"I began making and using cleaning agents from all natural products when my son was quite young, Sir."
"Why is that?"
"He suffered from asthma and the harsh commercial cleaners added to his symptoms."
"I see. And are you now going to tell me that the use of all natural cleaners curing him?"
"Hardly. I think God and age and modern medicine did that, but I do think that by avoiding as many harsh chemicals as possible in the home, he had fewer flare ups."
Vincent nodded, appreciating the honest answer. He'd had enough of housekeepers claiming that this natural regime would cure all ills.
"I am strict and demanding in my standards, you understand. Should you accept this job, you will live upstairs, wear a uniform while on duty and refer to me as Sir or Mr. Vanderson."
"Yes, sir. I expect I will."
"And what of your son now?"
"He is in his third year of college."
Vincent's eyes widened. This woman could be no more than thirty-five years old.
"I won't go too far into your personal life, but will he be expecting to stay with you during breaks from school?"
"No, Sir. We have a two bedroom apartment which I have left to him. He sublets the second bedroom. He goes to school here in town, so I see him often."
Alice was relieved that he had not, indeed, asked too many questions regarding her past. Still, she felt he had a right to know about her history.
"To be brief, Sir, I was quite young when I had Emmit. My family wanted me to abort him, but I refused and so they disowned me. I had been date raped, you see, and no one, including me, knew who the father was, so I was alone with a young child. A neighbor lady, Mrs. Simms, took me in and taught me about the old ways of cleaning. I kept house for her in exchange for food and board. She passed away two years ago and I've been supporting myself and Emmit since then."
"I see. And does Emmit also work?"
"Yes, he is self-supporting now. He has a full ride scholarship to pay for his schooling and works part time at the library to pay for his other expenses."
"Here's my offer. You will be on probably for this week. If all works out well, I will offer you the job. For this week, though, you will stay here and follow all of the rules in this booklet. If you have question, ask me at any time. You salary may seem a bit low, but that will change after this week. Your compensation will also include room, board, health and car insurance, and a 1 month paid vacation.
Alice was stunned by the generosity and quickly accepted. She followed a servant who carried her bag to her room. Actually, it was more of a suite. A small bedroom complete with a queen sized bed, wooden wardrobe, five drawer dresser and vanity with matching cushioned seat. The dark blue curtains matched the bedspread and rub. One door opened to a bathroom complete with tub, shower, stool, cabinet filled with fresh towels and a stainless steel sink. The medicine cabinet contained basic hygiene products along with a fresh toothbrush, comb, hairbrush and blow-dryer. Off to the left of the bedroom was yet another room which contained a loveseat, end table, two chairs, a rug and small writing desk with matching chair. On the end table was an electric kettle, a tea pot, two mugs and a variety of tea choices. A small leather bound book sat on the desktop.
"Mr. Vanderson requests that you spend the afternoon reading your manual. A meal will be sent up to you at six o'clock. When you finish, simply place the tray on the floor outside of your room. You should also try on your uniform and let me know if something does not fit."
Alice leaned against the door once the servant, whose name she did not know, left. She then went to open the wardrobe, fearing what her uniform might look like. She was not anxious to wear something overly provocative, but would do so if it meant keeping this job. To her pleasure, her uniform was a simple, well made and very modest dress consisting of side buttons, a narrow belt and capped sleeves. After trying it on, she noted that it fit perfectly and would be quite easy to move about in, an important feature since she was often bending over and on her hands and knees while cleaning. Next, she fixed herself a cup of tea and sat down to read her employee's manual.
For Maids in the Employ of Mr. Vanderson
The following are expected duties to be completed on a daily basis.
Master bathroom: toilet, shower, bath, sink and counters cleaned and disinfected and the floor mopped. Fresh towels hung by Five o'clock in the evening as I shower after dinner. All soaps, shampoos, lotions and other sundry will be checked and replaced as needed.
First floor carpets cleaned with a push sweeper and hard floors dust mopped.
Magazines and newspapers will be recycled daily and replace with current issues.
Master bedroom: bed made by 6:30 a.m. weekdays and 7:00 a.m. weekends. Carpet swept, clothing folded and put away every evening. Trash disposed of, curtains opened after the bed is made, laundry and dry cleaning replaced in their appropriate places.
Weekly Responsibilities
Maid will set her own schedule but each of the following must be addressed on a weekly basis.
All carpets vacumed.
Linens in all used bedrooms changed.
Hard floors mopped by hand.
All guest bathrooms scrubbed
