Chapter 6

After returning from the employment agency, I secluded myself in the kitchen and learned a secret recipe from Mr. Bob, which became our dinner.

It consisted of my favorite fried shrimp with rice, pumpkin soup, and onion salad.

Then, at the table, I revealed to everyone that I might have found a job.

"– Really, have you already found a job?"

Eliza stopped her hand as she was about to drink the pumpkin soup, her face showing genuine surprise.

"Yes.

Apparently, being a former noble is a low evaluation, and the director said there were hardly any places to introduce me to, and I almost gave up. But by chance, there was a mansion that was short of staff, and they said it didn't matter whether you were a former noble or a commoner as long as you met the conditions."

"Cecilia, could it be that you're becoming a mistress out of desperation –"

"Jones, stay away from the mistress candidates. It seems that kind of thing is almost non-existent now.

Moreover, some people say that if they don't have to work, being a mistress is fine, and there is demand for that."

I dipped the fried shrimp in the tartar sauce and took a bite.

Bob's tartar sauce is truly exquisite, I couldn't help but smile as I shared the information I had gathered today.

"What! The situation has changed quite a bit from my younger days... However, can noble women really speak about such things without shame?"

For Jones, who is in his fifties, it seems hard to believe. Bob, who is of the same generation, also looks troubled.

"There are very few young women like me who are about to get married, but older ladies... well..."

A noblewoman who has never worked suddenly becoming a commoner is quite a shock.

Even working full-time, one can't afford a new dress with a month's salary. Just living is a struggle.

One ends up taking orders from the very servants they used to look down upon.

I think it would be quite stressful both mentally and financially.

I happen to know about the ordinary life of commoners from my previous life, and dual-income households were common.

"If you don't have money, it's natural to work to support yourself."

Moreover, honestly, even if I became a commoner,

"Then I'll work to eat."

I think it's quite normal. I have no sense of pride that would prevent me from working.

Our family was not a wealthy noble, so my father worked diligently to manage the estate and increase our income, and my mother helped. The contrast with a life of ease is stark.

However, I can't simply blame former noblewomen.

"Working outside or managing the estate is the husband's job.

A wife's job is to bear and raise children, and to manage the household.

Socializing at home parties and entertaining guests with new dresses is also part of the job."

This is the norm in the noble world.

The fundamental way of life is different, so it would be bewildering to suddenly become a commoner.

It's like telling an Indian person that they will become American from tomorrow.

It's understandable to want to live a life similar to before, even if it means becoming a mistress.

I can't do it, but I understand.

"So, what kind of job has Cecilia been introduced to?"

Eliza looked at me with concern.

"It's a nanny position at the Grosroad Marquess's household. Apparently, they want me to help with maid duties when they are short-handed, but my main job will be taking care of the Marquess's 7-year-old niece, Sarah."

"…A nanny…?"

"According to the director, the Marquess adopted his sister's daughter. His sister passed away from illness.

The Marquess is much older and has also passed away, and his parents are elderly and in poor health, so it was difficult for them to take care of her. The Marquess, who is still unmarried, decided to take her in.

However, Sarah is quite frail.

The Marquess is often away on business, and the existing maids are mostly elderly, so it's too much to ask them to be with her all the time. That's why they want a young, healthy woman to be a dedicated nanny."

"Oh, how pitiful… To lose her mother at such a young age…"

Eliza's eyes welled up with tears.

"Yes…."

However, there is something I can't tell everyone.

The child is quite spoiled and causes a lot of trouble, and no one has been able to stay. I am the fifth person, after the fourth, a red-haired lady, left.

They will definitely worry.

But this is the only place that will hire a former noble at the moment.

I will definitely succeed, and I won't give up on my dream of opening a shop.

Children are naturally a bit spoiled.

She is weak and has no reliable mother, so she must be very anxious. Even though she has family, they are her uncle. She is at an age where she wants to be close to her mother.

Sana was a well-behaved child who didn't make many demands, but I have some experience with girls her age. I can manage, right?

"In that case, it seems like a good first job for Cecilia. At least you won't be overworked from morning till night…"

Jones sounded somewhat relieved.

Yes, I can't make them worry.

They might also have to struggle in their new jobs, so I need to leave with a positive attitude.

"They want me to start next week.

Next week is only three days away. I need to learn cooking from Bob and housekeeping tips from Eliza before then.

It will be quite busy, but please help me."

"Leave it to me! I'll also teach you how to clean windows quickly and efficiently. Please work without overexerting yourself."

"Thank you. My health is still not at the level where I can work vigorously.

And Jones, can you handle the house transfer procedures starting next week?

The Marquess's house is about a two-hour carriage ride from here, so I might not be able to take time off or return easily…"

"Of course. Don't worry, Cecilia."

From tonight until the last night, I will sleep in my parents' bedroom. Next week, I will say goodbye to the mansion where I have lived for a long time, and to the servants who are like family.

Father, Mother.

Please pray that I can work hard and for a long time.