Mistress Gertrude Bridgewater, Mistress of the Bedchamber, Sandra Howard
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Gertrude Bridgewater, though not a historical person, is based on research of people of similar class in Tudor England. Gertrude was born in 1527, daughter to Constance Dale, seamstress to Lady Elizabeth Williams, mother of Marjorie, now Lady Norris. She grew up in service to the Williams household, and thus has been devoted to Lady Norris since the latter's birth. Gertrude is a widow with 2 grown children. Her son Thomas is in military service, while her daughter Rose is in service to a good family (chosen by Lord Norris), and is betrothed to a printer's apprentice.
I am the oldest and most senior of the female servants of the Norris household, having been in service to Lady Norris since her birth. I have a maternal care for her, and a tendency to forget, at times, that she is now the lady of a great house and not the young girl in need of constant fussing and attention, and occasional scolding. My chief concern is that her household run as smoothly and properly as possible. I keep an eye on all the other servants, being known as something of a busybody, and I have no patience with those who are inattentive to their duties or who show insufficient pride at being part of this great household. I also know how to keep my ears open for any gossip or intelligence that may serve my lady and her lord well, either in their own household or in their service to Her Majesty. I have a love of both music and dance, and occasionally regret that I am not able to enjoy them more often. |
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