Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 21
Mary’s eyes quivered with anger, injustice, and a hint of fear.
Cecilia was right.
Despite being labeled as a nanny or maid, Mary was essentially Cecilia’s watcher.
The servants of the Lasphilla family were always vigilant to ensure that the gypsy’s daughter didn’t behave improperly outside or speak carelessly.
Especially since Mary was now her personal maid.
Deep down, Mary had hoped to be employed as Cecilia’s maid, not just a temporary servant but a permanent one.
She was tired of changing Nathan’s diapers in the playroom and putting up with Margaret’s tantrums every day. If the pay was similar, the timid Cecilia was a better option.
But with this incident on her first day, she might lose not only the maid position but also her current job as a nanny.
‘If Cecilia had caused trouble alone, it might be different. But what if the Master or the Madam learns I went out to buy a dress?’
The thought of unemployment overpowered her anger, and her mind easily submitted to the harsh reality.
“M, my lady. I have five younger siblings to feed. Without my wages, they can’t even afford black bread…”
Mary sobbed, her head bowed. Cecilia looked down at her and said,
“Honestly, your family’s financial situation is none of my concern.”
“But, but my lady!”
“Right. If this gets out, I might get scolded, but you could lose your job entirely. Without a letter of recommendation, you’ll be turned out empty-handed. It’ll be hard to find another job.”
Pitying her, Cecilia gently stroked Mary’s cheek with her well-manicured fingers. Mary felt a chill wherever Cecilia’s clean, fair hand touched her, but she dared not show it. The owner of that hand held her fate.
“My lady, please— please can you keep this a secret?”
“I might, but what about the Madame? She saw you scrambling around, looking for me.”
“Ah…!”
“The boutique’s Madame won’t let this incident go unnoticed.”
Right. It wasn’t just Cecilia and Mary at the scene. The boutique’s owner had been there too. She had seen Mary excitedly trying on dresses, and then the commotion when Cecilia disappeared.
“Ah, ahh…”
Mary realized her mistake and sat down, clutching her head.
“Mary Swinn.”
A bewitching whisper reached her ears.
“If I help you, can you keep this quiet?”
“Yes! I’ll take it to the grave!”
Hopeful, Mary looked up and exclaimed. Cecilia ignored Mary’s attempt to kneel and walked back into the boutique.
“Follow me.”
She confidently opened the door and said sweetly,
“Madame, sorry to keep you waiting.”
“…Where have you been?”
Despite the scrutinizing look, Cecilia remained nonchalant.
“I stepped out to watch the parade, and this one couldn’t wait and followed me. We ended up watching the flamingo march at Champlure Park together.”
Champlure Park was one of the places that Count Lasphilla had allowed for her to go to. The walking paths leading there were also permitted.
“Is that so…?”
The madame was still skeptical but didn’t press further. It made sense. She relied on the Count’s investments but was an outsider, unlike other servants.
It was safer to assume it wasn’t true than risk involvement in another family’s affairs, especially when the person in question was a spending customer.
“I came back because I couldn’t stop thinking about that dress. Do you still have any of its fabric left?”
Madam brightened up and showed her the fabric.
“Of course! We have just enough for one more dress!”
Mary, who had been looking nervous, peeked at the fabric on the table. It was from the dress she had chosen.
‘Is it for me?’
Cecilia noticed Mary’s hopeful gaze and smirked.
“What are you staring at? This fabric is for my dress.”
