After a nervous 4 day wait, I got the telephone call I had hoped would come! It was a call from Mrs.

Montgomery, the person in charge of hiring a maid for the 1860 mansion that captivated my thoughts awake

and asleep! I had never been what you would call a “Southern Belle�? nor did I have that “Southern Accent�?

but Mobile, Alabama was truly my home! I had intensely searching the employment section of the newspaper

hoping to find a job that would not only keep money in the bank but also be enjoyable.

 

That’s when by fate or accident, I came across the ad in search of a maid at a pristine mansion called Wellington

Estate! It was an evening position and that was perfect for me! I followed the directions in the paper and I was

speechless! If I hadn’t known better I would have sworn that the mansion before me was straight out of the

movie called “Gone With The Wind�? From the wrought iron fence to the well manicured lawns to the ivory

white pillars it was truly a breathtaking estate.

 

I made my way to the front door, remembering the words spoken to me “so-matter-of-factly�? “Miss Woods.

I’m happy to inform you that your application has been accepted for the position of Maid; but there is still one

more interview to be completed. Could you come by the estate between say 3 pm and 5 pm�? Before I let the

meaning of “A second interview�?sink in I asked her if 4pm was agreeable; and she said yes. It was 4 hours

before I was to arrive and the more I thought about this next interview; something kept bothering me.

 

I was absolutely sure that she said I got the job; yet why was there another interview? If I failed the interview,

did that mean that now, I didn’t get the job? I didn’t know at that moment if I should have felt excited or mad?

So I did what I always did when I felt life was stressing me out. I went to my easel, set out my paint colors and

picked up my brush! Painting was my first love and without it, how could life ever be as enjoyable?

 

Though it was easy for me to let time slip away when I was painting, this time was an exception. I kept a

close eye on the time, cleaned up, and changed clothes and true to my word, I arrived just a few minutes

before 4 pm. Why was my heart racing? As my eyes looked over the mansion once more I could have

sworn I was being watched from one of the upstairs windows! That was when my eyes saw a white curtain

move!

 

Perhaps it was once of the day maids or even Mrs. Montgomery herself, checking to see if I had arrived?

Well; this was “Show Time�? I said to myself as I stepped out of my car and made my way to the front door.

Nervously I rang the bell and waited. A maid in a blue outfit with white apron and bonnet opened the door,

and politely welcomed me inside! Even though this was my second time inside this historic mansion, the main

staircase still took my breath away by its craftsmanship!
                                                                                                           
From the chandeliers to the grand piano, to the four pillars to the hardwood floors, this home whispered

elegance! I was shown to what I would call a parlor and sat down nervously on a comfortable chair. A few

minutes Mrs. Montgomery appeared and I stood. She smiled and motioned for me to relax and sit back

down.  “Now I can tell from the look in your eyes, that you’re wondering why I’m interviewing you a second

time when I told you on the phone you were hired�?

 

I’ve always been told that my face was an open book to my thoughts. “The truth is Emily, this is a quite

unusual position and mansion as you will soon discover�? As I sat there Mrs. Montgomery began telling me

about the history of Wellington Estate. She covered the history of the mansion decade by decade as if she

had lived in this house every moment! It was as if the house breathed its voice through her lips! Time seemed

to stop at that moment for both of us as I drank in all she shared with me.

 

Then she stopped and I thought that was the end, but it wasn’t. She lowered her eyes and took a deep

breath and when she looked up into my eyes, I saw hesitation; almost fear. “Emily, do you believe in ghosts?

You know the spirits of those who have departed. Do you believe they can stay in a physical place if they

have unfinished business�? All that came out of my mouth at that time was two words! “Unfinished business�?

Then Mrs. Montgomery’s concern changed to a soft smile as she began to speak.

 

“Well Emily, this interview is the most important one because you see, well, this house has a ghost; a female

ghost. She doesn’t haunt this mansion. She is just sort of waiting�? “Waiting�? I asked, “Waiting for what�?

For the longest time there was silence in that parlor as Mrs. Montgomery looked for the best way to tell a

story. A story I would years later pass onto other maids who also came to work at Wellington Estate. “In

1981 Mary Wellington lived in this house and on her 22nd birthday she was to be wed to a handsome man

named Scott Anderson, a fine boy.

