(Revised)England x Reader: Nobility Prologue

((A/N: This story is set in a time period very similar to Downton Abbey. The estate the reader works for is just as grand.))

(y/n) nervously sat alone in the sitting room of the Dawson Estate. The twelve year old fiddled with one of her dress sleeves. Her eyes occasionally fell on the small travel bag by her chair. It was a miracle she managed to hide some small mementos among her clothes--a family picture, her mother's set of pearl jewelry, her favorite book. The girl couldn't bear to part with what her father had given her, especially what was left of her mother. (y/n)'s stepmother already sold what she could a year after the death of her second husband. Now the woman was desperate. The girl wasn't naive; (y/n) knew why she was brought to the Dawson's. Helen Adams' money was running out. What better way to increase her income than to force her stepdaughter into servitude.

To make it worse Helen chose to try the Dawson's first, knowing full well the close friendship not only (y/n) had with Lord and Lady Dawson's children, but the friendship between the Lord and (y/n)'s late father, Isaac.

Helen never truly cared to (y/n) after her marriage to Isaac. What affection she did show was in pretend. She only loved her own son Timothy and her daughter Teresa. (y/n) knew after only a week into her father's second marriage Helen's true colors; however, she realized too late Helen married her father's money.

Lady Dawson passed by the sitting room with two of her three children. Her daughters looked over their shoulders and saw (y/n). Noting how sad she looked the eldest daughter of thirteen patted her mother's arm.

"Mama, can we play with (y/n)?" she asked hopefully, in soft tones.

"Yes, can we? It's been too long since she came to play," the youngest added.

The eagerness in her daughters' voices made Lady Dawson's heart sink. That morning, her husband made her aware of (y/n)'s arrival and the situation surrounding it. As much as she wanted to let the girls play with their dear friend, she couldn't allow it, not until she heard from Tobias, which would be soon.

"Elizabeth, take Anna to your room and play," the mother sadly told her daughter.

Lizzy, the eldest of the two, stared at her mother in confusion. "But, Mum--"

"Listen, my loves." Katherine made her girls look at her. She kept her voice hushed, yet knew (y/n) most likely watched from her chair. "(y/n) can't play right now. I'll let you know when she can. For now, go to Lizzy's room to play." Katherine tucked Elizabeth's curls behind one of her ears. "Please."

Sensing the seriousness of (y/n)'s visit, Elizabeth silently nodded. She took her sister's hand and took her upstairs. The girl's reluctantly looked over their shoulders until they rounded the corner landing and left Katherine's view.

Lady Dawson approached (y/n) in the sitting room, claiming one of the chairs beside her. "Elizabeth and Anna wish to play with you," Katherine said quietly. "Sadly I had to tell them you aren't here for a play date."

"I with I was," (y/n) sighed heavily. From the down the hall (y/n) and Katherine heard the voices of Lord Dawson and Helen--especially Helen's. She wasn't happy. "He's resisting her, isn't he?"

"Yes," Lady Dawson answered. "It appears my husband doesn't like her terms. Yet . . ." The noblewoman huffed irritably. "Tobias knows if he doesn't agree, you will be placed elsewhere, and it would be worse conditions." Katherine reached over and took (y/n)'s hand in hers, brushing away some stray (h/c) hair from the girl's face with the other. "Don't worry, (y/n) Dear," she comforted. "My husband won't let that happen."

(y/n) gave Katherine a small smile. "Thank you, M'Lady," she replied softly. Her sweet, angelic English accent made this all the more sad.

Finally the door to the study opened. Helen's voice was heard first from the hall. "Just so we're clear, Mr. Dawson, I will receive sixty per cent of (y/n)'s wages at the last of every month." Her snobbish tone grated on Katherine's nerves.

"Yes, Mrs. Adams," Tobias confirmed. Even from the sitting room his wife could hear the annoyance he felt in his normal, soothing, trusting deep voice. Their footfalls and voices gradually got louder as they walked down the hall. "And I assure you that (y/n) will be well taken care of by my staff."

Helen never acknowledged the statement. She came to a stop at the threshold of the sitting room. "I must leave now. Thank you for your time, Lord Dawson. I wish you good day, and to you as well, Lady Dawson."

Katherine nodded in response to Helen, keeping her face void of emotion.

"Safe travels, Mrs. Adams," Tobias said kindly.

Before leaving Helen held out a gloved hand for Tobias to take. He accepted and kissed the back of it politely. And with that (y/n)'s stepmother left the Dawson Estate, not saying another word to her.

Lord Dawson waved over one of the footmen to fetch Mr. Andrews, his head of staff. While waiting Tobias knelt beside (y/n)'s chair and took her hands in one of his. "I tried my best to make this fair, my dear. I'm so sorry you're not here on better terms." Tobias saddened and tenderly touched (y/n)'s cheek. He caught a tear as it fell from one of her eyes, wiping it away with his thumb. "Do forgive me, (y/n), for not being able to provide for you how I wish. Your father would have wanted me to take you in, but he never willed it so. Servitude is the best I can do."

"Mr. Andrews is here, Sir," the footman announced.

