“Yes, indeed it must, Mary,” answered Helsa, “and I would feel the same if I was in your position.”
“I knew you would understand,” said Mary. “Now I have to hurry back and please, please forgive me.”
“Of course I do. Don’t worry I will find someone – even if I have to do it myself.”
She was speaking lightly.
Then as she helped Mary back into the carriage she thought it was surely ‘a true word spoken in jest.’
She knew only too well that there was no one in the neighbourhood who could play the part of a lady’s maid and certainly not in the way Mary could.
In fact the only possible person capable of taking her place was herself.
As Mary drove off, Helsa waved until she was out of sight.
Then she wondered if she was being ridiculous.
She really could not play the part of a servant, e