 

He was serving in the Army, stationed in Korea for his tour of duty. He was on his way back to the states

when the plane he was on crashed while attempting to land at Huntsville International Airport! One of its

wheels collapsed and the plane tipped and skidded as it burst into flames! The newspaper said that Scott

saved three passengers before going back inside the burning plane to rescue someone else, and died�?

There was silence in that room for such a long time after those words were spoken.

 

Suddenly my train of thought became distracted as I saw a maid watering flowers outside the room I was in.

The blue and white outfit looked very nice on her. As I turned my attention back to Mrs. Montgomery, I

saw she was opening up a folder and looking through the pages before she looked back at me. “If you’re

still interested in the position Emily I’d like to go through some of the many reports written about sightings

of Mary�?

 

I told her I was not frightened of Mary, if anything, I was captivated by her loneliness to stay and wait for

the return of the young man she loved so deeply. For nearly an hour, Mrs. Montgomery read to me times

when maids, servant, cooks and groundskeepers had seen Mary throughout the past 26 years. Mary has

been heard playing the piano at the bottom of the grand stairs, seen in the library reading a book, walking

up or down the stairs.

 

But more often than anything she was heard�? I asked Mrs. Montgomery what Mary had said to the staff,

and she replied; “Nothing�? She saw the curious look on my face and pointed over to the door behind me.

I turned and saw the small chime hanging next to the door. “Mary has never spoken to any of us Emily, but

we have always known when she was in a room or passing by us because, as you will discover later, the

house is filled with chimes.

 

It was my idea to place chimes throughout the house, from the basement to the kitchen to the bedrooms

on the second floor. It was my way of letting my daughter know she was not alone Emily. Yes Mary was

and will always be my daughter�? As she finished speaking, I saw tears falling upon her cheeks and felt tears

upon mine as well. “You see, everyone in this house talks to Mary when we hear the chimes ring as she

passes near. We all love her and miss her deeply.

 

And most importantly, because she has chosen to stay behind, to wander this house for as long as she

chooses too, I want her to know she has not been forgotten�? As we both wiped our eyes, Mrs. Montgomery

had one last question to ask of me. “So know you know all that I have told to every person hired at this

estate since my daughter died! And I ask you now, the same question I asked each new hire before you.

Would you still like to accept the
position of maid at Wellington Estate�?

 

At the same time I blurted out the word “Yes�? Tears flowed down my cheeks as if Mary had been my very

own daughter. It was a time of comfort for both of us, and I don’t know who needed that much needed hug

more at that moment, me or she? “Well, congratulations Emily! There is much to do before we assign you

your first shift. I did tell you it was to be a swing-shift position didn’t I, 4 to midnight�? I nodded yes. “Good!

 

“Well, I’ll need a copy of your driver’s license and Social Security Number for tax purposes Emily�? I smiled

at her as I reached into my purse and handed her a copy of both documents. As she laughed I heard her say

that I was efficient and that we’d get along just fine. She excused herself for a moment and asked me to wait.

I couldn’t describe the feeling I had at that moment about this house, or the ghost of her daughter.

 

I was in awe was as close as I could try to explain. When Mrs. Montgomery returned, she introduced,

Savannah to me. She was to be my mentor and friend. “Savannah has been a housekeeper here for almost

5 years and she will show you to your room Emily and afterwards familiarize you with all the rooms and your

duties! Please don’t think that you’ll be tested or have to remember everything. Welcome to Wellington Estates!

 

Savannah will handle your scheduling when she feels you’re ready for your first shift. In the mean time, I know

Savannah will introduce you to all the other staff. Please make sure you let her know when you plan on moving

what belongings you have to your room�? I shook Mrs. Montgomery’s hand and Savannah nodded her head

in respect, and she was gone. Savannah was close to my age and she seemed excited that I was “The New Girl�?

 

She asked me my name again and I told her it was Emily. “That’s a pretty name, and you’re going to love

working here Emily. And your room, OMG, you’re gonna faint when you see your room�? I saw a look of

jealousy when she said that. “Mary will like you too I’m sure though only on a rare occasion does any of us

see her! Did Mrs. Montgomery explain about all the chimes in the house to you�? I nodded yes and she

replied, “Good, then let me show you to your room�?

