Two weeks passed, but I still had no luck. Frustration grew each day inside of me, I helped out Michelle when I could, but still felt extremely useless.

Every morning, I was up before the sun, ate a small breakfast, and slipped out to go look for a job. Sometimes I was given a trial day for a job, but every single time, they’d said that I just wasn’t who they were looking for. With each rejection, I’d returned to the Stemford’s house in weaker and weaker spirits.

How was I ever going to find a job if I kept making a mess of things?

“Don’t worry, Joan, you’ll find something!” Uncle Mike told me as I rubbed my feet. It had been a hard day. I’d spent several hours at a trial period in a factory, only to be told that I wasn’t the right kind of person for the job, probably because I kept getting confused and causing the entire assembly line to come to a halt.

“I hope so, Uncle Mike.” I mumbled, trying to hold back the tears. I couldn't continue to live off the Stemford’s kindness. It was too much of an imposition, and I’d already be hard-pressed to repay their kindness.

Michelle snapped her fingers, causing me and her father to jump, startled. “Say, father, what about that strange man who consults you every now and again? Last time he needed your knowledge of the migration patterns of birds, remember? I swear that you’d mentioned he was looking for someone to help out around his home, it was a while ago, but still!”

“Oh yes…dear me, but surely he’s probably found someone by now…but there’s no risk in calling on him to ask.” Uncle Mike frowned.

“What was his name again? I recall you saying that he was an odd chap with an odd name…” she said, frowning a little.

“Locke. Sir Locke, I believe.”

“Sir?”

“He’s been knighted, or something like that, favors to the King, I think…some sort of policeman chap, I think.” Mr. Stemford waved his hand nonchalantly, then smiled proudly. “Used what I was able to tell him about birds to stop a dangerous criminal.”

“Knighted?” I was impressed, “But surely he doesn’t want someone that’s a mediocre maid, at best, working for him…” While I was a good doctor, let’s be honest, given my track record, I wasn’t very good at being a maid. “Surely he will only want the best, I think, and I’m certainly not that.” I sighed.

“Well, all we can do is ask!” Uncle Mike said cheerfully.

“That’s a good point.” I nodded, sighing a little. “The worst he can say is no.”

“I’ll have Michelle take you by his house tomorrow. I believe it’s on…oh, oh dear…it was an odd name, spelled similarly to his, with the ‘e’ on the end where it usually isn’t…Oh yes, Cooke street! 221 Cooke Street, that’s it! You ought to pop around tomorrow. His housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, is a kind woman, and will let you have a trial, I should think!”

“I don’t know if I can handle another trial that ends in disappointment.” I sighed.

“You’ll find something, I promise!” Michelle said firmly, smiling cheerfully at me.

“I think I’m going to sleep.” I yawned, rubbing my eyes.

“No supper?” Uncle Mike asked, sounding surprised.

“I’m not hungry, but thank you all the same.” I took their leave, and went to the little guest room. There, to my own shame, I cried myself to sleep. I was angry, tired, frustrated, and scared. This couldn't go on much longer. I had to find a job, living on the kindness of my friends was unacceptable.

--

The next day, Michelle woke me up at nine o‘clock, which was much later than I’d been waking up lately.

“Oh my! I meant to get up, and get out there earlier than this!” I leapt from my bed, and threw on my dress.

“Calm down, Joan, you needed a good lie-in! You’ve been working yourself ragged, looking for a job. We’re going to pop around Sir Locke’s house, and see about having an interview this afternoon. My father has already sent ahead a letter saying that we’ll call then. Until then, take some time to relax, you’ve been a ball of nerves and tears these past two weeks! Take a break, or your potential new employer will think you’re too exhausted to be a good maid!”

“That’s…a good point.” I sighed, sitting back down on my bed. I couldn't do my best work if I was exhausted.

“We’re going to have a nice morning, just you and me! How about after breakfast, we go and take a walk by the river? That’s always fun!” Michelle suggested.

“That sounds lovely, Michelle.” I nodded, knowing that she was right, and that I needed a break from the ceaseless job-hunting, as well as a little relaxation.

“Don’t worry about meeting Mrs. Hudson, father says that she’s perfectly lovely!”

“And what about Sir Locke himself?”

“He says that he’s a bit odd, but not a bad person, or anything…just odd.”

“Odd how?”

“He didn’t go into details, and I’ve only met him very briefly.” Michelle shrugged, then headed for the door, “Anyways, breakfast has been ready for some time, so come on downstairs before it gets cold!”

