Seek a quiet moment with Emily

The morning's work had gradually settled into a comfortable rhythm.

Most of the urgent tasks had been completed, and for the first time since the hunting party had departed, the household seemed able to breathe.

Emily carried a small basket of freshly folded linen towards one of the quieter corridors.

Seeing that her arms were full, you stepped forward.

"Allow me."

She smiled gratefully.

"Thank you."

Together, you delivered the linen to a guest chamber before making your way back downstairs.

As you passed through one of the rear gardens, Emily slowed her pace.

"I don't think anyone will miss us for a minute or two."

Nearby stood a weathered stone bench overlooking a small herb garden, sheltered from the bustle of the servants' yard.

She set the empty basket beside her feet.

"I don't often get the chance to sit during the annual hunt."

For a few peaceful moments, neither of you spoke.

The silence was broken only by birdsong and the distant sounds of the house carrying on without you.

Emily was the first to speak.

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Were you always in service?"

You shook your head.

"No. My father worked as a steward for a small estate. When I was old enough, Sir Edward took me into his household."

"You've been fortunate."

"I have."

She looked down at her hands.

"I don't really remember my father."

"I'm sorry."

"He died when I was very young."

She smiled faintly.

"It was just Mother and me after that."

"Was she in service too?"

Emily nodded.

"She worked as a housemaid."

A fondness entered her voice.

"She always said there was dignity in that sort of honest work."

You smiled.

"She sounds wise."

"I thought so."

Emily laughed quietly.

"She could never understand why I spent so much time reading."

"You enjoy reading?"

"Oh, very much."

"Whenever I can borrow a book."

She looked almost embarrassed by the admission.

"I know it isn't exactly what people expect of a housemaid."

"Why shouldn't they?"

"I don't know."

She shrugged.

"Most people think girls like me ought to be content with polishing silver and making beds."

"And are you?"

Emily considered the question carefully.

"I don't mind the work."

Her gaze drifted across the garden.

"But sometimes..."

She hesitated.

"I wonder what life is like for people who get to choose where they live."

"Or who they marry?", you added.

She looked at you in surprise.

"Yes."

The single word was almost a whisper.

"My uncle has already begun mentioning suitable matches."

She attempted a smile, though it never quite reached her eyes.

"They're respectable enough."

"You don't sound convinced."

"I hardly know any of them."

She folded her hands together.

"I suppose that's simply how life works."

A gentle breeze stirred the lavender growing beside the path.

"I shouldn't complain."

"You weren't."

"No?"

"You were just being honest."

Emily looked at you for a long moment before smiling.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For listening. So few people ever ask."

She picked up the basket once more.

"I think I'd quite like to travel one day."

"Travel?"

"Nothing extravagant."

She laughed softly.

"I should just like to see the sea."

"The sea?"

"I've never seen it."

She looked shy admitting it.

"I imagine standing where the land... ends."

You smiled.

"I hope you do."

"So do I."

The house bell rang somewhere inside Kingsmere Hall.

Emily stood, brushing the dust from her skirt.

"I suppose our little rest is over."

"It was pleasant while it lasted."

"It was."

As the two of you walked back towards the house, you couldn't help but feel that Emily no longer seemed just another member of the household staff.

She was a young woman with hopes, fears and dreams that reached far beyond the walls of Kingsmere Hall.

And somehow, you found yourself hoping that one day she might see the sea.