It's been a while since Vivian has been on the road, yet here she is once again, traversing a lengthy stretch of road towards a place that could hopefully and potentially become her haven and her livelihood. A glimmer of hope ignited within her as she pondered the possibility of securing the job she had seen advertised in the papers a couple of weeks back. If the promised remuneration was indeed as generous as they claimed, she knew it could sustain her for the next few months - a prospect that filled her with cautious optimism.
Undoubtedly, the position demanded arduous days and nights of labor, but Vivian was willing to endure it. The allure of not only a steady paycheck but also the comfort of a roof over her head and warm, nourishing meals was too enticing to overlook. It was a far cry from the scarcity she had known in recent times.
As the miles rolled beneath the car's wheels, Vivian found herself in contemplation, envisioning the twists and turns of her own life mirrored in the winding road before her. An air of uncertainty mingled with anticipation, infusing her journey with an aura of destiny. Through the window, she watched the scenery change, a reflection of the changes awaiting her own life. With every passing mile, her heart beat a little faster, the excitement and anxiety entwining like an inseparable dance.
"We're almost there madam, I'd say about 10 minutes."
Vivian tore her gaze away from the passing scenery and turned her attention to the man seated in the front. "Thank you, Oswald, it's been a long ride."
He nodded in agreement, "It sure has, madam."
As the car rolled on, Vivian couldn't help but reflect on her stroke of fortune. She counts herself lucky for even getting a ride here. Her friend, Leo, owns a taxi company and willingly offered her this complementary ride to her new life.
In earnest conversation, she had shared her aspirations with him, detailing her prospects and the carefully laid-out plans she had woven for herself. Leo's generosity shone through as he graciously extended his support, ensuring she reached her destination without the burden of travel expenses.
Vivian was determined to show her appreciation once she had the means to do so. When her hard work paid off, and she achieved financial stability, she resolved to repay Oswald's and Leo's kindness in full. A heartfelt gesture of gratitude would be a token of her immense thankfulness for their invaluable support.
The ride had actually become a lot more enjoyable as the landscape transitioned from bustling polluted cities to the tranquil beauty of the countryside. Vivian found herself immersed in the serenity of nature, enjoying every passing moment of the picturesque scenery. As the car meandered along, a sight caught her eye, and she gasped softly in surprise.
"Oh my... is that it Oswald?" she inquired, pointing towards the large building coming into view.
"Yes it is, madam. The Shelby residence."
Vivian's anticipation grew, and she couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the estate. "I knew it would be big, but this... Oh, look! They have stables as well!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
"Yeah.. madam, can I ask you a question?" Vivian seems to pick up a bit of worry in the voice of her driver.
"Go ahead?"
"Do you know who the Shelby's are?" he questioned cautiously.
In truth, Vivian realized she knew next to nothing about her new potential employers. Her knowledge was limited to what she had read in the newspaper advertisement. "I do not, why do you ask?" she responded with a touch of hesitancy.
"Well, err... they are known for living a rather wild lifestyle, aren't they?" Oswald's tone conveyed his apprehension.
Amused by his concern, Vivian chuckled gently, "Oswald, to be fair, I really don't know much about them, and honestly, my own life has been quite adventurous as well. I believe I can handle a little excitement if that's the case."
With her lighthearted response, she sought to reassure her driver that she was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead. The thought of a new, potentially thrilling experience filled her with a sense of readiness, and she couldn't wait to step into this new chapter of her life with open arms.
"Alright, just checking up. Just be careful madam." His genuine concern warms Vivians heart.
She smiled warmly at him, "Oh you're a sweetheart Oswald, I will be cautious. After all, I'll only be a maid, not much else to it I presume.. And that is of course if I even get the job!"
"They'd be crazy if they won't hire you!" Oswald exclaimed confidently, expressing his belief in Vivian's capabilities.
Vivian felt a flush of flattery at his compliment. She had known Oswald for a while now, and he had always been such a kind and supportive man. In a gesture of gratitude and camaraderie, she gently squeezed his shoulder. "Thank you, Oswald. Your faith in me means a lot," she said, sincerity in her voice.
The car glided to a graceful halt before the imposing entrance of the castle-like building. Oswald, ever the gentleman, swiftly alighted and opened the door for Vivian. With elegance, she accepted his outstretched hand, stepping down onto the cobblestone path that beckoned her forward. As her feet met the ground, a gentle breeze, laden with the sweet perfume of nature's blooms, caressed her cheeks. It was a welcome respite from the cacophony of the city she had left behind.
