The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

Margaret Macy has lived a life of privilege, but when her stepfather realizes that her mother's estate was not as padded as he expected he turns his eye to Margaret.  She is to inherit a great sum of money on her next birthday.  If he could but get his hands on that money all his financial woes would disappear.  Her stepfather is ruthless, even going so far as to suggest that his chosen 'fiance' rape Margaret in order to secure her cooperation.  The plan is overheard by Margaret and fearing for her safety she dons a disguise and flees with a recently dismissed maid.

What Margaret sees next is a real eye opener to the disparity between classes as she follows her former maid Joan into the slums and relative safety until she can figure out what to do next.  Eventually she ends up being hired as a maid for an estate owned by the Upchurches.  Both of the Upchurch brother Nathaniel and Lewis were former suitors, although it is only Nathaniel whose heart Margaret broke.  Now she must fumble along and learn the meaning of work as she tries to be a maid all the while hiding herself as best she can from the Upchurches.

Margaret has quite the task remaining hidden from Nathaniel and Lewis, but also from their sister Helen.  Everyone knows women are more discerning than men!  Margaret wants to reveal herself to Lewis at first since she feels that he may be her best chance for compassion, yet fear holds her back.  Overtime she realizes that Nathaniel is the man of character, not his playboy brother Lewis.  But can Nathaniel ever forgive her for the cold way that she ended their courtship?

It was entertaining to watch Margaret learn to do all the things that she would have had done for her in the past without any appreciation; such things as dumping the excrement from chamber pots!  She learns humility quickly.  I enjoyed learning about all the tasks that the household staff would take care of for their wealthy employers.  I never knew the extent of what their service would be. 

If Margaret can make it to her birthday and her inheritance unscathed, will she be a different person?  Will she respect those that serve her?  Will she find true love once news of her inheritance become well known?

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".