 

We walked up the beautiful stairs, turned left and stopped at the third door on the right! When she gently

opened the door I could have fainted! At that moment I felt like I had been dreaming! I had never before

seen such a breathtakingly beautiful and spacious room in my life! From the canopy bed to the fireplace to

the blue chairs and private desk, everything was absolutely perfect. As we walked inside I couldn’t see a

single thing out of place and not a spot of dust!

 

“I know the position doesn’t pay that well, but would you ever believe that this would be where you would

call home Emily�? At that moment, I hadn’t heard a word of what Savannah had asked me. I was in shock!

That was when she touched my arm and said; “Come, let me show you all the rooms. I’ll even show you

Mary’s room. Then I’ll introduce you to the rest of the staff. We all live here Emily!

 

Oh, and if ya need any help moving your clothes and stuff I’d be happy to help if I can�? I thanked Savannah

but reassured her that I’d be just fine! Room after room we visited, including Mary’s room. Nothing was out

of place and I loved how it was decorated. I was shown so much stuff that Savannah was quick to laugh and

tell me it was okay. “Everyone who gets hired thinks that it’s just overwhelming Emily, but it isn’t really!

Everyone will be glad to answer your questions. We all had to learn�?

 

As we continued the tour, from time to time we ran into other staff busy in their tasks and they stopped for

a moment, shook my hand and welcomed me to Wellington Estates. In truth, I had never been made to feel

so welcome in any job I had ever had. It was a house and job I hoped I would never give up! At that instant,

the chime by the kitchen window closest to Amelia, the cook began to sound and all three of us were silent.

It was Amelia, who greeted Mary.

 

“Good afternoon Mary, I’m so glad you’re here. It’s a beautiful day indeed. Mary, this is Emily; she’ll be the

maid during the evenings in a few days. She’s very nice Mary and I hope you’ll make her feel welcome too�?

Only silence could be heard but there were three smiles I could see for sure in that kitchen. I never heard her

leave; so in a way maybe I envisioned her looking out the window at the beautiful trees and fine trimmed lawns.

 

When Savannah and I left the kitchen, she said; “Well that’s your first tour of the house. When I see you again,

after you’ve moved your things in, I’ll show you around some more and even give you a map of the house. We

eat breakfast, lunch and supper at set times so don’t be late, unless you’re away from the house, seeing you’ll

be working evenings. But you’re welcome to drop by the kitchen for a snack if you want to.

 

Just make yourself at home�? Savannah gave me a short hug and handed me a piece of paper. “That’s the

address of Annie’s Alterations down on 42nd street Emily. They’re expecting you tomorrow so you can be

fitted for your maid outfit. You get three sets and don’t worry. Someone will clean them for you each week�?

Just as I was walking towards the front door Savannah asked me one last question.

 

“Emily; is the job all you could imagine�? All I could say was “Yes, and so much more�? We waved good-bye

to each other and I got into my car and went back to my apartment. A million thoughts raced through my mind

as I headed down the street towards home. I was so excited I talked to my sister Betty on my cell phone

almost all the way back to my apartment. It wasn't even 15 minutes after I had opened my front door and

opened the windows to let fresh air in that Betty arrived.

 

Over two tall glasses of sweet tea, I re-told everything that had happened to me at Wellington Estates,

including the chimes moving by themselves. Betty tried to tell me it must have been some kind of prank

but I assured her there was no one near the chimes and no wires! I really saw the chimes move. I really

heard them! I asked her if she would help bring over boxes and help me put things in storage. I planned

to pay the storage company for 12 months rent.

 

At the end of that time I was sure I would know whether I wanted to stay on at Wellington Estates. Betty

and I discussed my options, and plans for my future as an artist. But I assured her that the hours would be

perfect for me to pursue my painting career, and more importantly, being able to display my paintings in

local shop windows. She agreed that I could work and make money which was a win-win situation.

 

But I could see there was a certain level of nervousness in her eyes about my living in a house that was

haunted. But I told Betty all that I could remember that Mrs. Montgomery had shared with me about

Mary. A part of me shared the same sadness that Mrs. Montgomery had, because Betty and I had lost

our mother and father in 1972 in a plane crash. It was to be a wonderful vacation for them in the mountains

of Tennessee.

