Minnie the Maid

Part 3

The first day was a blend of laughter and awkwardness. Jennifer, ever
supportive of her husband's unconventional experiment, struggled to
fully immerse herself in the role of employer. As Minnie dusted the
shelves and furniture, Jennifer couldn't resist joining him in the
tasks, making the atmosphere more reminiscent of a shared chore than a
traditional employer-maid dynamic.

Before lunch, Jennifer suggested, "Why don't we eat together, Minnie?
It'll be like we're colleagues on a break."

Minnie, still getting used to his newfound persona, hesitated but
ultimately agreed. They sat at the kitchen table, sharing sandwiches and
anecdotes about their day. Jennifer's attempt to create a casual,
friendly environment inadvertently continued to blur the lines between
employer and maid.

The second day brought more challenges when Jennifer sought Minnie's
opinion on household matters the way she would from Samuel rather than
issuing instructions. Minnie, attempting to maintain the character of a
maid, found himself caught between two worlds. He offered his insights
on menus, suggested improvements for the cleaning schedule, and so on.
Once they had finished lunch Jennifer announced she had some charity
work to attend to leaving Minnie to continue whatever maidly activities
took his fancy.

As evening approached, Jennifer pondered the experiment's effectiveness.
She knew the essence of the experience Samuel craved was slipping away
during their shared moments. In an effort to make the remainder of the
week the experience Samuel wanted she decided to create a clearer
boundary between Minnie (maid) and herself (employer).

Leaving her study would mark the turning point she told herself.
Although they ate dinner together at the table in the kitchen Jennifer
maintained an employer/employee atmosphere between them. "Once you have
cleaned the kitchen Minnie, I want you to sleep in the maids' quarters."

The room, which both Samuel and Jennifer referred to as. "Minnie's
Room," was a haven of simplicity. A single bed adorned with a neatly
folded quilt, a small dresser, and a dim lamp made up the modest space.

That night Minnie, lay in the bed, contemplating the events of the past
two days. The room held a certain charm, a peaceful retreat from the
grandeur of the main house. Sleep claimed him gradually, next thing
morning sunlight streamed through the small window, rousing Minnie from
his slumber. The simple routine of waking up in the maids' quarters
brought a renewed sense of purpose. As Minnie prepared for the day,
there was a subtle shift in the air. The uniform felt less like a
costume and more like dressing for work.

Jennifer, alone in her bed for the first time, heard every creak and
groan the old house made. Startled she imagined hearing footsteps,
burglars voices outside and such like. As sleep began to sweep over her
she decided the old alarm system would not do and made a mental note to
get a twenty-first century alarm.

When Minnie entered the main part of the house, Jennifer greeted her
with a warm smile. "Did you seep well?"

Minnie said he had, "Best sleep for ages."

Jennifer smiled, mentioned the changes menopause came with, said she was
sorry how her hot flushes and constant tossing and turning disturbed
them both. It was an apology she offered on a regular basis since
starting her change, she laughed softly. "I'm glad you slept well, I
slept the sleep of the dead." However, the familiarity of the previous
days had given way to a newfound formality. Jennifer, recognising the
need for a change in approach, adopted a more authoritative tone.

"As last night was a success I expect you to sleep in your own room for
the remainder of the week, Minnie. You have a busy day ahead. I've
outlined the tasks for you, and I expect them to be completed by the
time I return this afternoon," Jennifer said, her voice firm but kind.