Liz Orwin

The Maid's Tale - Johanne Liz Orwin

My name is Johanne. I am a maid in the household of an impoverished merchant, deep within the city of London. Each day, I lay fires, chop vegetables, sweep, clean and perform any number of tasks under the watchful eye of an old cook. I also endure the spite of another maid and my new mistress alike, as well as the poisonous suspicions of the mistress's crone. But this is not my life. I am no maid. I was not born into drudgery and hardship. I am cousin to our handsome king, Edward IV, and the daughter of an earl, albeit a treacherous one. Yet, despite my noble birth, I have no power or voice. There is a man I wish to marry and, indeed, who wishes to wed me but we are wrenched apart by greed. Until I agree to give him up and, in doing so, relinquish my inheritance to one who cares not for my welfare, I shall remain hidden away in this place. I am lost and alone, friendless, penniless and forced to toil for my bread. This is how my captor thinks he will secure my agreement and I am at the mercy of of cut-throats and nobles alike. Somehow, I must find the strength to survive in this wretched corner of the world. Yet wilfulness still lurks within my weary form. Driven by this flaw, I try to avoid the attentions of an embittered man-servant, defy the brute who brought me here and endure another day. Such determination keeps thoughts of my beloved dark-haired duke alive. I pray he still thinks of me, learns I am gone and perhaps, even searches for me. He is my only hope in a world of filth and corruption and I shall not give him up.