Early 1882
Elsie Hughes was just 20 and she was leaving her house in Scotland forever. Her father died at the beginning of the New Year and Elsie's mother wanted for her eldest daughter a better life. So she was sending her to the Yorkshire, Elsie Hughes was hired by a big house, Downton Abbey.
Beryl Patmore was 23, she had been working in a rectory for five years, then she read on the lady an announcement, at Downton Abbey they were looking for a new assistant cook, better if young. Beryl applied for the job, and she was hired.
They met for the first time at the Central Station in York, Beryl was looking for the train to Downton, Elsie too.
"Where are you going?" asked Beryl looking at the Scottish lass, who was really nervous.
"I applied for a job at Downton Abbey, I am beginning tomorrow, and you?" asked Elsie
"I applied too for a job at Downton, I am a cook." replied the read headed woman.
"I am Elsie May Hughes." said Elsie giving her hand to Beryl.
"I am Beryl Jane Patmore.. Are you Scottish, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am Scottish, I am coming from Argyll, and you are not from Yorkshire?"
"I was born in Malton, then my dad died and my mum moved to Cheshire because her sister lives here, I have nine siblings, so for my mum was easier to managed. Do you have any siblings?"
"Yes, I have one, she is Rebecca, Becky for all of us."
"How old is she?"
"Almost 16."
They were very different, the one from the other.
Beryl was a broad young woman with big breast, short and with red curled hair.
Elsie was tiny, with auburn hair and deep blue eyes and a very nice Scottish accent.
Mrs Dill, the housekeeper and Mrs Hamilton, the cook had been sure since the first look to Elsie and Beryl that they were going to be housekeeper and cook one day and that they were going to be friends for all their lives