She complains about everything, and Edmund hurries to complete her every wish. Who does this woman think she is? Why ever would Felix want her here?

It takes me twice as long to complete my chores for the evening since I have to help Edmund complete half of her nagging requests between. There is no singing for me tonight, just sweat, soap and many trips up and down the stairs betweens the hollars of disgust and the never-ceaseing ring of what she affectionatly calls her "servant bell".

I watch Edmund place cotton in his ears, retiring down to the kitchen. I stand in the middle of the hallway, a mop bucket in my hands, listening to the sound of that blasted bell.

Patience and Mary are out of sight.

And most disturbing of all, I can feel Felix's gaze follow me as I walk through the rooms, complying with the needs of his wretched mistress. I catch his gaze a couple of the times, meeting his laughing eyes. Perhaps this was a game to him? I find it unnerving and disruptive, but at the same time, part of me doesn't want him to look away...