The day was Saturday. To my embarrassment, I had slept in and was nearly late for my morning meal. The colonel was not at the table, so I took an empty chair near the end, putting a spot between myself and the person next to me. Within seconds, a hot plate of ham and eggs was set before me, and I was mindful to eat at an acceptable pace, still finishing the meal quickly before I excused myself from the hall.
Climbing the stairs to my room, I was stopped by Gen. O'Hara. Earlier, I might have welcomed it, but now, I found it to be a hindrance.
"General, please…"
"I have a proposition to make with you," O'Hara started.
"Sir?" I maintained a thread of patience.
"Well, you are essentially living here indefinitely. Perhaps you would like to earn some coin-"
My glance darkened.
"By working as a servant to the lord general. You'll receive wages, and proper care."
"I don't think the colonel will agree to this."
"Miss, do not forget that I am his superior. I see no reason for you to simply wilt away during your stay here. Please, consider my offer."
With a light kiss on my hand, the general left me at the door to my room.
I was in disbelief. A servant! Surely an insult to say the least! Low wages, impossible hours, and the eyes of men cloying at me. However, it would keep me occupied, and I would earn my keep.
An hour after O'Hara had left, he returned to see if I had made up my mind; when I told him that I had agreed to work for the lord general, he immediately had me moved to the servants' quarters.
"Settle in quickly; Cornwallis will be requesting your service," the lord general spoke, showing me to a small room with several beds and occupants.
"Thank you, Sir," I replied uncertainly as I was pointed to a vacant bed near a window.
The general left and the servants, three young woman, stared at me curiously. My cheeks flushed as I managed a nervous "hello". Two of them turned away, whispering among themselves. The third, however, approached me, brushing a stray tendril of red-blonde hair from her hazel eyes.
"I'm sorry; they'll warm up after a while."
"Thank you," I replied.
"So, you're here for Cornwallis?"
"I am…"
"Well you're lucky then. Some of these men can be right cretins."
"Oh, but Kezia, they are such delightful cretins." One of the servants giggled.
"Hush, Sidney. Not all of us here have your standards." Kezia admonished. "Miss, I hope you find your stay here at least tolerable."
"Thank you, Kezia."
A moment later, I was called to Cornwallis' aid.
"Miss Webb," the lord general addressed me, sitting in a large armchair, holding his shaving things.
"Have you ever shaved a man's face before," he asked.
"Just for my father, and only once." I replied.
"Have you a steady hand?"
"I believe so."
"Very well…"
The lord general handed me his shaving things and I lathered his face before brushing the razor against his cheek. Cornwallis closed his eyes in contentment. Minutes later, his face was clean and dry.
"Thank you, Miss Webb," he replied politely.
"You're welcome, milord."
"Now if you could, draw me a bath of hot water in my bedchambers."
I nodded and the lord general dismissed me.
Heading outside to fetch some water, I crossed paths with Tavington, who had arrived early for a meeting with Gen. O'Hara.
"You should be in your room." He hissed, dismounting Asmodeus, handing the stallion over to a stable boy, who struggled to contain him.
"I think not," I replied tartly. "O'Hara has offered me a position here."
"To warm his bed, I suppose?"he countered snidely.
I rolled my eyes.
"I am serving the lord general, free of your command. And not for personal entertainment."
Tavington scoffed.
"Don't bask in the glamor of it."