At Exeter they would visit some good agency in search of a lady's maid.
Annesley said that she did not need a woman to wait on her, since she had
been accustomed not only to taking care of herself but Mrs. Ellsworth.
Knight, however, insisted that his wife must be looked after by a
competent woman. It was "the right thing"; but his idea was that, in the
circumstances, it would be pleasanter to have a country girl than a
sharp, London-bred woman or a Parisienne.
In Exeter an ideal person was obtainable: a Devonshire girl who had been
trained to a maid's duties (as the agent boasted) by a "lady of title."
She had accompanied "the Marchioness" to France, and had had lessons in
Cannes from a hair dresser, masseuse, and manicurist. Now her mistress
was dead, and Parker was in search of another place.
She was a gentle, sweet-looking girl, and though she asked for wages
higher than Mrs. Ellsworth had paid her companion, Knight pronounced them
reasonable. She was directed to go by train to the Knowle Hotel at
Sidmouth (where a suite had been engaged by telegram for Mr. and Mrs.
Nelson Smith and maid) and to have all the luggage unpacked before their
arrival.
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