III.
I Serve Dinner
ose found himself again in the firm grip of his nurse. She led him into the dining room and away from the supervision of his lady mistress. He was brought into the pantry and quickly outfitted with a black slip, black serving dress, lace apron and a cap for his hair.
Surveying the result, Sally shook her head with dissatisfaction. She removed the slip and dress and apron. From a closet she removed some padded silken forms. These were strapped tightly to his shoulders and waist, adding a more feminine shape to his thighs, breasts and buttocks. In this upholstery Rose was indeed a proper woman prepared to assume the black dress, the slip and the elegant apron of a serving maid.
Now Sally was pleased with me and declared that I would do.
Then she assumed a different attitude, one of professional instruction between familiars.
She instructed me to remove all chairs from the table, except that of my lady, and to set a proper table with napkins, a soup plate, knives, forks, spoons, and glasses. I curtseyed, holding my skirt, then turned and exited through the pantry. Smoothing my apron, I felt the full breadth of my midsection. My uniform was of purest silk and I was most happy.
I had concluded that my nurse hated the male sex, regarding the entire gender as unmanageable and awkward. Therefore, I determined that in her presence I would be as girlish as I could. When dressed in male attire, I would assume a particular reverence and childlike love. I knew that my masculinity was simply a masquerade. It was also clear to me that, unlike the nurse, my mistress enjoyed my role as both son and daughter.
With these thoughts in mind, I reported to the cook, Ellen, a large, red-faced Irish woman with a hot temper and a big voice to match. I would have to cultivate her friendship in my role as daughter of the house. She looked me over, arms akimbo.
I smiled and curtseyed before her, ready for instruction.
"Well, child, I shall have to teach you much, for I see that you are ignorant of domestic service. Nurse Sally is out there waiting for her soup. She's very particular about manners, so carry this bowl of chicken soup in both hands on the serving plate. Approach her from the left. Take the bowl in your left hand and very carefully place it before her. Then step back and wait till she has finished drinking."
"When she has finished, approach, always from the left, and indicate that you are ready to serve. You do not speak out loud because you must assume that there are guests and conversation must not be interrupted."
"When she signals, you may remove the bowl, which you will return to me. Do you understand, child?"
"Yes, Miss Ellen, I understand and thank you for teaching me."
"Well then, go. What is your name, child?"
"My name is Rose, Miss Ellen."
"Very good, now go."
I genuflected and turned carefully, walking on my high heels through the pantry door. I breathed a little prayer that all would go well and proceeded to serve my nurse Sally.
Sally indicated her approval, confident that the cook was watching. I stepped back and waited while Nurse sipped from the spoon, taking delicate bits of bread and butter. She was in no hurry.
When at last she was finished, I carefully approached as directed, took the bowl in my left hand, and departed from the room.
I looked imploringly at Miss Ellen for approval. She was noncommittal and indicated that I should place the bowl in a pan of soapy water in the pantry. I did so and followed her into the kitchen.
"Good enough, child. Now the meat course. You will first place this empty plate before Miss Sally. Then return with the meat platter and hold it firmly with both hands so that she may serve herself with this fork."
I accomplished this task and returned to the cook for the potatoes, and in another trip, brought the string beans, which I returned to the side board. These dishes I now covered. I returned to my nurse and attended while she ate most delicately.
When all was eaten, I offered the meat for a second helping, which she refused. I then proffered the steaming vegetables which were also refused.
I returned to cook with the platters, then served dessert and coffee.
Having completed this lesson in service, I returned to my nurse and awaited further instructions. I was enjoying the slow ritual and dance-like movements of serving at table. I intended to learn my lessons well.
"Well, little Rose, I am pleased with your first lesson. You will need further experience because your mistress does considerable entertaining. Your movements from guest to guest must go unnoticed. Remember that you are only a servant and part of the furniture: Lovely, yet deferential."
"Now, let me look at you. Smooth out your apron. Come here, I must adjust your cap. Just wait till we can make you pretty with cosmetics and remove the veil."
"Well now, you may hold my chair when I rise from the table and then return to my lady to announce that dinner is served. Meanwhile, remove the napkin, replace glasses and utensils, and report to the cook."
Back in the kitchen, Miss Ellen said: "Now, my child you must stand at attention beside my lady's chair and assist her in sitting at the table. You only touch the chair." Then she dispatched me to the parlor where my Lady awaited.
"Dinner is served, Madame," I announced in a subdued voice, and escorted my lady to the dining room.
I went to my Lady's chair and there stood smiling, ready to serve. My Lady indicated her pleasure in my appearance, allowed me to seat her. She put her napkin in her lap and sipped water.
Noting that I was dismissed, I made a dainty genuflection and hastened to Cook.
"Now my child, your mistress will assume that you are tested and competent. She will ignore you as a menial and accept your services as expected. Do not be nervous. Delight in this glorious service. I think we shall get along if you are always careful for your lady's contentment. Now, bring the soup."
I made my reverence toward this great artist and proceeded to serve the soup. All went well and I was filled with joy. My lady seemed to enjoy her dinner and I emulated the patient furniture in my service. She accepted my service without comment and retired to the living room and her seat at the couch.
While she was absorbed in her book, I removed the eating utensils and returned the table to its former emptiness. Cook dismissed me and I put out the lights in the dining room. Taking up attendance on my lady, I stood behind the door in the shadows.
I do not know how long I will be occupied. My only hope is that I will always give Madame pleasure.
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