Her senses were momentarily transported to a sanctuary of tranquility, as the wind played a soft symphony through the rustling leaves of nearby trees. She closed her eyes, relishing the touch of the cool air on her skin, and the soft whisper of nature's secrets in her ears. The verdant surroundings seemed to embrace her with open arms, as if inviting her to embrace this new beginning.
Meanwhile Oswald had retrieved her suitcase from the back of the car and waited patiently by her side as Vivian was about to go up the steps to ring the doorbell.
Vivian couldn't help but feel a bit nervous after Oswald's question. Admittedly, she didn't know anything about the family she was about to work for. But she reassured herself that they were just another wealthy household – what was the worst that she could encounter? Perhaps some dramas hidden behind closed doors? Her mother's wise advice echoed in her mind: "Don't stick your nose in other people's business."
With a deep breath, she composed herself and tried to push aside any lingering worry. Vivian climbed the elegant staircase and rings the doorbell, the sound reverberating through the vast expanse of the room behind the door. As she waited, she could hear quick footsteps approaching. The door swung open and a woman appears.
Before Vivian could start introductions, the woman greeted her with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, you must be Vivian?"
"Yes, hello, lovely to meet you."
"Same to you, I am Francis, the headmaid."
Vivian couldn't help but notice the striking contrast of her not-so-tall stature against the majestic entrance, yet her presence commanded respect. Her hairdo, strict and elegant, complemented her role as a figure of authority. However, it was her kind and welcoming face that immediately put her at ease.
As Francis instructed Oswald on where to place the luggage, Vivian couldn't help but admire the tasteful furnishings and captivating artwork that adorned the room. The splendor of the mansion mirrored the grandeur of the nature that enveloped it – a harmonious blend of human craftsmanship and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Vivian followed Francis through the sprawling hallway, the grandeur of the castle-like residence leaving her in awe. The ornate décor and polished marble floors whispered tales of past splendor as they traversed towards the dining area and eventually into a small backroom. The ambiance was intimate, a stark contrast to the grand spaces she had passed through earlier.
In the backroom, Vivian's eyes fell upon a neatly arranged, freshly ironed uniform placed on a seat, awaiting her. Francis gestured for her to sit down, and she complied, settling into the seat with a sense of readiness.
As they settled, Francis turned her attention to Vivian, a warm smile gracing her features. "Where were you from again, Vivian?"
"Oh, I'm from the Netherlands."
"Right, I thought I heard some accent in there." Francis said with an understanding nod.
Suddenly, Vivian became conscious of her accent. She hadn't thought it was that noticeable, but perhaps it was more apparent than she realized. She hesitated for a moment before responding, "Yeah, I grew up there. My mum is Dutch, you see. We moved back to England when my father volunteered for the army."
"I see," Francis replied.
Francis diligently jotted down whole sentences as she conducted her interview with Vivian. Vivian couldn't help but feel a bit nervous under the scrutiny of Francis's pen. The process felt somewhat intimidating, and she worried about the impression she was making.
Seemingly perceptive of the unease in Vivian's eyes, Francis looked up and offered reassurance. "Oh, don't worry, love. We just have to be sure who we're dealing with here, since we've had some unwelcome people working here," she explained, emphasizing the word "unwelcome" with a knowing look.
"This is just some information for mister Shelby."
Vivian gives a shy nod and Francis continues writing. Although still a bit nervous, she took comfort in Francis's explanation.
"Did you bring a resume, Vivian?"
"I did! Here you go." She hands over her resume as requested.
Francis took the piece of paper and her eyes scanned over the details, pausing as she read a particular entry. She looked up at Vivian, her expression a mix of surprise and concern.
"You were a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse?" she inquired, her voice tinged with both admiration and trepidation.
"Yes m'am." Vivian's eyes met Francis's with a somber yet resilient gaze.
"Oh Lord, where were you situated?" she stammered.
"Flanders, but mostly France Versailles. The battle of the Somme is where I did most of my work."
There was a moment of quiet, as if the weight of the past had settled upon the room. Vivian could see in Francis's eyes that she didn't quite know how to respond, and she understood the sentiment all too well. The memories of war were haunting, lingering like shadows in the corners of her mind.