“Alright!” I hopped up from my the bed and followed her.

We ate, talking and laughing together as we did. Then I helped her clean the house until it was lunch time, and then we ate again, changed into our nicest dresses, and went out for a promenade along the river. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and that did a lot to raise my spirits.

Finally, we made our way to 221 Cooke street. It would have been a leisurely walk, out there in the sunshine, but the anxiety in my stomach grew stronger and stronger as we grew closer. When we arrived, my hand shook as I knocked on the door.

A kindly looking elderly woman answered. She reminded me just a bit of Mrs. Wills, the cook from my last job, but on the thinner side, and hopefully less inclined to whacking someone with a wooden spoon when they made an honest mistake.

“Mrs. Hudson?” Michelle asked when I didn’t say anything, and could only give an apprehensive little squeak.

She nodded, smiling warmly. “Yes? Are you perhaps Ms. Watson and Ms. Stemford?”

“I’m Michelle Stemford, and this is Joan Watson.” Michelle introduced us.

Finally, I was able to regain my senses, and speak intelligently once more. I curtsied, remembering my manners, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hudson.”

“Do come in, girls!” The kind old maid stepped to the side to allow us entry.

“Thank you, ma’am!” Michelle said cheerfully, “But I only came to show Joan the way here. I’ll just go on home! See you later, Joan!”

“Oh, alright.” I said, surprised that she was going to leave me there.

My friend mouthed ‘good luck’ to me as she turned and headed off again, smiling.

“Well, do come in!” Mrs. Hudson motioned for me to enter.

I cringed, not wanting to seem like I couldn’t follow directions, and finally hurried into the house. “Yes ma’am!” I stammered, a little nervous.

I walked through a small front hall area. There was a door to the left, which opened into what appeared to be a proper-looking parlor. Directly in front of me, there was a set of stairs, which led to the upper levels of the house. Alongside the stairwell, there was a hallway that I guessed probably led to the servants’ quarters, and directly to my right, there was a door to the kitchen. That’s where Mrs. Hudson led me.

Altogether, it appeared to be a very nice home, perhaps a little dim, but certainly very nice. I nervously looked around at the cozy kitchen I’d stepped into. “W-will I be s-seeing Sir Locke for an interview?”

“Oh no, dear, he’s far too busy to deal with the likes of you and me, I’m afraid.” Mrs. Hudson laughed, “I love the dear boy, but he is dreadfully busy sometimes, so I’ll be the one conducting your interview.” The housekeeper smiled kindly at me.

“Oh, alright!” I immediately relaxed, glad that I wouldn’t have to be questioned by someone knighted by the King. That would have been extremely intimidating. I’d probably have melted into a puddle on the floor, much less been able to speak in coherent sentences.

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Much to my surprise, Mrs. Hudson made me comfortable at the small, round table in the corner of the room, just behind where the door to the front hall opened, and treated me to a very splendid tea.

“So, how do you know Mr. Stemford?” she asked me, once we were settled.

“I grew up knowing him as Uncle Mike, actually. He was in the military with my father, and I’ve known him all my life. He’s been helping me out until I can get back on my feet.”

“Back on your feet?”

“As you know, I’m in between jobs, the last one was as a maid right after I was discharged from my posting in the royal military.”

“A woman in the military?” she sounded shocked.

“Not fighting, thank goodness,” I clarified, “I don’t have the stomach for that, mostly because I’m a fully trained healer.” I paused, then amended, “Actually, I’m a doctor. I did earn the title. I…I ought to use it. I’m entitled to it.” It was perhaps the thing I was most proud of about myself. The privilege to be called doctor was something I’d fought hard for.

“Oh, you’re a doctor?! How splendid! I should be calling you Dr. Watson!” She seemed delighted.

“While I do like the sound of that, Joan is perfectly suitable, Mrs. Hudson.” I laughed, deciding that I liked her, and suddenly feeling very much at ease. “So, what questions do you have for me?”

“Actually, I think that such a qualified young lady as yourself doesn’t even need any questions asked! I think the only one I really have is how an educated woman such as yourself came to be jobless?”

I grimaced, looking away as I admitted, “They fired me because I dropped a soup tureen.” I hesitated, then decided being totally honest was the best course of action, and added, “I mean, I’d done some other clumsy things like that, on accident…but that was the straw that broke the camel’s back, I fear.” I shifted a little uncomfortably, and absentmindedly scratched at my back, thinking about how it had been my back that had been hurt, rather than any camel’s.

