[Content warning: Reference to child marriage]

Rose took a deep breath before entering the drawing room. She carried a tray of tea, which she set down next to Mr. Meijer. Usually, she would retreat as quickly as possible, afraid that she might irritate him and cause him to yell at her again. Rose had been particularly tense since Mr. Meijer had caught her sister in the kitchen. She had tried everything in her power to get back on his good side - or rather, just get on his good side, since she didn't believe she had ever been there in the first place. This mostly involved staying out of Mr. Meijer's way as much as possible. 

But this evening, she folded her sweaty hands in front of her skirt and nervously said: "Erm, pardon me, Mr. Meijer, but I have a request..."