A/N: Easing back into this one.
"Is this a public holiday I've not been informed of?" Elsie asks sharply. As senior housemaid over the morning shift, the group of murmuring maids gathered in the east corridor is off-putting. They know that Elsie runs a tight ship, expecting them to conduct their personal business outside of work hours or on the luncheon break. Heaven knows that she was thankful for the promotion three months ago and wants to make a good impression on Mrs. Thomas. Hoping to be promoted to head of housekeeping, it is important to Elsie that Mrs. Thomas feel that the trust she's placed in her is well-deserved.
"Oh Elsie," Mary begins animatedly, her hands fluttering in the air punctuating her emotions. "Didn't she tell you?"
"Didn't who tell me what?" Elsie asks. She's losing patience quickly; if there is one thing Elsie cannot abide it's an atmosphere and there is certainly an atmosphere at Kirkgate House this morning.
"Mrs. Thomas has sold the hotel," Flora answers quietly.
"She never has?" Elsie half exclaims, half questions, her brows knit in confusion.
"And we're wondering if the new owner will keep all of us or if we'll be flung out into the street," Gwen answers in her soft Irish drawl.
"I'm sure it's not as bad as all that," Elsie replies with a tight smile. Elsie's heart thuds in her chest as she considers the possibility of what Gwen's mentioned. They all need their jobs certainly, and she feels badly for thinking, it but these women are younger than she and have no obligations, save providing for themselves; with a well-written character they can find a position in service at a big house. But she and Becky have little to spare as it is and there is no position in service for her. Elsie envisions being cast into the workhouse for certain if she loses her place.
Though young women scatter when they see Mrs. Thomas approach, Elsie remains. One look at Mrs. Thomas and Elsie knows the truth. The gossip to which she's been privy is true and her heart begins to race in her chest.
"Shall we talk in my office?"
"It was a difficult decision Elsie, make no mistake about it," Mrs. Thomas admits. "I shouldn't be telling this really … my son lost a great deal of money in an investment scheme. The hotel is the only thing of significant value that will be sufficient enough to pay off his debts. I just can't have my children … my grandchildren … cast into the workhouse if I can stop it from happening." There is a sadness in the woman's eyes, a brokenness in her voice that Elsie recognizes all too well.
"But what about you? How will you live?"
"After all of his debts are paid, there will be a little left. We should be able to live modestly whilst Edward gets back on his feet."
"So, you'll be moving then?"
"Yes. I'll be moving to Manchester at the end of the month. I have assurances that you'll be kept on Elsie. I know that you need your position and you do excellent work."
"And the new owner?"
"He will take possession next week. I doubt he will be here often as his base is in London, but he's stayed here several times when on business and is wishing to expand his holdings. A Mr. Richard Carlisle."
TBC ...