The Shadow of Great Britain

502: Chapter 267 Fame and Fortune (5K)_2 502: Chapter 267 Fame and Fortune (5K)_2 My parents believed her words, therefore they tirelessly persuaded her to help find a job for me as well.

However, when I arrived in London, I discovered that what she did was not merely maid work.

Miss Yvonne didn’t want to drag me down too, so for the past six months, she arranged for me to help with odd jobs like laundry and cooking while she paid my salary.

Yet, the people in the group were discontented because I didn’t go out to seek work and yet earned almost as much as them by just doing these minor tasks daily.

I couldn’t endure their disdainful looks, so I told Miss Yvonne that I planned to find work myself.

Seeing my determination, she then introduced me to you.

She told me you are a respectable gentleman, a police inspector at Scotland Yard, and moreover, you have not many family members, you are kind and gentle, and are always generous with salaries, so without a second thought, I headed straight here to try my luck,”

Upon hearing this, Arthur finally understood what was going on.

He wrapped his arms and said in surprise, “So it was Fiona who referred you here?”

Becky Sharp lifted her head and smiled slightly with her lips pursed, “If not for Miss Yvonne’s introduction, how could I possibly know that you were recruiting a housemaid?

Mr.

Hastings, you must understand, ladies who can read newspapers wouldn’t want to become maids.

Even if they are destitute, they will rather be governesses or such, as most maids are illiterate and even those who can read wouldn’t spend to buy ‘The Times’.”

Now it dawned on Arthur, and he replied with a smile, “Miss Sharp, you are not as slow-witted as you claim to be.

At least in this matter, you are much wiser than I.

I was wondering why, after such a long time, so few have applied for the maid position.”

With the compliment, Becky Sharp’s previously slightly tense white face instantly beamed with a smile, “I just have some insights into being a maid.

Although I haven’t been one myself, about half of the people at Miss Yvonne’s place used to be maids, and I always like chatting with them when I can, asking what I should learn in this line of work, and if there’s anything specific to be cautious about.”

Arthur’s interest was piqued by this point, “What did they say?”

Upon hearing his question, Becky Sharp rattled off, “Nothing much, mostly to be more agile and smart.

To wake up before you do every day, and only go to sleep after you’ve slept, to sleep with a rather firm pillow so as not to sleep too deeply, so I can get up anytime you want something to eat in the middle of the night.

Before you wake up in the morning, I should have cleaned the house thoroughly, ensuring the glass and the floor shine bright.

After you have gone to bed at night, I must prepare your clothes for the next day.

Miss Megan told me to earnestly do my work, us country girls should be down-to-earth, not indulge in fanciful thoughts, and most importantly, not repeat her mistakes.

However, Miss Catherine disagreed, she advised me not to listen to Miss Megan, arguing that Miss Megan failed herself, which is why she ended up where she is today.

Had she succeeded, she would probably be lying on a comfy, soft pine bed at home by now, with four or five maids attending her, and have footmen and lackeys to escort her whenever she went out.”

Louis, who was standing by the door, heard this and his expression unconsciously turned strange.

Agares, sitting at the table, observed the continuously talking girl, while slapping his thigh and laughing loudly, “Haha, do you think this little girl really knows nothing or is she pretending?

If she’s genuinely naive, then she is indeed a pure lotus untouched by the mud.

If she’s pretending, oh, is she hinting something to you?

Fiona carefully selects, and ends up bringing someone who might climb into your bed tonight?”

Arthur glanced at the Red Devil, pondering the same question, what exactly is the background of this Becky Sharp?

In this era, the relationship between domestic servants and their employers cannot be viewed as a mere business arrangement.

In this recently industrialized society, where many medieval remnants, such as the apprenticeships in factories, still prevail.

Before the “Artisan Apprentice Act” was repealed in 1814, employers not only had the right to employ underage apprentices for labor but also held a guardianship-like power over them; therefore, apprentices who lived in their master’s house not only had to complete their tasks but also help with chores like cleaning and fetching tea.

If the work wasn’t done well, and it resulted in a scolding or a beating, although distressing to hear about, as long as the physical punishment wasn’t severe, it was generally tacitly accepted by society.

However, even though the apprenticeship system began to subtly change after the abolition of the “Artisan Apprentice Act,” the enactment of the “Master and Servant Act” in 1823 continued to remind people that feudal class relationships were still lingering in Britain’s society.

Especially in the domestic service industry, a strong medieval-style control and subordination relationship was still maintained.

In this respect, British servants were far less off than laborers who, at least legally, were considered equals to their employers.

Whereas servants, both legally and practically, were in a lesser position compared to their employers.