There were rents in clothing to repair, dresses to be hung and a slew of other household tasks that required attention. Charlotte held her ground and firmly refused to perform these duties assigned to her.

"I am not a claviger12 and will not be treated like one. I am born to a freeman," she insisted with a measure of force. "My father is Gerald, the cheesemaker in Mellester. Ask anyone!" Her hands remained on her hips as she glared defiantly at the servant.

The ...