It’s become something of an annual tradition for us to post a summertime selection of entries we loved on other blogs. So we’re pleased to present the first of this year’s selection – further entries will follow throughout the coming week interspersed with our own posts.
We start with an absolute gem from Graham’s “The S Word”, in which she fantasised whilst washing her clothes by hand:
When you’re on your knees with your forearms submerged and scrubbing, it’s not hard to pretend you’re a laundress in my favorite time period — The Past! These clothes aren’t my own, but the garments of the wealthy family I serve. I’ll be held to account for every stain, every smudge and tear, so it’s important I show the utmost diligence and care in my task.
Leaving the clothes out to get drenched in a thunderstorm would have dire consequences:
The head housekeeper was most displeased and reported the girl’s misdeed to the lord and lady immediately. The master of the house wasn’t inclined to trouble himself over such trifles as clothes, but his wife was furious. That was a great inconvenience to the lord. He assured her the offending lass would be swiftly and memorably chastened.
First, he’d summon the stable-boy, to fetch his riding crop. Then he’d call for the girl.
“How many articles were drenched, Anna?” He’d casually ask the housekeeper.
“About thirty, sir.”
“Thirty strokes it is, then.”
Afterwards, instead of seeking solace in her lonely attic, the red-eyed servant would find herself back on her knees, re-washing each piece and trying to ignore the burning welts…
Aw, thanks for the shout-out guys! It just so happens that I did laundry earlier today… sans thunderstorms and whippings, alas.