Abigail pov

I dragged my tired self towards my chamber. Though my body was tired due to its age, my mind was still excited.

I walked in and looked at Beth who was preparing my bed.

“Beth, tomorrow is your day off, right?” I asked as I sat down on the leather chair.

She looked at me with hesitation. 

“Yes, my lady. By any chance, do you need my services tomorrow.” though she was offering, there was reluctance in her eyes.

After all, maids and servants only get one day off to spend time with their family. For the rest of the week spent her time with me 24/7. Since leaving late at night after we sleep and coming early before we wake up is not feasible, all the nobles have servants quarters but they could not bring their kids and family to live with them. They spent a large part of their life with us rather than their family.

“No, I just wanted to know about your son and daughter. How old are they now and what do they do?” I asked, trying to be as casual as I could. My words surprised her, as I had never asked about them in my past. Except that she had kids, I know nothing about them.

Darn! I was not even sure if it was a son or a daughter or were they both daughters?! 

A sweet smile bloomed on her lips, her eyes filled with motherly love and for a minute I felt jealous of the kids even when I did not know them.

“My daughter is 16 this year, and my son will be 18 in three months, my lady.” 

“Huh! But you are just 35 years old!” That means she was not even 18 when she had a boy!

“Is there a problem my lady”

“Umm, no, I am just surprised that you kids are this old, you must be planning for their marriage.” I asked back with an awkward smile.

“Oh, yes my lady. We have finalised a girl for Stephan, we are just waiting for his job to get finalized so that we can marry him, and for Lily, my husband is still looking around. We hardly get time to discuss it.” she replied with regret that she was not able to look after her children well, though i was paying her for it. I still felt bad as I have never felt grateful to her for serving me well.

“Stephen, what did he do?” i asked again,

“He used to work in a boutique, my lady. He knows embroidery and sewing well. His fiance worked there too, both kids wanted to marry and Daisy was such a kid that we agreed happily. But the boutique closed due to financial loss and both are jobless now. So we are waiting for them to find a job again. Only then they would be able to marry and start a new life.” her voice was too low and filled with fear but i felt happy.

I have thought of asking one of her kids to work for me, but now I have three. Today really was my lucky day.

“Is that so? Beth, one of my friends, is starting a new boutique for designing dresses for nobles. If you want i can ask her to hire both of them. But she would only hire them if they are good in their work” even before i could complete my words, she was already close to me as if she wanted to hold my hands and confirm it, but she stopped when she realised who i was.

So, I moved and held her hand, making her gasp.

“It’s ok, I am like your daughter too.” I replied with a painful smile, my face filled with longing.

“Thank you, I can not describe in words how grateful I am, my lady.” Her voice turned wet, and her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears.

“It is fine. By the way, what did Lily do?” I still need a girl to pretend to be a jewelry designer.

“Oh, she stays at home and takes care of it, since we all work, someone would be needed to cook and do other house chores.” she replied as if it wasn’t the obvious thing.

“Hmm, but what if I have a job for her too?” she shook her head this time,

“If we all work, my lady, who will cook when my husband and my son return home. If my son and his wife get a job we will be financially strong, so I do not think that my daughter needs to work.“ I pursued my lips at her stubbornness, it was not like I could not ask others.

But if i asked other maids, there was a chance other family members would come to know. I am still unsure about the fact that Noah came to know a lot today. I have to find a way to keep his mouth shut too”

“Beth, I am sure your family is earning well. You get a good pay from the palace. And I will make sure your son and his wife will earn double than working in any other boutique and so will your daughter. You can hire a maid for cleaning later and cooking can be shared once your daughter and your son’s wife return home” i tried my best to convince him, but she still looked reluctant.

“Beth, if your daughter works, don’t you think she will get a better man and family. You know how commoners prefer working girls so that they can support their family.” this was my last way and as expected she nodded her head.

“Then, I will talk about it with my husband. He works part time only. If he is ready to help then we can manage without a maid too.” she said with a long sigh, as if a burden was lifted off her chest.

“But i think hiring a maid would not be that difficult” i asked with confusion

“I need that money for their marriage, my lady”