"I though they were settling in. The work can be tedious, true, and sometimes it's hard labor when the storms mean the gutters need clearing or when the bulk of the laundry needs to be done- but it's good work, they're paid, given room and board. One day I sent for them and they'd, well. Left. One of the scullery maids came from the same village, she, her sister, an her brother still work for us." It's not difficult, living here. Working here.

Why they'd leave, she doesn't know. "...Some of my maids, also, have returned home. The Comtesse marries some of them off now and then when she feels they're prepared to step into a new station but- some return home. I've written to ask after them, but never heard word."