Housekeeping Miracle

"Your references are excellent Miss. As you know my previous housekeeper of thirty years recently passed away; that dear lady was a paragon of efficiency. My life has been in total disarray without her. I have been taking my meals at the university cafeteria; a depressing experience to say the least and my house is in absolute shambles."

"Well sir, I know I can't replace that dear lady but I can clean and cook and many other things you should want."

"You were employed lately at the cotton mill and you didn't find that position suitable?

"Nay sir I always thought my life be better there because of more money but that's no life for a country girl."

"I understand dear, before that you were employed as a housekeeper in two separate households in the city and you resigned them both?"

"Yea sir, sometimes it's trouble when a young lass moves in with married folks. You know, if the husband can't keep his hands of the lass and the wife gets cross."

"But my dear, each employer provided admirable references for your proficiency and character?"

"Oh well sir, they don't want no scandal, do they? And I deserve a good word; I'm a honest worker."

"I know these people Cassandra it's hard for me to believe that these distinguished gentlemen would take advantage of an innocent young girl, but ... I must believe you dear. It must have been a terrible ordeal to rebuff the indecent overtures of these ... ahem, gentlemen?"

"Well nay sir I don't mind so much, it's part of service I guess but lady folks get much ugly when they find out and blame only the lass."

"What do you mean, it part of service? You certainly will not be asked to perform such acts in this house."

"Oh it is sir, I know many girls in service with married folk and they all say the same. The man of the house wants his way with young servant girls."

"Well I am shocked that such behavior takes place in this day and age. We are after all living in the nineteenth century not the Middle Ages. Is that why so many young ladies pursue employment opportunities in the mills?"

"It's the same in them places too sir; the boss and the owner too want sex from young girls that go work there."

"You mean Mr. Saunders, who owns the Cotton mill engage in extramarital relationships with his female employees?"

"He's got a hunting lodge not far from here; I was there one night myself. He just picked me up in the carriage on evening after work and took me there. You can't say no to such a man."

"I am shocked young lady, you can have this position and you can be assured that such immoral indiscretions will never transpire in this domicile."

"Oh thank you sir I'll work really hard. You'll see."

* * *
Day Ten

"Oh hello, I'm the professor's assistant, Laura Sweeny. You're Cassandra, he told me all about you. May I come in?"

"Well yea but the professor's not here yet; you could wait in the library if you like."

"Thank you, I would like that."

"Would you care for something, tea maybe?"

"Yes that would be nice."

"I'll make it quick."

"Oh that was quick, Cassandra. I was just admiring the professor's portraits. I especially admire this portrait that the university presented for his twenty-five year tenure."

"Yea I like that one too Ma'am ... Ma'am, your tea?"

"Oh ... so sorry, I get carried away sometimes, such a distinguished appearance and yet harboring a sweet almost childlike personality."

"Yea Ma'am, I think ... oh sorry it's not my place to..."

"Yes Cassandra go ahead I don't mind; what were you going to say?"

"Oh you're a fine lady and all and me only a simple country wench but I am a woman and I see something in them eyes when you look at that there picture."

"Is it that obvious, ... my word?"

"Yea Ma'am, it's easy to see."

"Yes for ten years now, since I was his student but he is like a monk; totally dedicated to his religion, the world of literature."

"Maybe you haven't took the right tack Ma'am, every man has a weakness. Sometimes shock treatment's called for."

"Oh you mean I should throw myself at him; I'm afraid I would be unable to do that, and I don't think it would accomplish much. I would give anything though, if there was a way but it would take a miracle I'm afraid."

"There's always a way Ma'am, sometime a miracle's just hard work, but I must get to the kitchen. Will you be staying for supper?"

"Oh no, I just came by for a signature. Please, don't let me hold you up."