‘We shall see how it goes,’ he said, and gave a little chuckle, his mood becoming visibly brighter as he left her to finish her work.
‘I’m thinking, Bertram, of training Dora to dress hair,’ said Mary at dinner one evening. ‘She has made great strides as my personal maid. I am very pleased with her.’
He glanced up at a somewhat inattentive Chambers unhurriedly ladling consommé into his soup plate. The girl was no doubt tired, having been on her feet since five thirty this morning, but servants should be used to that. He found himself irked by her slowness – more reason for Ellie to stand in for her sometimes.
‘Maybe we should discuss it later,’ he warned Mary. He also needed to voice his idea regarding Dora’s older sister, but not in front of Chambers.
‘I think, my dear,’ he went on cautiously as the girl moved back to take up a position by the sideboard until required to clear away the first course and serve the main one, ‘what you are deciding to do could cause a little unrest among the staff. Jay is still under-housemaid. For her younger sister to be given such high status could cause jealousy and ill feeling.’
He cast a guarded glance towards the plump, apathetic Chambers. She seemed far from alert, but her ears could still hear.
It was expected of staff never to repeat anything they overheard of an employer’s private conversation during meals or anywhere else. In fact it was assumed in larger houses that servants, footmen, butlers and the like grew suddenly deaf at such times. But the staff here were not highly paid or highly trained and he couldn’t be certain that Chambers would not carry tales that might concern her. The subject of Ellie Jay must wait a while longer.
‘It would save money,’ Mary was saying, ignoring his warning of ill will and jealousy. ‘You know my hairdresser comes to me two or three times a week.’ She patted her newly done coiffure. ‘But it does so eat into my personal allowance.’
Bertram gave a sigh. ‘Then I had best increase your allowance, my dear, though I suggest you keep a stricter watch on what you spend.’
‘I’m quite satisfied with what you give me, dear,’ she said, huffed at being rebuked, even mildly. ‘But it seems a waste of money paying to have someone come to do my hair when I’ve a capable young girl who is dainty and quite nimble and very quick to learn and one whom I could train.’
Having finished his soup, Bertram laid down his spoon. ‘I suppose it would do no harm.’ After all, he didn’t believe in wasting money. ‘Speaking of promotion, there is a matter I’d like to discuss with you, my dear.’
He paused as Chambers came to clear the first course. He waited as the main course was served before glancing up at the girl. ‘Thank you, Chambers, you may go now. When we’re finished, we’ll ring for you to come and clear away.’
Was there disappointment in the girl’s eye? But she gave a small bob and took herself off.
‘It’s about Ellie Jay,’ he went on after the door had closed. ‘I’ve had my eye on her. She works very hard.’
‘Does she?’ his wife cut in offhandedly. ‘To change the subject—’
‘Mary, hear me out, please! I was about to say that I think her hard work should be recognized. In the short while she’s been here she has risen from scullery maid to assistant housemaid. I am thinking of her sharing the job of parlourmaid with—’
In sudden fury, Mary slammed her knife and fork down on to the tablecloth. ‘No, definitely not! I won’t have that girl anywhere near me. The less I see of her the better. And what about Chambers? She has been with us for over a year. What is she going to say?’
‘I’ve no idea!’ Bertram said lightly. ‘But you must own she is slow and inefficient. I’ve had tea slopped into my saucer before now, to mention just one mishap.’
‘I find her efficient enough for the needs of this house,’ Mary shot back at him, her voice beginning to rise.
‘For a housemaid, yes,’ Bertram returned. ‘I admit she is efficient enough as a housemaid, but since Jay became under-housemaid she has begun to sit back and let that girl do most of the dirtier jobs. In my opinion she is not, and never will be, a pleasing parlourmaid and I consider it about time we found someone to take over that role.’
‘Then by all means do let us advertise for one – if you think you can afford it!’ Mary pushed her plate with its hardly touched contents away from her.
Her husband was fighting a losing battle to remain cool. ‘Not when we already have someone here to fill that position. Jay is nimble and quick. She works hard and doesn’t complain and has a pleasing attitude.’
‘No!’ Mary cried again, glaring at him through tears that trembled on her lower eyelids. ‘I know why you want this, Bertram. You’re besotted with the idea of the girl happening to remind you so of our dear Millicent.’
The very mention of their daughter’s name had made her voice quiver. ‘But for me, Bertram, it’s the very reason I cannot stand the sight of her. She makes my very flesh creep.’
‘That’s a complete exaggeration, my dear,’ Bertram said sharply.
‘And my most ardent wish is for you to get rid of her as soon as possible,’ she raged on.
‘That’s enough, Mary,’ Bertram burst out, anger finally breaking its bounds. ‘I will not get rid of her because you can’t bring yourself to be charitable towards her. I’m sorry you feel about her as you do, but you will have to get used to her. I provide for this household, not you, and I will engage or dismiss whomsoever I think fit; and that is my last word on the subject, Mary.’
In a fit of rage, Mary
