Dinner.

Charlotte sat down at the oak dining table which was very long and could easily seat twenty people. She sat in the chair that her father had once sat in facing the door to the dining room. The Table was adorned with silver candlesticks and they each had scented candles burning. Rosa brought in the first course which was cream of tomato soup and she placed it on the silver placemat in front of Charlotte. Charlotte picked up the soup spoon and almost screamed when she saw the smear. She called Rosa and told her to get a clean one. ”How dare you bring me dirty cutlery change it right away”.

Rosa seethed and went to the kitchen and brought back a new spoon which was polished.” The soup is cold now go get me a fresh bowl Rosa and hurry up I am hungry.” Again Rosa obeyed and went back to the kitchen and just stuck the soup in the microwave and then brought it back. Charlotte ate the soup dipping bread into the rich red liquid and then eating it staining her lips while Rosa went to get the second course. She brought in the sliver tray with the fine china plate which had on it a freshly cooked rump steak well done surrounded by new potatoes and peas and tomatoes.

Charlotte was satisfied as she tucked into the meal while Rosa cleared away the soup dish. Rosa returned with a goblet of red wine and placed next to Charlotte who took sips of the wine. The meal was finished by nine-thirty and Charlotte decided to turn in for the night. Rosa was left to clean up the dinner things and then she ate herself before going to her room in the now-empty servant's annexe. Before Charlotte had arrived there had been ten servants for the old master. Now she would have to take care of the house herself. If only she had some help maybe she could persuade madam high and mighty to re-employ some of the servants.

She went off to bed and she to had a dream but her dream was very clear. Madam Charlotte was dressed in her maid's clothes doing all the household chores. This made Rosa smile even in her sleep as she saw Charlotte doing the washing and the dishes. Rosa slept that night a very content woman as a plan came to her.