“From my vantage point, I could make out only a fraction of the mansion’s facade. The land was vast and lush; trees lined the winding, private road that led to the heart of the estate. I had only a small case containing the few items I deemed important enough to bring. The journey had taken hours, and while I was exhausted, I couldn’t bring myself to sleep. Though my eyes drooped and my attention waned, I was awoken by the site of my employer’s property.
“The carriage came to a stop before the gate, and through the iron bars I saw the clouds reflected on the surface of a tranquil pond. I was hesitant to push my way through the only thing dividing the reality I knew from the reality I was to embrace. I had no choice, though, and with great reluctance I leaned into the cool metal. It hinged open with a slight creak, not caused by rust but from sheer immensity. I turned back around to close it; I had no intention of being irresponsible and negligent on my first day.
“With one hand still on the gate, I began to walk toward the towering structure with the white marble ornaments polished so that they too mirrored the sky. Before I could even near the stairs, which, of course, would have welcomed me to grand, oak, double-doors, I found myself face-to-face with a great orange canine. He was out of breath, hair unbrushed, bow slowly coming undone, eyes alight with unfathomable curiosity. I immediately understood that this must be Lord Nathaniel, if not by his regal air, then by his inherent charisma.
“He was a good two feet taller than me, and I had to look up to meet his childlike gaze. ‘Hello, Lord Nathaniel, how do you do?’ I had spoken softly, unsure of where to direct my attention. He responded jovially, with a hearty bark followed by a chuckle, quite obviously entertained by my fear. ‘You must be Miss Daphne! Pray pardon my appearance; I am terribly afraid that you have caught me after a long and eventful evening. I am excited by the incipience of a new correspondence with you, and hope you feel the same way. If you would be so kind as to follow me, I will be happy to take you to the meet the house steward and your fellow maids.’”
[To be continued]