“They whip you, lass?” Mrs. Hudson asked in a quiet voice.

I looked down at the cup of tea in my hands, “Yes.” I murmured, feeling my face heat.

“Well, that’s nothing to be ashamed of on your part, dear.” She said in a kind, grandmotherly voice. “They shouldn’t have done that.”

“Well, it was my employer who did it, not the housekeeper, so I shall just steer clear of Sir Locke, and won’t have any trouble like that.”

“Oh, Gabriel, that is, Sir Locke, would never beat you, lass. He may seem like he has a heart of stone, but he’s a very fair employer, I promise.” She sighed, shaking her head.

I was taken aback that she’d called him by his first name, as if he might be her own son. “Well, that does take a bit of pressure off of me.” Despite my surprise at how the housekeeper had such familiarity with her employer, it did comfort me to hear that he was fair, and wouldn't beat me for mistakes.

“I’m sure it does!” Mrs. Hudson smiled at me. It was quiet for a little while as we sipped our tea, and I was a little nervous, as she seemed to be studying me thoughtfully. After a few moments, she spoke in a cheerful voice, “Yes, I think you’ll do well, Dr. Watson, my dear girl. I think that you should start here as soon as you possibly can move your things here.”

My mouth popped open, and I quickly set down my teacup, lest I drop it and break it, like I had the tureen, as my hands were now shaking a little. “Oh! Oh thank you!” I jumped to my feet, and shook her hand, pumping it up and down for probably too long, thanking her profusely before I finally thought to let go. “If I leave now, I can be back here in time to help you with dinner, Mrs. Hudson, if that would suit you?”

“Oh that’s fine, dear, but surely it’ll take you longer than that to get all of your things here?” she sounded truly concerned.

“No ma’am, I have very few things to bring with me, I’m afraid. I don’t take up much room, they didn’t allow us to have many belongings in the military encampment, as there simply wasn’t enough space.” I also had very few belongings because, before I’d started in the government-sponsored medical program, I’d been forced to sell a good many of my belongings in order to have money for food and to have a place to live. Anything worth any amount of value had been sold. The medical program I had joined was government-sponsored, my room and board had been provided for me, which had been a big draw for me, given it meant I wouldn't have to worry about where I’d live and what I would eat. “I suppose I’ll be off! Thank you so much! Do tell Sir Locke thank you from me as well!”

“I reckon that I won’t see him for some time, and I don’t know if he will even remember that I’ve still been looking for some extra help, on his behalf of course, because my knees and back have gotten worse, and I’m planning on taking a very long holiday sometime in the next year or so…but not before you’ve gotten used to our peculiar little schedule around here, of course. Not that it’ll take you very long, I’m sure.”

“Will it be alright that you’ve hired me?” I asked, confused.

“Oh the dear boy will do anything I tell him, as far as taking care of the house goes. I’m all he’s got, aside from his brother, really, and his brother isn’t a very good one, I’m afraid.”

“Well, alright then.” I smiled, heading for the door.

“Just pop back with your things, and I’ll help you get situated, and give you a tour of the house, and a run through of what sort of things you’ll do, it’s all pretty basic stuff!”

“Yes ma’am!” I nodded, bade her farewell, then left in very high spirits.

--

Mr. Stemford and Michelle were overjoyed when I went to collect my things. We had a small glass of celebratory wine, and a quick bite of cake. I hugged them many times, and promised to repay them for their kindness as soon as I could. Of course, they told me countless times that it was no bother, but I really was indebted to them.

“Well, I must be off, I told Mrs. Hudson that I would be back in time to help her with dinner, so I really must be going!”

“Do behave yourself, Joan!” Michelle laughed, hugging me.

“I’ll certainly try!” I assured her.

“Take care, Joan, dear lass, and if you need anything don’t hesitate to stop by, we’re always here for you, and you’re always welcome in our home! And do come visit occasionally, we’ll be terribly lonely without you now, I should think!” Uncle Mike told me, hugging me as well.

“Bye!” I left, and took a deep breath as I rather jumped down the stairs, filled with a new sense of opportunity, excited about getting the chance to start anew.

I walked quickly, clutching my small bag of things, happy.

Unfortunately, I had to pass through a rather unsavory part of town before I could get to the other respectable section of town, where Cooke Street was located.

A rather sullen group of men leered dangerously at me from an alley. I quickened my pace as best as I could, my happy feeling suddenly fading. This excitement would be pointless if I died before I even got back to Mrs. Hudson.

One of them catcalled at me, as they exited the alley in a group, congregating behind me as I hurried by.

