Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 31
“What’s all this about?” the footman inquired.
“Well, my friend gave me a cake to share, and we all ate it together, but maybe it went bad in the heat… everyone’s got an upset stomach now…”
“…I see.”
“…”
So the maid who just rushed out…
“Dana’s probably in the garden, since the restroom in the annex is overwhelmed.”
Incredible. Tomorrow morning, the gardeners might be in for an unpleasant surprise.
“Marchioness Rosencrantz wants to take a bath. Is there no one to attend to her?”
“As for bathing assistance… Is it okay if it’s someone who might have to leave halfway?”
“…Find a replacement.”
“It’s a bit unfortunate, but…”
“Do your business. Promptly.”
“Yes…”
Never before had the word ‘business’ felt so literal.
The footman promptly headed to the main house’s attic to find a suitable senior maid. However, everyone was either exhausted from their duties or still overwhelmed with work.
“How can there be so few people available?”
The footman sighed heavily, as though the ground would crumble beneath him.
‘I might have to grovel at the housekeeper’s feet now.’
As he turned to leave, someone grabbed his trouser hem.
“Wh-Who’s there?”
“Um… don’t you remember me?”
“…Hannah Linfitt?”
He recognized the maid who had been demoted for her insubordination.
“You’re looking for someone to assist Marchioness Rosencrantz with her bath?”
“Yes, but…”
Hannah pleaded earnestly.
“Let me do it! I can handle it!”
“But you’re just a low ranked maid now…”
“I may be, but you know my abilities. I personally served Miss Cecilia for five years.”
…Only to be dismissed for mistreating her.
Reluctantly, the footman agreed, seeing no better option.
“Alright, go ahead.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
Hannah bowed repeatedly, her eyes glinting with sharp ambition.
‘If I impress Lady Rosencrantz, perhaps she’ll take me on permanently…’
***
In the steamy bathroom, luxurious oils slid over Guinevere’s fair skin.
“This is just wonderful.”
She sighed, caressing her softened arms.
“The Coffret Manor’s baths are simply the best.”
The maid kneeling beside her diligently massaged her sleek calf.
“You have quite the skillful touch.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
“What’s your name?”
“Hannah Linfitt.”
“Hannah.”
The former nanny of Cecilia, now Guinevere’s assistant, looked up at her inquiry.
“I heard you once held a significant position.”
“…”
“Don’t worry. Everyone makes mistakes. I too made plenty in my youth.”
Her leg lifted high before gracefully sinking back into the water.
“Do you feel wronged? Angry? Humiliated? Does it not fill you with rage?”
“…”
Yes, she was angry. Her resentment had turned toxic.
‘Cecilia, that ungrateful wretch!’
Her expression betrayed her. Her brows knitted, lips twisted.
Guinevere laughed.
“But your greatest desire is still to return, isn’t it?”
“…!”
Return? Of course. The thrill of having someone at her mercy, the exhilarating sense of power and satisfaction… Hannah wanted it back.
Guinevere leaned in and whispered.
“Shall I help you?”
The seductive proposition seeped into Hannah’s ear.
“But you must help me, too. There’s always a price to pay in this world, right?”
Hannah’s yearning to return, mixed with Guinevere’s enticing offer, swirled in her mind.
***
At around the same time, Cecilia was playing chess with Caroline in the second-floor drawing room.
“Ceci, aren’t you playing too poorly?”
Caroline teased as she captured Cecilia’s king, winning the third game in a row.
“It’s just that you’re too good, Sister.”
“No, it’s just that you’re distracted.”
Cecilia smiled without saying anything.
Interest waning from the one-sided game, they put away the chessboard and sipped their cold tea.
“I gave it to Ulysses,” Caroline suddenly said.
“What are you talking about?”
Cecilia tilted her head to the side, feigned ignorance.
“The sachet. The one I was embroidering!”
“Ohh, that one?”
“Yes. In the end, I did get a little help from a maid skilled in embroidery, just like you suggested… and I think it was a good decision.”
Cecilia recalled Ulysses’ lukewarm reaction to the sachet before dinner, much like this tepid tea.