Tobias gave (y/n) a quick peck on the forehead before standing, then turning to face the man. (y/n) peeked out around Tobias so she could see Mr. Andrews. He was just as she remembered him--fatherly looking, clean shaven, and a little portly. To (y/n) Mr. Andrews came across as kind, not too harsh, but definitely knew how to keep the staff in line. The head of staff caught (y/n)'s gaze and gave her a friendly smile, having recognized her. (y/n) returned it.

"What can I do for you, Sir?" Andrews asked.

Dawson lowered his voice as he explained to Andrews what he needed of him. The man stared at Tobais with incredulity, then glanced to (y/n). He honestly couldn't believe what he was hearing. With a heavy sigh and nod of understanding, Mr. Andrews followed Tobias into the sitting room.

"(y/n), this man here is Mr. Henry Andrews," Lord Dawson introduced. "He will help you adjust to your new life here and take care of you."

(y/n) got off her chair, straightened out her dress and curtsied politely. "Hello, Mr. Andrews."

"Hello, Lass," Henry replied, trying to keep his voice cheerful. "And welcome to the staff." He motioned to the hall with a white gloved hand. "Please gather your things and come with me."

"Yes, Sir." (y/n) picked up her travel bag and began to follow Mr. Andrews. She looked over her shoulder to give Lord and Lady Dawson one more small smile.

The moment (y/n) was out of their field of vision, the strong facades the couple held finally crumbled. "Are you sure we can't adopt her, Tobais?" Katherine pleaded, her voice breaking as tears formed in her eyes. "I simply cannot treat her like any other servant. I can't!"

"It's just not possible, Kitty," Tobias explained sadly. "(y/n) was legally adopted by Helen not long after her marriage to Isaac. The woman refused to relinquish custody of her to me instead of forcing her into servitude. She only wants the money." Kitty broke down and wept on her husband's shoulder. Tobias held her close in comfort. "This really is the best I can do. I tried, Darling. I tried. The best thing we can do for (y/n) is provide her with good working conditions."

"Alright . . . But I must request one thing, Tobias." Katherine stepped back to look him in the eyes. "On (y/n)'s free day, she spends it with us. Let the staff think what they will. Lizzy and Anna can still be her friends. She needs friends here, Tobias. I will not rob her of that."

Lord Dawson smiled broadly at his wife. "Even though there would be rumors of favoritism?"

"Yes." Katherine was determined to make this happen. "I understand (y/n) is a servant now, and may be for the rest of her life due to Helen's greed, selfishness and poor spending. It's not her fault her stepmother is so wicked." By now Katherine's tears were gone. "(y/n) needs to know she has a home here even though hers was stolen from her. I need to make this happen, Tobais."

Tobias shook his head in admiration. "And this is why I love you." He kissed his wife. "It is done, Kitty."


Mr. Andrews showed (y/n) around the mansion and explained to her what duties as a maid could be. The list was endless, but he knew her limitations due to her current age. They'd be simple to start with, then gradually increase in difficulty and quantity as (y/n) got older. The kitchen was daunting to (y/n), the mansion itself intimidating. Henry then led (y/n) to the room she'd share with another maid. It was quite small, but roomy enough for a two-drawer dresser and a nightstand beside each single bed. After being fitted for her uniforms(some generic dresses and a black and white one with a white cap for special occasions), Henry told (y/n) she'd start work first thing in the morning and to settle in for the remainder of the day.

After putting her things away, (y/n) met most of the staff in their dining area for supper. Maude, or Maudie as she was affectionately called, was the laundress. She let (y/n) sit beside her to help her feel comfortable. The slightly robust and rosy cheeked woman took the girl under her wing like a mother hen, having five children herself. Many other members, (y/n)'s roommate included, were just as friendly and kind. When it was time to retire, Laurel, (y/n)'s roommate three years her senior, took her back to their room for the night.

It was then the reality of everything finally settled over (y/n). As she lay in bed, waiting for sleep to come, she knew this was her life now. Oh, how she missed her father and mother. (y/n)'s eyes fell on the family portrait she saved from Helen, which she placed on her nightstand. Even though the lanterns were out, (y/n) could see it in the moonlight peeking in through the window. (y/n) cried herself to sleep, wanting things back how they used to be. She dreamed of her parents and all the wonderful times spent with them.


Six years passed swiftly. It didn't take long for (y/n) to adjust to the life of a servant. She and Laurel quickly became friends. Most of the staff loved her energy and positive spirit. Despite some mishaps and her fair share of learning experiences, (y/n) always went above expectations, which made Mr. Andrews and The Dawson's proud. And true to Tobias's word, on her free day, (y/n) spent it with his family. It made a huge difference in (y/n)'s new life. She didn't feel alone. She did feel homesick, missing her father, but it came and went.

Soon (y/n) had forgotten the noble line she descended from. (y/n) was the last pure blood of the great Adams lineage, having no other direct blood relations living. Both sets of grandparents passed away while she was young. Isaac had brothers that died serving their country, leaving him the sole heir. (y/n)'s mother died while giving birth to her brother, who passed not long after.

(y/n)'s existence was even forgotten after Helen placed her with the Dawson's. She became just (y/n) instead of (y/n) Adams.

Once she turned eighteen, all that changed.