Chapter 2 — The Housekeeper Knew Her Face

Mrs DoyleLet me see that ring.

ClaraMrs Doyle, I don't want any trouble —

Mrs DoyleChild, give me the ring.

Mrs Doyle took it over to the kitchen window and turned it under the light.

Mrs DoyleThere's an inscription inside. Do you know what it says?

ClaraI can't read it. It's worn away.

Mrs DoyleIt says E.M. — 1994.

ClaraMy mother's name was Elena Marchetti.

Mrs Doyle put the ring down on the counter and sat on a stool and did not say anything for a while.

ClaraMrs Doyle?

Mrs DoyleHow old are you?

ClaraThirty-one.

Mrs DoyleBorn in what month?

ClaraMarch.

Mrs DoyleMarch of ninety-five.

ClaraHow did you know that?

Mrs DoyleBecause your mother left this house in September of ninety-four and I packed her things.

ClaraShe never told me she worked here. I found the ring in her deposit box after she died.

Mrs DoyleWhat did she tell you?

ClaraThat she cleaned houses on the north shore. That's all she'd ever say about any of it.

Mrs DoyleAnd you came to work at an agency that staffs this house.

ClaraI didn't know. I swear to you I didn't know. I've been on the roster eleven months.

Mrs DoyleEleven months, and Mrs Ashford has had it in for you since the first week.

ClaraShe has.

Mrs DoyleDo you know why?

ClaraBecause I'm slow with the trays.

Mrs DoyleNo, child.

Mrs Doyle turned Clara toward the window and looked at her properly, in the light.

Mrs DoyleBecause you have his jaw. And she's been looking at it across her own dining room for eleven months.