The Shadow Maid

A seed of doubt

The days that followed were a blur of exchanged glances and hushed chats between Emily and Alexander. He discovered that he had to rearrange his plans and "accidentally" spend cleaning hours in the library in order to have a chance meeting. The genuineness in her gaze and the warmth of her smile eroded the cold barriers he had erected around himself.Alexander was having a conversation with Emily one afternoon about a book they both enjoyed when he heard the library door click. With a stab of cold rage through his throat, he looked up to see his fiancée, Victoria, standing there. A woman sculpted from wealth and privilege, Victoria possessed all the qualities his world cherished, including poise, ambition, and a ruthlessness that paralleled his own. However, of late, the fire in her eyes had faded, to be replaced by an increasing feeling of entitlement.As she surveyed the scene, her immaculately manicured nails dug into her designer handbag. "Alexander," she said with a tone full of contempt, "what a charming tableau." Are we discussing literature with their assistance?"Emily's eyes darted from Victoria to Alexander as she flushed scarlet. He experienced a wave of instinctive defense, a deep-seated desire to shield Emily from Victoria's scorching stare."Victoria," he spoke in a clipped voice. "My name is Emily. She was simply..."I hope you're leaving," Victoria interrupted, her voice full of hate. "We have guests arriving for dinner tonight, and frankly, the staff doesn't belong socializing with the… company."Emily's hands automatically clenched around the book she was holding as her shoulders sagged. Tension crackled in the air as Alexander clenched his jaw."Actually," he uttered in a menacingly low voice. "Emily's work has been excellent. She will also be helping with dinner service tonight."Victoria squinted her eyes. This was an outright challenge, an admission of his surprising preference for the new maid. Her lips played a cruel smile. She whispered, "As you wish, darling," in an attempt at seeming sweet. "But do ensure she remembers her place."She then turned and swept out of the library, putting an end to the oppressive quiet. Emily's lip quivered and her eyes filled with tears.Alexander said, his voice rough but sincere, "Don't listen to her." Gently, he extended his hand and touched hers. "You deserve to be treated with respect."Emily winced at his touch and raised her head to stare into his. What will she say, though? What will be the consensus among all?Reassuringly, he squeezed her hand. "Let them to their own conclusions. Emily, you are a valuable person. Never listen to someone who says differently."For an instant, her eyes rested on his, a hint of warmth flickering between them. She then flashed a nervous smile. "Thank you, Alexander. I... Really, I ought to go back to work."His heart heaving from a fresh worry, he watched her go. Their brief moment of connection had been shadowed by Victoria's poisonous presence. Because of Victoria's jealousy and his own growing attraction to the modest maid who had dared to step outside the carefully constructed world he had created, he knew a storm was brewing. How far would Victoria go, then, to maintain her status as the Lady of the Thorne Manor? The evening came, a dazzling exhibition of affluence and social ascent. Wearing designer labels, the guests mixed amongst the sumptuous surroundings, their banter full of thinly veiled boasts and veiled insults. With her clean maid's uniform on, Emily felt like a lonely sparrow among the peacocks. But Alexander was unable to look away from her.Alexander started to doubt herself as she moved through the crowd of guests with a grace that defied her status, moving with a quiet efficiency that was sowed by Victoria's earlier remarks. Was he treating her unfairly? Was his judgment impaired by his sudden interest in Emily? He observed the jealous looks and hateful whispers the other maids directed at her. Was their anger well-founded? Victoria caught him off guard outside the bar during a break in the action. Her eyes glinted coldly, though, even as her emerald dress shimmered in the light of the chandelier. "A rather unorthodox choice for a server, wouldn't you say, darling?" Her voice was mocking as she purred. "Emily is more than capable," he shot back, clenching his jaw. Victoria answered, "Of course," trying to sound innocent. But maybe a little too much...acquainted with you?" With a whispery, alluring voice, she leaned in closer. Alexander, don't you think that's a little too unprofessional? especially in light of our impending wedding?"Her statements hurt, the doubt she had sown growing into a poisonous vine. Did her accusations have any merit? Was his growing romantic interest in Emily obscuring his professional judgment? Peeping around the corner, he saw Emily quietly refilled a visitor's wine glass. Her posture was erect, and she moved with composure. Still, he noticed a glint of melancholy and a fatigue that had not been there previously. He felt a surge of guilt pass over him. Despite his assurances to shield her, she found herself at the center of Victoria's resentment. With a curt "Excuse me," he turned his back on Victoria before she could see the turmoil in his eyes. He discovered Emily standing close to the kitchen door, stacking used plates with a frown on her face. She turned as he cleared his throat, her features momentarily brightening before a shadow of doubt descended. "Emily," he said in a low voice. "I'm sorry if anything uncomfortable happened to you tonight. Victoria made unjustified remarks."Emily smiled a little, but her eyes were still filled with sadness. "Don't worry, Alexander. I know where I belong."Her remarks, imbued with a subdued resignation, caused his conscience to prickle. Gently, he extended his hand and grasped one of her hands. "No, Emily," he firmly stated. "You are deserving of better. You are deserving of dignity."She felt a shock from his touch, as if there were a flicker of something unsaid between them. The moment was broken before he could investigate any further by a loud crash from the dining room. A valuable antique rug was completely covered in red wine spilled by a guest. With a victorious sparkle in her eyes, Victoria stood in the middle of the mayhem. "Looks like your precious maid is a little awkward, sweetheart," she remarked, her voice brimming with pretended sympathy.