Mrs. Gordon walked ahead with her hands clasped tightly behind her back.

“You will arrive at six-thirty every morning,” she commanded. “You will leave at six unless requested otherwise. You will not speak unless spoken to, and you will not ask personal questions under any circumstances.”

Maya nodded, accepting the cold terms.

“And if Mr. Penhaligon seems unpleasant, you will not take it personally,” Mrs. Gordon added with a sigh.

Maya almost smiled at the absurdity of it. “I promise I won’t.”

Mrs. Gordon turned and looked at her with a weary expression. “Everyone says that on the first day.”