rather ugly events...”
I almost laughed. We as if she’d also been dragged around like a Swiffer by a madman. There was no we. Mr. Clean had used my ass to polish and shine the halls.
“...you should know there’s a strict dress code expected and enforced on all the staff working for the Rose family. Your uniform is to be crisp and orderly at all times. You will be assigned five uniforms at the beginning of each week. Once used, you will drop them off to be laundered and pressed while being assigned five more.”
Scowling at the wrinkled dress held between her fingers, Gretchen shook her head.
“I’ll take this and have a new one brought to you. I’ll also assign one of the staff to show you around and help you learn the job you’re expected to perform. There are rules to be followed, Miss Rose, and if they are ignored, there are consequences. Are we clear?”
As polished glass, I thought. Glancing around the room, I took in the bare bones furniture consisting of a bed and side table, and the lack of windows. A few cabinets were hung on the walls, but there was no door for a closet or bathroom.
There was no clock or anything that could indicate the time of day. I assumed by her pissy demeanor that I was supposed to be up and ready to go at a certain hour. That would a problem going forward without some way to know if it was morning.
“How am I supposed to be up and ready on time if I have no way of knowing what time it is?”
Her eyes scanned the room, lips pursing.
“We had some items removed prior to your arrival. Mr. Rose was concerned you’d throw a fit and asked that we take steps to keep as little as possible from being damaged. While you work today, I’ll have them brought back.”
“And a bathroom?”
My bladder was screaming at that point, but I wasn’t about to discuss my discomfort with this bitch.
“It’s down the hall. Our communal facilities offer showers, sinks, toilets, whatever you’ll need. I can walk you there now as long as I can trust you to return to your room once you finish.”
It was either that or piss myself. Not in the mood for another indignity I’d caused myself, I nodded my head and pushed to my feet.
Gretchen led me into the hall, a bustle of activity occurring around us as staff members departed their rooms in their pressed uniforms and ran off to start their day.
I was left at the door to the restrooms, given one last warning glance before Gretchen walked off with her clicking shoes. I took my time tending to my business before returning to my room.
Walking through the doorway, I turned to find the same maid that had been in my suite yesterday morning. She was laying out a new uniform consisting of a dress, white apron and shoes.
Glancing up, she startled to find me staring at her.
“Oh, I apologize, Miss Rose. Gretchen asked that I show you around today and bring you some fresh clothes.”
Despite everything that happened, I still owed her an apology.
She was a skittish woman, my age or maybe a few years younger, the type who would race off like a mouse at any sudden noise. Her blond hair was swept back from her face into a high bun, and her big blue eyes were locked on me expecting...who knows? For me to yell again?
What good would it do?
“I’m sorry for yelling at you yesterday. It was rude of me.”
“It’s fine,” she said quietly, her eyes dancing away to glance around the room. I suspected she was uncomfortable looking at me. “I’ll wait in the hall while you get dressed.”
I stepped aside to let her pass, the door closing behind her without need for the lock.
Almost laughing at the ridiculous turn my life had taken, I guessed I was well and truly shown my place.
With a heavy sigh, I got dressed in the black, knee length dress with white cuffs on the sleeves and a white collar. I tied the apron around my waist and slipped my feet into the shoes. The bandages made it a tight fit, but it didn’t really matter.
Nothing did. Not in this place.
The maid was waiting for me outside my door, her lips pulling into a quick, nervous grin before she extended a hand to lead me down the hall.
“Prior to work, the staff are given breakfast. That’s where we’re