The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1600

Although the apartment was rarely bustling with guests, it boasted a few washer-dryer combos and a sophisticated vacuum-mop hybrid machine. Yet, Serena hadn't the slightest clue how to operate any of them.

Her worn clothes were simply tossed into the hamper, unwashed; the floors remained unswept and unmopped. Betty, upon entering the room, noticed strands of hair littering the floor, and the trash bin brimming to the top. It was once a time when Serena's quarters were cleaned twice daily, kept spotless and orderly.

It was beyond belief that Mr. And Mrs. Collins hadn't arranged even a single maid to tidy up for Serena. Now, with Serena under the weather, her laundry was piling up - she'd have nothing to wear by tomorrow!

"Ms. Serena, let me wash these clothes for you."

Some of Serena's garments were quite expensive, and hand-washing them could be gentler than the rough tumble of the machine.

A shadow passed over Serena's eyes, but she feigned resilience, "It’s okay. I'll wash them once I'm better."

"You're sick; you need to rest up. It's almost New Year after all. Your health's the priority."

With efficient grace, Betty laundered the clothes and hung them to dry on the balcony. To avoid disturbing Serena, she opted out of using the vacuum-mop and instead, swept the floors clean with a broom before mopping them with a steam mop - Serena had a fear of the germs in a conventional mop.

Watching Betty bustling about, Serena realized the value in winning over such a diligent maid, if only to ease her own burdens.

Betty also meticulously wiped down every surface in the room with a cloth. It wasn't until Dr. Osmond called that she descended the stairs to receive him.

Though Dr. Osmond found it odd that Serena was staying in the guesthouse and even more peculiar that her parents weren’t there with the ailing girl, he never pried into the affairs of the wealthy.