 

But the papers said they had engine problems and hit the side of a mountain. I hugged Betty and we said

good-bye to each other. Finally I was alone and everything began to sink in! I knew I had to drop by

Annie's Alterations to be fitted into my maids outfit! I knew I had to pick and choose what I would want

to take and have room for in my new room. Besides clothes, and my paints and easels and such, I really

didn't need much!

That night I was surprised to find myself drifting off to sleep so easily. Maybe I was just tired from all my

running around. Maybe it was contentment that my life was headed in a more stable direction. Maybe it

was the comfort of knowing I wouldn't have to come up with next month’s rent money or have to pay

utilities that made me relax. Maybe, just maybe it was my thoughts about Mary that made me seek my

dreams of the mansion.

 

The next day was filled with pins and needles as I finished eating breakfast and headed to the alterations

place. Once there, Annie, a smiling large red headed woman with happy eyes greeted me at the counter

and her kindness was as fresh as springtime rains. She took her measurements and asked me to return on

Friday to pick them up, anytime after 10 am.

 

I thanked her and began making rounds at all the usual stores that discard boxes and was lucky to get the

best sizes I needed. I called each of the four largest storage companies and got their prices for something

close to a 12 x 12 room. Then I drove over to the lowest one which was Rent-N-Store on Brownsville

Blvd. I was showed the storage room and filled out the paperwork, paying three months in advance plus

deposit.

 

Next, I picked up my phone when I got back home and called Mrs. Montgomery and let her know I could

be available to work on Friday afternoon. She told me that was fine. Now all that was left for me to do was

to slowly pack up all my possessions one at a time and stack the boxes by the door. I let my landlord know

I was moving out on Friday, which by pure luck was the last day of the month. I placed other things I planned

to take to the mansion against another wall.

 

Before I knew it, it looked like I was just moving into this apartment. Betty's brother Bill called me as I sat

weary in my arm chair and told me Betty had asked if he could help transport my things to the storage company.

He had always been one to help in any way he could. I asked him if I wouldn't be imposing on him if he could

help me any time on Thursday. He laughed and said he would help on any day I needed his help.

 

Sure enough Bill was on time Thursday and in one trip with his truck, all my belongings were in the room,

and padlocked. I thanked him and tried to pay him for his time but he pushed the $50.00 away and smiled

as he said "No Charge, Emily"! To be honest I felt guilty but didn't argue. When I got back home, my place

looked so empty. What once was a very cozy little apartment were now bare rooms and bare walls.

 

Sleep that night didn't come easy for me. I tossed and turned worrying between what was a great opportunity

and what could be a big mistake! I'm just that kind of worry wart when it comes to change. I like my life to be

predictable. When Friday morning came, I ate my last breakfast sitting on just a chair. I gave away a few things

and the rest of the food in my refrigerator to an elderly neighbor I fondly called "Momma".

She was on Social Security" and her pension barely helped to make ends meet. We shed tears not just because

we would not be neighbors any more but because she really needed everything I gave her. I promised her I

would still visit her. Finally, I was driving to Wellington Estates, to my new home, to a room I had never dreamed

existed. Driving to a job I knew I would love and to maybe, just maybe see the spirit of Mary Wellington.

 

When I arrived, I didn't know where I was to park. I saw a gardener near the gate of the black wrought iron

gate and met him at the gate. I told who I was as he wiped sweat off of his brow, then his pants. His tired face

broke out into a smile as he introduced himself, and said he was happy to make my acquaintance. He pointed

to his right to a set of tall black gates and told me that was where I would drive in and out of the estate.

 

He asked me to wait a few minutes for him and he left. When he returned, Jake handed he a remote gate opener.

"Now don't ya be pulling up to close to them gates missy, they swing out wide. Keep this here pretty red car of

yours back until it opens all the way. Then ya got 25 seconds to scoot in or out before she swings shut! I'm sure

I'll be seeing ya again miss"! He tipped his hat to me and returned to trimming a beautiful red rose bush.

 

I had never before seen such deep red roses with such huge delicate petals in all my life. I drove over to the

corner of the fence and aimed the remote to the gate and pressed the button. Slowly it began to open. Just as

instructed I waited till it was all the way open and drove through the gate terrified that it would close on me,

but it didn't. In the rear of the estate there were six cars and ten striped parking spaces so I just picked one

and parked.