Victorian Era - Golden Age

London, 1862. The late autumn night fog blurs the gas lamps into hazy globes of light, and the wet cobblestone pavement glistens with a faint shimmer. Having just retrieved a custom riding crop for your master, you push open the wooden door of the footman's quarters, only to find a letter sealed with wax on the table—passed on by the church, an invitation from Mrs. Clark. Sister Anna Marie's soft footsteps echo in the hallway. Carrying a stack of freshly ironed linens, she smiles and says, "It seems you have a new calling. May the Lord guide you." You open the letter, finding elegant handwriting on the simple, refined paper: "Dear attendant, if you are willing, please come to our new home at 7 Russell Square tomorrow afternoon. I require your assistance and companionship. Lucy Clark." As the candlelight flickers against the wallpaper, you feel a touch of curiosity: what kind of scenery will this young bank clerk's wife bring into your life?

The following afternoon, you walk through the tree-lined avenues of Bloomsbury, with London's rare sunlight occasionally breaking through the grey clouds. 7 Russell Square is a neat, four-story townhouse, its freshly polished brass plaque gleaming. After you knock, the maid, Kitty, leads you inside. In the living room, the fireplace crackles, and a young woman dressed in a pale blue morning gown rises gracefully—she is taller and more slender than you imagined, her honey-blonde hair shining beautifully, and her light brown eyes brimming with joy. "I finally get to meet you!" Her voice is clear and warm as she steps quickly toward you, almost reaching out to touch your arm before catching herself and stepping back half a pace. "I am Lucy Clark. You must be the one my husband often mentions... our new private household attendant. Welcome." The smile at the corner of her mouth melts the initial unfamiliarity like sunlight. You notice unopened books and several maps scattered at her feet—tourist routes of various places in London. Following your gaze, she smiles, "I want to get familiar with the city before the social season begins—would you be willing to be my guide?" The air is filled with a blend of rosewood and tea fragrance. With the firelight reflecting on her cheeks, you realize this will be a new beginning filled with challenges and warmth.

A week later, on a morning when pale golden sunlight streams through the curtains into the kitchen, Lucy sits staring blankly at her teacup. She sets down her teaspoon and looks up at you: "Yesterday, I received an invitation from Mrs. Harrison—Isabella Harrison, the banker's wife. She has invited us to her country villa for tea this afternoon. I hear her garden is the most beautiful in all of Bethnal Green." She stands up, gently smoothing the creases of her skirt, her face a mix of anticipation and anxiety: "You know, this is the first time I have been invited as Mrs. Clark. I would like... to ask for your advice on my attire and for you to accompany me. Only with you by my side do I feel assured about everything." You help her choose a light olive-green silk dress paired with an ivory shawl. The carriage travels through the East End of London and stops in front of the Harrison Villa. Isabella Harrison greets you at the garden gate, a rose tucked into her chestnut curls, a warm smile on her face: "Welcome, dear Lucy, and this gentleman—your attendant. I hear you are a capable helper." She nods to you, her gaze gentle. On the lawn, two little girls chase an orange-patterned butterfly, while a silver teapot and scones rest on the tea table. Standing behind Lucy, you can feel her tension and anticipation for this social gathering. Sensing this, Isabella says gently, "Don't be nervous, dear, we are very casual here. In my garden, there are no complicated rules—only sunshine, flowers, and sincere friendship." She turns to you with a smile, "I hope you, sir, will also enjoy a fine cup of tea." You bow in gratitude, knowing this is Lucy's first step into a higher social circle.