For a moment, Vivian considered explaining further, offering some insight into her experiences, but the words caught in her throat. She didn't like to talk about it; the wounds were still too raw, too painful.
As the interview continued, Vivian's mind involuntarily drifted back to those haunting memories. She may not have been in the trenches, but she had witnessed firsthand the horrors that the war had brought with it. Sleepless nights haunted her as she recalled the relentless struggle to save the lives of countless men and boys who had endured the worst of it all.
In the quiet stillness of her dreams, the deafening sound of falling shells echoed in the distance, a relentless symphony of destruction. The thunderous roar of artillery echoed, ripping through the air like a relentless predator seeking its prey. But it was the eerie silence that followed that left a chilling mark on her soul.
The silence meant death, a deafening void that swallowed the world whole. Vivian couldn't escape the haunting echoes of that silence, and the profound weight of loss it brought with it.
It was then, that the waves of injured men came, flooding the already strained hospitals.
Each face etched with pain and anguish, and Vivian tirelessly worked to mend broken bodies and shattered spirits. But in the midst of the chaos, it was the silence that she feared most.
In the aftermath of battle, when the clamor subsided, the silence bore witness to the devastation left in its wake. It was a silence that reverberated with sorrow, marking the lives lost and the souls scarred. That silence followed her, etched into her memories, intruding into her dreams with unyielding persistence.
Francis broke the silence, acknowledging the sensitivity of Vivian's past as a war-nurse. "Right, as a war-nurse, it would be impolite for me to even question your abilities," she said, her voice holding a tone of understanding.
Vivian appreciated the consideration and offered a faint smile. "That's quite alright, part of the job, is it not?"
"I suppose it is," Francis replied with a nod, her empathy evident in her eyes. She continued to jot down some more notes before abruptly putting the pen away and standing up.
"So normally we have an evaluation period of roughly a month, but since we are so understaffed at the moment, we will shorten that period down to 2 weeks. Is that okay with you?" Francis asked, her tone both business-like and considerate.
Vivian nods politely."Good," Francis stated with a hint of satisfaction. "Looking at your resume, you will probably pass this with flying colors."
With the interview concluded, Francis handed Vivian the neatly folded uniform. As she guided Vivian through the proper way to wear it, she also laid out some ground rules and expectations for her role as a maid in the Shelby residence. For this day she tells her to just take in the house and the scenery, tomorrow her job will really begin.
Before showing her to her room, Francis took her on a tour of some essential areas for a maid to know. They visited the kitchen, bustling with activity and delicious aromas, where she would soon become acquainted with her duties in meal preparations and maintaining order. The dining area, laundry room, and other rooms were revealed to her, each exuding an aura of sophistication and history.
As they continued their tour, Vivian couldn't help but be amazed by the scale of the residence. Its vastness seemed to stretch endlessly, revealing numerous rooms and corridors that held a myriad of stories from the past. She marveled at the intricate details, the elegance of the furnishings, and the breathtaking architecture.
Francis escorted Vivian upstairs through the long hallway. As they passed several closed doors, Vivian assumed they led to the rooms of other staff members. She wondered about the people she would soon be working alongside and looked forward to getting to know them.
Finally, they arrived at her room, which was behind the second door on the right. Francis opened the door with a wide arm gesture, welcoming Vivian inside. "Right, so this is it. As I said, feel free to roam around a bit on the property. It's your luck, it's nice and sunny. You can also look around the house some more, but I do warn you not to open any doors you don't know. Mister Shelby does not look so keen on people snooping around, especially while you are still off duty," she cautioned.
Vivian nodded understandingly, taking Francis's advice to heart. "I won't, I will just look around outside. I saw there are stables!" she exclaimed with enthusiasm.
Francis smiled in response. "Yes, there are, with some magnificent beasts. Oh, also, we will have dinner ready at half past six in the dining area for the staff all the way downstairs. We will have a meal ready for you too."
"Thank you so much, Francis. I'll make sure to be there on time," Vivian replied gratefully.
After a polite goodbye, Francis left Vivian to take in her room. It may not have been as big or luxurious as the other rooms in the house, but it was comfortable and practical, providing ample space for her belongings and a cozy place to rest.
However, before fully immersing herself in exploration, Vivian reminded herself of the kind gesture of her friend Oswald. She hurriedly made her way to find him and express her heartfelt gratitude for the ride and the support he had shown her during her journey.