Sunday, November 28,1768
My name is Hazel Lesqueve but my Mistress or Mademoiselle calls me Haz. I call my mistress Pipes. I became one with this book when Samuel Valdez had escaped with his family to the next-door country. He handed me this book to remember him by, but gave me strict words, "Make sure no one sees you with this, you understand me?" He gave me a kiss on the cheek before leaving. My first kiss. With a boy I will never see again.
I am a companion. Miss Piper McLean's companion. And I was bought for only that purpose. I am a slave and companion is only a fancy word for it. Being her companion is what I have always done since I was taken from my home when I was 5.
I've always known I was a slave. But knowing it was like knowing that it is Monday or August or summer. I am like so many girls who serve as companions to the daughters of aristocrats. We grow up with our mistresses, catering to their every wish. We go where ever they go. See what they see. Hear what they hear. Learn what they learn. We are trained to be loyal and honest, well mannered and poised. For good service we are usually freed when our young mistress gets married.
Now my mistress is going to be courted by a suitor for which her father, my Monsieur, believes is worthy. Many men know that if they get Miss Piper's hand in marriage they will become the heir of the family fortune. I do not wish for my mistress to be forced to marry some one she does not care for, and I also know that the companions that aren't freed are sold again if under the age of 18. This frightens me quite dearly since I am barely 13. I do not wish anything bad for myself nor to my mistress. We both know this.