The Women of Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Darcy and Elizabeth Series - Book 1) by Gianna Thomas

Author:Gianna Thomas [Thomas, Gianna]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2017-10-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter VII

30 April 1807

Yesterday, I missed writing this entry because Mama had me go visit the tenants and then walk to Meryton to buy mutton from the butcher, as we will have guests for dinner and cards this evening.

At Longbourn, we don't have as many servants as some families. Mama felt that my sisters and I should have some responsibility in regard to the household as we will have our own in future when we marry. So, we have the duty of keeping our bedchambers tidy, changing the bed linens each week and emptying our own chamber pots. Truthfully, I think Mama is embarrassed to have any servant do the latter though that doesn't apply to guests.

With most families, there is a separation between the family and the servants; each is more aware of the disparity in their positions. My family and our servants are more than that, though I don't know exactly how to describe it. We trust all the servants implicitly, and if any servants become ill, my mother sees to their care just as one of the family. They are more than just servants to us.

With this entry, I begin telling about the women servants in order of their seniority. I will also be writing about the primary duties of each one. With Longbourn's servants, as I have mentioned, Mama has trained all of them in each other's work assignments so they can continue if a maid is ill or having her day off. Even the housekeeper, Mrs. Hill, knows all of the duties including the laundry and is a very good cook as well. Papa surprised the servants when he began including extra money in their wages each month because they were able to attend to other work when needed. All were delighted with his generosity.

Mrs. Agnes Hill came to Longbourn as Agnes Colborn in November 1785, just before Jane was born. She started out as an upper housemaid but after two years became the housekeeper when Mrs. Brown left to get married. Mama had mentioned the maid did so well in caring for her personal needs when she was increasing and after she gave birth to Jane that she knew Hill would make a great housekeeper, and she has.

In speaking with Hill about her duties, I was shocked at how varied they were. The following list is of the duties that most housekeepers are responsible for. At Longbourn, with five daughters and the lady of the house, Hill does have help many households don't provide. A housekeeper's duties include the following.

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