“Miss, is there something you need to tell me? No one has ever locked a bedroom door in Moon Manor, let alone the front door of the house.”
“I know you think this over the top, but I have my reasons, Violet.”
Violet nodded but looked worried.
Seeing Violet’s concern, Mona knew if she was ever to gain this young woman’s trust, she had to be honest. “Violet, when I was in India, a rich man died and left his estate to a distant relative. The relative accepted the inheritance and came to live in the dead man’s house. Within two weeks, another relative who thought he should have received the estate murdered the heir. Emotions are running high, and I don’t know anyone here—not so that I could trust them. I’d rather be safe than sorry. At least until I get my bearings. I hope you understand.”
“Yes, but people in India are not Christians.”
Mona smiled at the naiveté of Violet’s statement. “Actually, the family in question was British, and the murderer was an Anglican reverend—a nephew of the deceased who stabbed the unlucky heir to death in his sleep. So you see, when a great deal of money is involved, people lose perspective.”
“Yes, Miss. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
“Quite all right, Violet. By the way, were you my aunt’s maid?”
“No one’s, Miss. I’ve never been a lady’s maid before.”
“What were you then?”
“A maid of all work, but I have taken some courses through the mail, and Thomas gave me tips.”
“Do you want to be a lady’s maid?”
“I’m a good worker, and I need work that pays the best.”
“How much is your pay?”
“One hundred and twenty-five dollars a year.”
Mona was surprised. She knew personal maids made two hundred fifty dollars in the North plus keep. “Do you live on Mooncrest Farm?”
“My mother has a small house on the estate, but I moved into Moon Manor when I was chosen.”
“Does the rest of the staff live in Moon Manor also?”
“Mrs. Haggin and Miss Jetta live on the third floor and Thomas and Samuel have rooms in the male servants’ quarters in the basement. The rest of the staff go to their homes after dinner is served.”
“Who decided you would be my maid?”
“Miss Jetta.”
“Not Mrs. Haggin?”
“There was a great deal of discussion between Miss Jetta and Mrs. Haggin about it. Mrs. Haggin wanted Dora as she is the senior housemaid, but she didn’t have any training in waitin’ on a lady. Finally, Mr. Deatherage stepped in and decided I should take the position, mainly because I’m handy with a needle and thread.”
“Are you making more money now than before?”
“Yes.”
“And I provide your uniforms, meals, and lodging as part of your stipend?”
“Yes, Miss.”
“What days do you get off?”
“I get Thursday afternoons and Sunday evenings off.”
“What are your hours?”
“My hours? I’m not sure what you mean. I’m on call from sunrise until you go to bed. Whenever you need me, except for my official time off.”
“I see I have a lot to learn about managing a manor house and a horse farm, let alone copper mines.”
“No need to worry yourself about it, Miss Mona. You got men folks to do that for you.”
“One thing I’ve learned is not to depend on other people, especially men. They like to take advantage of women, especially single females.”
“Not Mr. Deatherage. He was Mr. Moon’s right hand man. You can trust him.”
“We’ll see. Let’s change the subject. Is there a personal relationship between my Aunt Melanie and Hugh Beaumont? I noticed a type of tension between them at dinner.”
“Mr. Beaumont is Miss Melanie’s particular friend.”
“But nothing official?”
“No, Miss, but everyone knows, except Miss Melanie doesn’t know that everyone knows.”
“Don’t Miss Melanie’s friends approve?”
“Mr. Beaumont has a reputation, if you know what I mean, but he is the scion of an old family who has lost their money. He is still welcomed at social events, but mothers keep an eye on their daughters, if you know what I mean. Besides, he’s an employee. He’s not Miss Melanie’s equal. Not anymore.”
“I won’t mention our little talk, Violet. I know you must be tired, so go to bed.”
“Don’t you need help undressing?”
“I would rather dress and undress myself in private. You take care of the suite, my clothes, and run errands for me.”
Violet frowned. “Folks will think badly of me if I don’t help with dressing you. They will think I’m lazy. Have I done something to offend you?”
Mona knew from previous experience servants can be very touchy about perceived insults. “Well, if you don’t tell anyone, and I don’t, who’s to know? It will be our little secret.”
“Like Miss Melanie’s secret?”
“No. A real secret.”
Seeing Violet was not reassured, Mona added, “I’m feeling my way through this adventure. Right now, I need to feel safe and have some time to acclimate to my new position as heiress. I’m counting on you to help me with this transition. However, if you are not happy, we can find another position for you.”
“You was counting on me?”
Mona noticed Violet used words like scion, but then used wrong verb tenses at times. She wondered what was behind it. “Yes, I need you to help by being a buffer. As I explained before, I don’t want anyone in this suite but you and me. Keep the rooms clean. Keep my clothes in good order, and if you hear something of which I should be informed, let me know.”
“You mean more secrets?”
“Think of yourself as my eyes and ears when I’m not around.”
Violet brightened. “I can do that. People blab all the time around me. They just forget I’m there. I hear lots of stuff. Lots.”
“Good. We’ll start tomorrow working things out. Right now I’m exhausted. Run along to bed, Violet.”
“Yes, Miss. Shall I put Chloe out?”
“No, Chloe will stay with me. I like having her around.”
“Goodnight, Miss.” Violet marched to her room, leaving Mona to throw off her evening gown, neatly hanging it over a chair. She donned a lavender silk negligee she had bought in Cincinnati. As a precaution, Mona wedged chairs against the doors leading from her bedroom, even the door that led to the maid’s room.
It wasn’t that Mona didn’t want to trust Violet. It was just that Mona didn’t trust Violet. Not yet, anyway.