Victoria glides into view, surrounded by a cluster of equally well-dressed women, their laughter echoing through the high-ceiling corridor.
"As I was saying, finding quality help these days is nearly impossible." Victoria's voice carries the practiced cadence of someone who has never needed to be concerned about being overheard by those she discusses. "Reynolds is acceptable, I suppose, though I had to speak to her about appropriate workplace boundaries when she brought that daughter around."
One of the women notices Elsa, nudging Victoria with a discreet elbow. Victoria's gaze falls on Elsa with the casual dismissiveness of someone regarding furniture.
"Speaking of which," Victoria continues without lowering her voice. "This is what happens when the help breeds more help, though I suppose we should be grateful for the sustainability of the service class."
The women titter with polite laughter as Elsa stands frozen, face burning.
From a nearby room, the opening notes of Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major drift through the air. The housekeeper's son, practicing for his upcoming recital. The beauty of the music strikes Elsa so profoundly that her grip on the linens loosens, sending freshly pressed sheets cascading to the floor.
Victoria's smile vanishes. "For goodness sake, girl, pick those up immediately." Her eyes narrow as she notices Elsa's expression. "Some things aren't meant for people like you to enjoy. Music appreciation requires cultivation and breeding, neither of which are acquired in the laundry room."
As Elsa kneels to gather the fallen linens, Victoria turns to her friends. "This is exactly what I mean. No sense of propriety or place."
The women move on, leaving Elsa alone in the hallway. Close up on Elsa's hands as she collects the sheets: despite the roughened skin from years of work, her fingers are long, elegant, with the unmistakable dexterity of a pianist's hands.
The Harrington mansion bustles with activity as preparations for the annual charity gala begin. Staff move efficiently through rooms, transforming the already impressive home into something from a fairy tale.
At the center of the storm stands Victoria, clipboard in hand, directing the placement of every flower arrangement and crystal glass with military precision.
"The competition is the highlight of this year's gala," Victoria explains to the event coordinator. "The Harrington Musical Scholarship will establish our family's commitment to nurturing cultural excellence." Her smile doesn't reach her eyes. "And naturally, it will showcase Sebastian's extraordinary talent to the foundation board members."