Madison

Welcome Masters and Goodwives, Here at Elsinore Castle, I serve as a maid to Queen Gertrude of Denmark. I perform chores and tasks, anything the Queen desires, but most importantly I am one of her closest confidants. Especially of late there has been much to discuss, with King Hamlet dying, and Gertrude remarrying his brother Claudius. Besides listening and advising the queen, I absolutely love looking after her beautiful gowns, they are so extravagant. Of course, she provides me with maid clothing as well. I always wear my shift, a light linen garment, underneath long dresses. I wear a corset, or a tight structured bodice with puffy sleeves on top, and a large supported skirt. If I'm working in the kitchen or garden I'll wear an apron on top of my skirt to protect it. Working and living in the Queen's quarters leaves my very little spare time, however if I do get a chance I'll play a game of cards or backgammon with some of the other maids around the castle. The Queen often attends the theatre, and if I am lucky enough she brings me along. The Queen's quarters are quite lavish and most of my time is spent there tending to her needs, however there is a small maid's quarters down the hall. A group of us share a room with small beds and thin linens, but I don't mind very much. I keep my few possessions tucked under my bed, some letters from my mother, and my clothing. After helping to prepare meals for the Queen, the maids and servants are sometimes asked to join the family at dinner, but more often eat after the royal family has been looked after. We usually have bread, beans, wild greens, nuts and berries always on hand. My favourite is fresh wild game, goose or pig with red wine. Queen Gertrude attended one of the most revered boarding schools in the area when she was a young girl, and had tutors throughout her childhood. My family, in their peasant state were happy to have me working at the castle; there were no funds for my education. My days are long and hard here, cleaning and preparing from sun up to sun down, but the Queen keeps it interesting. Sincerely, Mildred