Chapter 9
My mother apologized to Hazel before she apologized to me.
That was correct.
They met in the sitting room.
I was present because Hazel requested it.
Mother said:
“I used your loyalty.”
Hazel looked confused.
Mother continued.
“I relied on you to notice things I should have brought to Julian directly.”
That was true.
She had asked Hazel to watch staff changes.
Not spy exactly.
Still.
She put a young maid between powerful people.
Hazel’s wrist paid part of that cost.
“I’m sorry.”
Hazel’s eyes filled.
“You were trying to protect him.”
Mother smiled sadly.
“So was Estelle, in her own version.”
That surprised Hazel.
Then Mother said:
“Intent does not automatically make the position fair.”
Good.
She was learning quickly.
I asked Hazel whether she wanted to leave Blackwood service.
No penalty.
Full support while she found something else.
She seemed shocked.
“Why?”
“Because you were dragged into family conflict while working.”
She thought.
Then:
“I don’t want to leave.”
Mother smiled.
I did not.
Not yet.
“Why?”
Hazel looked toward the hall.
“My sister works in the kitchen.”
New detail.
“My aunt did before her.”
Blackwood was not simply employer.
It was community.
That complicated everything.
“I like the work.”
Then quietly:
“I just don’t want Miss Pierce deciding whether I deserve to be heard.”
Fair.
I changed her reporting line.
Not to Mother.
Not to me directly.
To a new household committee with more than one manager.
Hazel laughed.
“That sounds very formal.”
“It is.”
“Will anyone listen?”
I almost smiled.
“They will if they enjoy employment.”
Better.
But privately, I made another change.
Any household staff member could request direct time with me.
No explanation required beforehand.
Mother said that would become chaotic.
“Probably.”
“People will complain about towels.”
“Then I’ll hear about towels.”
She laughed.
The boss survives.
That first month, I heard about towels.
Also a broken freezer.
Also one security guard harassing kitchen staff.
May you like
Worth it.
Power becomes less mysterious when people can reach it without begging the gatekeepers.
