impressed by her competence and
servility. Two months my maid and I have no complaint. Milly pays due
deference, the House is kept spotless, the laundry is never an issue, and our
meals are prepared to the highest standard. Miss Millicent Williams, the former
Mistress of Crestley House she may be, but I must admit, she makes the prefect
maid. My late friend Agnes Burtonshaw having trained and conditioned her well
for her new role in life.
I have kept the portrait of Miss Millicent
Williams, that hangs at the end of the entrance hall. Bejewelled with golden
flowing hair over her shoulders, fine features with a flawless complexion and
smiling eyes. Not for any reason other than I did admire her before she chose a
path to her social downgrade. I may despise Miss Millicent now, for what she dd
to herself, but I no less admire the maid she now is.
During the last few months, I have purposely invited people to Crestley House for lunch, or in the evenings for dinner, who would have known Miss Millicent, not overly well admittedly. I doubt anyone knew Miss Millicent that well, apart from those she worked with, before selling the company. However, those invited, I knew to have met and conversed with Miss Millicent. None have paid my curtsying maid any attention beyond that deserving of any domestic servant. The once Mistress of Crestley House, dowdy, aproned and hidden in clear site, perfect, the maid of Crestley House, Milly Brannigan.
