5. The Mistress’ Execution
Madam Hernandez
“Dorothy, come here at once!”
The hoarse voice screamed and stretched to the far end of the block. A maid, looking panicked and bewildered, dashed down stairs in a split second, wondering what had put her mistress in a fume again.
“Dorothy!” The demanding woman cried in rage.
“Yes, madam.” Dorothy quickly got to the front and bowed.
“When I say at once, I mean with no delay.” The mistress said ruthlessly.
“Yes, madam.”
“And you have wasted my past thirty seconds.” The woman went on. “So, three percent of your wages will be deducted.”
“But, madam,” Dorothy looked up with surprise. “I…was sweeping the floor upstairs. You asked me to do that.”
“Yes, I did. But now I asked for you to be here.” The woman smiled. “No more excuses.”
Dorothy saw there was no way to argue, for she knew better than anyone what consequence would follow if she did. There were maids in the past who tried to go against the mistress and they never ended up well, as far as Dorothy could remember.
“I need a carriage.” The mistress ordered.
“Madam, you are going out?”
“Yes, there is an emergency.” The mistress said as Dorothy helped her get the hat and coat. “Prince Eugène was found dead yesterday while executing a witch.”
Dorothy widened her eyes as she listened. No wonder her mistress was anxious. Prince Eugène was a close friend of hers. Sometimes, she would tag along with him and watch the execution. His death must have been overwhelming and unbelievable for her.
“There, I’ll be back by eight.” The mistress said. “Be sure to prepare everything when I return.”
“Yes, madam.” Dorothy recalled what had happened the previous night. She failed to get the dinner ready before the mistress was back. Her mistress was infuriated. As a result of her clumsiness, Dorothy was locked up in the dark room, where all servants dreaded the most. When locked there, one was not permitted to leave for at least a night, with no supply of light, food and water. Dorothy remembered being so thirsty and hungry. She called for help by no one answered her prayer. Her mistress was a heartless woman. It was not her first time being locked though. When it first happened to her, she was even more terrified. She was very young then, about fourteen years old or so. Ever since her father passed away, her family was broke and penniless. Her mother was left with no choice but to sell her to Madam Hernandez, her current mistress. Yet, her sister also shared the same fate with her, sold to another wealthy family to work as a maid. Madam Hernandez was well recognized for her prospect in business. Still, after losing her spouse at a very young age, she had become rather severe and pitiless. She had only Prince Eugène as a company, along with other wicked noble. They all loved to abuse their authority and saw hurting others as their amusement. Dorothy felt disgusted whenever Madam Hernandez and her friends brought back some slaves from the market and tortured them in the house. However, what could a powerless servant say? Everyone would rather concentrate on serving the mistress and prevent making mistakes as much as possible but to interfere with the riches’ sickening entertainment.
When the carriage carried away, Dorothy closed the door behind her. Swiftly, she headed to the kitchen and got out a slice of garlic bread. Holding the bread, she rushed to Madam Hernandez’s room. She searched through her drawers and closets, only to find that the key was not there. Frustrated, she went back to the dark room and knocked on the door.
“Maria?” Dorothy asked.
Maria was a new maid just hired yesterday. She arrived as a grimy little girl, apparently bought by Madam Hernandez somewhere. Dorothy sympathized with her as she reminded her so much of herself. When she first entered this splendid mansion, she was not a bit happy at all. There was only fear and apprehension. Although from time to time, she had faith that one day she would be free from this adversity. That day had not yet come.
“Dorothy…” The poor new maid whined. Her fault was carelessness. She dropped a plate by mistake this morning and hence was punished.
“I’m sorry, Maria.” Dorothy sighed. “I went through her room but I couldn’t find the key. Do you think the gap will do?”
Dorothy kneeled down and tried to pass the slice of bread through the gap under the door. The bread was too thick though.
“It’s alright, Dorothy.” Maria said. “If madam comes back and finds that you secretly slide a piece of bread to me through the gap, she will be furious.”
“I don’t care.” Dorothy said, tearing the slice of bread into two pieces. Each was just thin enough to slide through the gap. “Eat or you will starve. You haven’t had a thing since this morning. She’s a cruel person.”
“Thank you, Dorothy.” Maria whispered, her voice trembling. “You’re so kind to me.”
“It’s okay, Maria.” Dorothy smiled. “We are the same so we’ve got only each other to care for.”
“Em…” Maria nodded and started chewing her bread.