The stonemasons had originally contracted a completion date of mid- June for the renovation of Ventrue Mansion. Leaving nothing to chance, Major-General Montague McCody had employed an aide to deliver
an inquiry to be posted at the "Registry of the Metropolitan Association for Befriending Public Servants and Young Domestics," in nearby Woodchester Village. Unbeknownst to Lord McCody, this registry carried a reputation as a means to obtain prostitutes, low ranking individuals, individuals of questionable and immoral
character, as well as reputable domestic help.
As is often the circumstance with Monty's role in Her Majesty Victoria's Army, he had been called away to perform clandestine activities before the project's completion, and had given his full permission to his wife, Lady Aidan, to carry out the interviewing and hiring of domestics. In his absence and without Monty's knowledge, his wife had been informed by the local constable of the misgivings and desertions at the mansion. However, unbeknownst to Lady Aidan, the initial advertisement still hangs at the Registry. And so, it appears as the following, in its entirety:
Wanted --- In a Gentleman's Family, a short distance from Woodchester Village, an assortment of good domestic servants, staff, and entourage to fill newly-created posts. Thoroughly respectable, steady individuals, of religious character, desired. Must be willing to make themselves generally useful. Apply for personal interview and supply references to Lord Montague McCody, Ventrue Mansion, Cotswold Valley.
Land Steward – to manage the estate and male servants – preferably a son of a minister
Valet – care for the gentleman's clothing and accompany on occasional travels
Butler – care for the wine cellar, silver and gold plate, china, and crystal
Running Footman – escort the lady of the house on paid calls, and run letters to and fro. Must be handsome and in possession of a formidable physique
Housekeeper – keep keys to the storage closets, supervise maids and cooks, run the household, and order food and supplies
Personal Maid – dress the lady of the house, tend to her clothing and jewelry, serve as confidant and companion, with a predilection toward the exotic. Preferably French
Cook and Parlour Maid – preferably trained by a male chef – stern and tyrannical – dictator of the kitchen – Maid-of-all-work – sweep, dust, polish, clean, wash, fetch, and carry
Scullery and Chamber Maid – scrub pots and pans, and tend coals for fires and hot water for baths
Gardener / Gamekeeper / Groom
Vicar
Doctor
Constable