Given my leg, running wasn’t exactly my best option. And I didn’t want to have to use my magic to protect myself, but I would if I had to…but only if it was absolutely, positively necessary, and there was no other way out of the situation.

Suddenly, a stooping, wizened priest appeared by my side, as if from nowhere. “Oh dear lass, I was just wondering when you would be stopping by!” The elderly man linked his arm through my own, as if we were old friends.

I was about to protest to this stranger that he ought to let me go, the group of frightening men following behind me hanging heavily in my mind, when I saw the flash of intelligent eyes. They didn’t quite fit the picture of senility that the priest presented, and realized that the old man wasn’t quite so dottering as I’d assumed. In fact, he was probably saving me a lot of trouble, and perhaps even my life. “Do come inside!” he pulled me into some random building, and I realized that it was the smallest, most unkempt temple that I’d ever seen.

The old priest paused, glanced out the door, and then shut it behind us, saying, “Now, I believe the present danger has passed. The streets are not as safe as they used to be, I’m afraid.”

“I can’t thank you enough, sir…But pray, how did you know that I was in trouble?”

“It took no great genius to see the situation.” the old man told me, “Now be off, and be sure to hurry, it’s getting late!”

“Yes sir.” I nodded, “I really can’t thank you enough.”

“It’s quite alright.” He nodded, and shooed me from the temple.

I glanced around outside as I left, and then basically ran, ignoring the pain in my leg, all the way to Cooke Street, arriving there rather out of breath.

“Oh dear, why are you so aflutter?” Mrs. Hudson asked when she answered the door and admitted me.

“I…it was getting late, later than I intended. The streets aren’t always so safe.” I told her. This was the truth, but I didn’t get into details. “I’m later than I meant to be, please forgive me!”

“Oh it’s no matter, we didn’t agree on a specific time! Dinner won’t be for another two hours or so, I should think, as we’re used to eating fairly late, so there’s plenty of time for me to show you everything I wanted to show you! Follow me, Joan.”

“Where are we headed, Mrs. Hudson?” I was incredibly comfortable around her, I found, which was a nice realization.

“Your room, dear.” She led me up the stairs, and stopped on the second floor, outside a door to what was undoubtedly a bedroom. She opened it, and walked in, motioning around, “Here we are.”

“Oh this is lovely!” I gasped, surprised that such a room would be mine. “This surely isn’t any servants’ quarters, Mrs. Hudson, are you…are you sure it’s okay for me to stay here?!”

“It’s perfectly alright! Normally this would be the master bedroom, I daresay, but Sir Locke converted the upstairs room into a rather nice combination of a bedroom and study. That’s where he prefers to stay…Anyways, this can be yours, I can’t do the stairs too much anymore, and I’m comfortable in the quarters that I have downstairs. Dear Gabriel had them converted from a very basic set of servants quarters to quite a comfortable little apartment for myself, connected right to the kitchen…He’s a strange character, no doubt, but he’s fond of me.”

“I’ll take your word for it, ma’am.” I smiled. That was encouraging, that he had done so much to make sure his housekeeper was comfortable.

She laughed, and then we went back downstairs, with a little help from me on Mrs. Hudson’s part, as her knees were indeed bad. Once back in the kitchen, the kind old housekeeper then outlined my duties and pay. My duties consisted entirely of things that I’d already done before, save for taking meals to my employer at set times, and my pay was a very fair wage for a housemaid, especially since I would have room and board provided. Given that I’d live on-site, I’d be able to save a good deal of my pay, which would be a very nice change of pace!

Finally, I helped the kindly housekeeper prepare the evening meal.

“There’s no one but you and me for dinner tonight, I’m afraid. Sir Locke is out doing work all day, and won’t be back until the early morning hours, I’m afraid.”

“Oh, alright. Dinner for two, that’s cozy enough.” I smiled.

It didn’t take much work to do dinner, but it was good food, and Mrs. Hudson told me some of Sir Locke’s favorite recipes, all of which sounded entirely exotic, oddly enough.

“Is Sir Locke not from Averah?”

“I don’t think so, no, but he’s not a very talkative person.” Mrs. Hudson laughs.

“I see.”

That night, I retired to my new room, marveling at the fact that I even had my own lovely little washroom. I bathed in the enormous bathtub, and then tried out the bed, which was also enormous, and incredibly soft. It was a four-poster bed made of dark wood, and the covers were a creamy, unblemished white. Sighing contentedly, I slipped under the covers, and fell asleep almost immediately.