Margaret Schroeder

Margaret was out of her depth here. 

She had been eternally grateful to Mr. Thompson for all he had done for her and for this job, most of all, because it meant having a stable income. But she was not cut out for this sort of work: she knew nothing of the latest fashion trends. She would have taken a job as a maid: that's where she had experience, but she knew Mr. Thompson had only the best intentions in securing this post for her. 

"The Countess of Grantham and her daughter, Lady Mary, are expected this afternoon," Madame Jeunet said, looking down at Margaret with her eyebrow raised high, "You will have to assist Lady Mary. You are not ready for this, but alas, it seems I must make do." She sighed heavily, as she pointed to some of their more expensive selections that were to be shown, all the while lamenting on the girl who worked for her for years, who had to be let go to make room for Margaret. 

Margaret never would have kept this job, knowing what had to happen to make a place for her, but she had the children to think of and she would do anything for them. 

The Countess arrived promptly and Margaret's morning, which was to be spent pouring over the possibilities of things to suggest to Lady Mary, was, instead, spent helping Lucy Danziger who had a decidedly different taste in clothes.