Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 18
With her mind made up, Mary replied with as much brazenness as she could muster.
“So what?”
When Mary said that, Cecilia’s ice-blue eyes met the maid’s gaze.
“Are you upset because I’m late?”
Mary sighed and raised her chin defiantly.
“Because you inconveniently sent Mrs. Hannah away, my workload has doubled.”
Cecilia looked at her. The sound of the girl gulping nervously could be heard vividly. Shouldn’t she be apologizing now?
As Cecilia wavered, an unexpected apology came.
“I’m truly sorry. I didn’t realize you were struggling like this.”
Margaret was right. As expected, Cecilia was timid and weak.
‘Yes, people don’t change overnight.’
It had only been a day since Cecilia had dismissed her previous maid. There hadn’t been enough time for gossip about Hannah Linfitt to spread.
Unaware of the full situation, Mary assumed that Cecilia Lasphilla hadn’t changed.
Margaret’s suggestion was just an impetus; now Mary looked down on Cecilia of her own accord.
“If you’re really sorry, why don’t you show some sincerity?”
“Sincerity?”
“Yes. I’ve taken on your tasks, but I haven’t received any additional compensation.”
Although there was no bonus, her work had become much easier.
Mary no longer had to care for Margaret, and there were several others helping with Nathan. Besides, serving a grown girl like Cecilia was much easier than tending to young children.
Yet, Mary chose to complain, omitting these benefits.
“Sincerity, huh…”
Cecilia pondered.
“What can I offer you, Mary?”
“Anything’s fine. Money, jewelry… or even… Ah! Your dress would be nice.”
“Dress?”
Was asking for a dress too much?
Mary licked her dry lips, feeling slightly guilty.
“A handkerchief would be fine too…”
“No, a dress is better. You deserve it for all your hard work.”
“…”
What’s this unexpected fortune.
Mary’s eyes widened in surprise.
“But I don’t have any pretty dresses in my wardrobe…”
Cecilia looked troubled.
“How about we go buy a new one?”
“You’ll buy me a dress? A new one?”
“Yes. Would that be fair compensation?”
“More than fair!”
Mary hadn’t expected such generosity. A smile bloomed on her face.
‘I never thought she would be this kind. If it continues like this, I wouldn’t mind serving Cecilia forever.’
Mary fantasized about enjoying Cecilia’s dresses and jewels as if they were her own. It was a delightful thought.
Cecilia, without any urging, had already taken a seat at the vanity table. Mary didn’t have to coax or beg.
“Then, please. Let’s start with my hair. A braid like Margaret’s usually wouldn’t suite my age… Can you do a different style?”
“Yes, of course. I always do my own hair. I’ll make yours look the prettiest.”
Mary had forgotten Margaret’s command to ruin Cecilia’s hair. She diligently styled Cecilia’s hair.
Then, they boarded the carriage together, smiling. They chose a custom-made dress at a professional dressmaker’s shop.
“Want to try it on?”
“May I?”
It was her first time trying such a dress, usually reserved for noble ladies.
“Yes, it’s okay. You’re slim, so it should fit well.”
“But…”
“Come on, try it on.”
Mary reluctantly went behind a partition. She was worried about damaging the dress but excited to try it on.
‘I’ve never felt such soft fabric. But I can’t reach the buttons…’
Struggling with the dress due to her habit of doing things alone, she managed to button it up after much effort.
“Phew…”
Mary emerged, wiping sweat from her forehead, and asked shyly,
“How does it look, my lady?”
But there was no response.
“…My lady?”
The waiting room was cold and empty. Cecilia was nowhere to be found.
