![]() ![]() I gasped and thought am I really having this experience with a complete stranger. “Good ….then first of all Joanna we need to get you fixed up with some suitable clothes for cleaning duties…would you please undressed and put your clothes in a neat pile on the desk while I go and get you something for you to wear”. “Good.I think you will be a very suitable candidate for the job and I think you will find my terms very generous.would you be happy to take take the position….I heard myself mutter “Yes please Mistress” ‘I would like you to call me Mistress at all times….is that clear.” I nodded more in curiosity than understanding. ”Good.you see all my working life as a Headmistress I have instilled the principle of discipline and correction in all my work….do you understand what I mean” at this point I had half a mind to leave the room but there was something compelling about this mysterious lady. ‘Well John.if you don’t mind I’m going to call you Joanna while you are in my employment.do you mind if I call you Joanna” ![]() I thought this was some sort of joke and just smiled and nodded in acceptance …. “Good.but there is one thing.I would want to call you by girls name.would you be you happy with that”. ![]() “No I’m quite happy to wear whatever you provide” “Well John I should explain I was really looking for a young lady for the post of cleaner but I am willing to give you trial if you don’t mind wearing a uniform….” She caught my eye and for a brief moment I felt slightly embarrassed. “I look back on time as a headmistress with great pride” She turned around to look at the at the photographs “My name is Miss Osbourne….and as you may gathered from the photographs on the wall I am a retired Headmistress.” ![]() A sturdy wooden desk took central position with a large wooden wardrobe standing in the corner. The walls of the small were covered with framed photographs of school groups. I followed the slim figure along the hall way into a side room which looked like a traditional school study I followed her in…. “You must have come about the cleaning ease come in…” A voice echoed from the darkness of a long hallway. no response….I press the door bell again still no response.but just as I turning to go away the door opened. I climbed up the steps to an imposing black painted front door The trip to the address was uneventful, it was a grey October evening and the address was just two stops away on the underground. ”Would you have time come for an interview this evening and perhaps if you are happy with my terms you can start straight away”….I agreed and the arrangement was made to see her that evening. ….I explained that as a student I was looking for some part time work. I responded in a flurry of words saying that I was interested in the advertised position of cleaner. The number rang for or what seemed a lifetime and then a crystal clear female voice answered the phone. I hesitated but thought I needed a bit of pin money so I will give it go. Later that evening I found the piece of crumpled paper with the telephone number on …. so I out of interest I took down the telephone number. Several days passed and I noticed the advert was still in the window…. My story starts many years ago when as student in my twenties I lived in London….on my way home from college one day I passed a local corner shop when my eye was dawn to a beautifully hand written postcard pinned to the local services notice board in the window….it read Retired Professional Lady seeks Part Time Cleaner. ![]()
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