Downstairs Rules Read Free

driver a small smile and found herself alone with the others. The two women, whom she guessed to be scullery maids, continued to stare and whisper while the man with the cigarette continued to stare.

    “So you’re the new lady’s maid,” he said, narrowing his eyes. He paused. “Bit young, aren’t you?”

    “It’s hardly your business, her age.” An older woman in a high-necked black dress swept into the room. She was thin with a drawn but pleasant face. She glared at the man and then turned her attention to Ella.

    “Pay no mind to William,” she said with a warm smile and held out her hand. “I’m Ms. Pilcher. And you must be Ella, correct?”

    Ella nodded.

    “
You come highly recommended Miss Ella and will, no doubt, be an asset to the house.” She paused. “We were all so sorry to hear of Lady Chatworth’s passing.”

    “Thank you,” Ella said. “She was a very special woman.”

    “It seems not irreplaceable, though,” said William, tapping his cigarette against a saucer on the table. “Word is Chatworth’s got another woman queued up to fill his bed.”

    “His decision hardly speaks to her character,” Ella said hotly. “So I’ll thank you not to make such statements, at least not in my presence!”

    William looked at her and smirked.

    “Did I hear the sound of raised voices?” A deep voice drew Ella’s attention away and she turned to see a man standing behind her, the heavyset lady on his heels.  Ella looked up at him. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with an erect carriage that made him look even taller than he was. He had a face that was kind, but with a definite capacity for sternness. His face was stern now as he fixed his expression on William, who got up from his chair with a dramatic sigh.

    “I guess I’ll be going,” he said, stubbing out his cigarette.

    “Not so fast.” The man held up his hand and William frowned but held his ground.

    The tall man looked down at Ella. “I’m York, the butler,” he said. His expression was kind now, his smile soothing. “I oversee all the staff here at Baxter Hall, and if your welcome from anyone has been anything less than gracious, then let me be the first to apologize.”

    “Oh no, Mr. York,” Ella said. “It’s fine. Really.”

    “Good,” he said. “As you will find, there are consequences for rule-breakers here. Discipline -that is the key to an effective house. Remember that and all will be well. Is that understood?”

    “Yes sir,” Ella said.

    He looked at William. “I’ll deal with you later, William. For now I will show Miss Ella to her quarters so she can get settled. Come with me.” He turned, and knowing she was expected to follow, Ella picked up her bag and did just that.

Chapter Two

    “Ms. Pilcher oversees most of the female staff,” York explained as they walked, “except for you. I take a personal interest in those who directly serve Lord and Lady Baxter.”

    They were mounting the stairs to the servants’ quarters and he turned to her now.

    “I would like to speak frankly to you now that we are alone,” he said.

    “Certainly, Mr. York.”

    “You know why you were selected, don’t you?” he asked.

    “My father said that the new Lady Baxter is younger, and could use the benefit of an experienced lady’s maid.” She paused. “May I ask why the maid of the former Lady Baxter wasn’t hired for this job? She surely must have wanted it.”

    “Hm,” York said. “I’m guessing for the same reason that you would not have wanted to serve the new Lady Chatworth.” He raised a heavy eyebrow. “We’re loyal to those we serve, are we not? A bit too loyal for our own good, I sometimes think.”

    “You must have corresponded with my father,” she said. “He’s been quite frank, I see.”

    “The Chatworth household’s loss is our gain,” he said. “The new Lady Baxter is young, and strong-willed. She has many…..ideas that - to put it delicately - run contrary to those