Sherwood Smith Quote

So much to learn, I said with a groan. How will I manage?She just laughed; and the next day a new arrival brought my most formidable interview yet: with my new maid.Her name is Mora, Nee told me, and she’s a connection of my own Ilvet. An aunt, I think. Ilvet promises she is deft and discreet. She was working for one of the northern families--low pay and too much work--but she stayed until her mistress married and adopted into a household even more huskscraping. Mora and the others suddenly found themselves each doing the work of three, while living in chambers that hadn’t been altered for four hundred years--right down to the mold on the stones. If you like her, she will then hire your staff, whom you will never really see.I shook my head. Strange, to consider having a staff I won’t see. But as I went to the interview, my thought was: me.Mora was tall and thin, with gray-streaked dark hair. I thought with dismay. She bowed, then waited, her hands folded, for me to speak.I took a deep breath. I gather you’re used to sophisticated Court people, and I’d better tell you right out that I’m not sophisticated and haven’t been to Court. Well, except once, but that was against my will. It’s true that I’m going to Court, but I don’t know that I’ll stay past the wedding; and then--most likely--it’s back here for the rest of my life. I go barefoot all summer, and until now I’ve never owned more than one hat. And my friends have all been village people.She said nothing, but there was the faintest crinkling of humor about her eyes.On the other hand, I said, I’m used to cleaning up after myself. I also won’t interfere with your hiring whomever you need, and you’ll be paid whatever you think fair, at least while we pay. The fortune came to us on someone’s whim, so I suppose it could disappear the same way.Mora bowed. You honor me, she said, with your honesty, my lady.Does that mean you’ll stay? I asked, after an uncomfortable pause.She smiled then, just a little. I believe, my lady, she said, it is for you to decide if you want me.I clapped my hands, relieved that this formidable woman had not left in disgust. Great. Then start today, I said, and grinned. There’s plenty to do if I’m to get properly civilized.