Simple Servant

Chapter 1 - A Day's Work

Author's Note

This is my only note for the entire story. Please take the time to read it.

There is a glossary at the end of the story. If you would like to know the pronunciation of a word, please visit that page anytime. If you do not see the word you were looking for listed, then leave a comment at the end of that particular chapter and I'll make sure that the pronunciation is added.

I will not post reminders about comments throughout this story. This story is now complete, however, I am not a perfect writer. I welcome any and all comments that pertain to this story. You may critique it, correct my spelling, comment on the characters, ask me questions, post supportive advice... It's up to you.

Thank you all for reading,

Aileen Roussel

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Chapter 1- A Day's Work

"Servant!" Mistress Cathliene hollered from upstairs. "There is someone at the door. Answer it!"

"Right away, Ma'am." The young man responded as he hurried quickly towards it. Unfortunately he wasn't quick enough for the person on the other side because, sure as the sky was blue, they knocked again and alerted his mistress.

"Must you do everything slowly, you useless pathetic servant?" He imagined rolling his eyes at her, as he opened the door before a third knock sounded.

"May I help you sir?" he asked the visitor with as much authority as a butler could muster.

"His Royal Highness, King Edward of Alminia, extends an invitation to Lord Montego and family for the Masquerade Ball to be held at the palace on the eighteenth of August, in celebration of his daughter, the Crowned Princess, Alexandria Maxine Georgiana Bell's year of eligibility." The Royal Steward completed his announcement with a grand bow, followed by a slight gasp for air.

"So how many times have you had to say that, Jim?" The butler asked relaxing his stance, and handing the man a shilling for his troubles.

The Royal Steward chuckled, and also relaxed his posture. "Would you believe me if I told you that they made me repeat it to them fifty times before I was allowed to leave the castle?" Jim sighed as he handed the butler Lord Montego's invitations. "You're the first to show any respect to me, today. No matter how excited Society Members are for something, they always seem to treat the help like used bath water. They can not wait to get rid of us."

The young Butler placed the invitations on Lady Cathliene's breakfast tray and looked back towards Jim. "If we are unable to show each other respect where else will we receive it from?"

Jim shrugged in response.

"Do you have a moment?" the Butler asked changing the subject," I'm sure that Cook and the girls would love to see you."

"Not today," Jim said sadly, "I'm on a tight schedule."

"She's not going to be happy with you." He warned, "coming all this way without even a hello."

"Well, my sister will just have to get over it." Jim chuckled and rolled his eyes before remembering his schedule, "I must get going, give everyone my regrets."

"I will." The Butler smiled.

"Be seeing you, Noah!" Jim called as he rode away towards the next Nobleman's house.

Noah lifted his free hand to wave goodbye "May there be good weather on your journey." He called.

"Servant!" The harsh voice of Lady Cathliene screeched the moment he shut the door. The grin that had worked its way on his face during Jim's visitation vanished.