The lady's maid was the highest-ranking female servant in the household, attending directly to the mistress of the house. She styled hair, helped her mistress into gowns, ensured jewelry and accessories were perfectly arranged, and kept delicate silks, muslins, and laces in good repair.

Unlike housemaids, the lady's maid did not scrub floors or carry coal. Instead, she traveled with her lady, assisted with correspondence, and often became a trusted confidante. But discretion was essential: a lady's maid might overhear secrets of the family or guests and knew never to repeat them.

It wasn't unusual for a lady's maid to serve her mistress loyally her entire life, a shadow companion. A young woman would typically start as a housemaid and be "promoted" once her skill and trustworthiness was proven, then remaining her mistress's lady's maid for life. She would remain unmarried, for if she chose to marry, she would need to leave her post.

The lady of the manor had her own dedicated lady's maid, while her unmarried daughters often shared a maid, unless the house was exceptionally wealthy (or aristocratic). When a daughter married, a personal lady's maid may be included as part of her trousseau or a bridal gift, and if not, the husband's household staff would promote one of the housemaids or hire externally.

Aristocratic and gentry families always had lady's maids, but merchant and middle-class professionals only did if they were wealthy enough. A maid-of-all-work often doubled as a personal maid and housemaid instead.

Although the lady's maid ate with the servants, she was not considered "one of them," even having her own quarters (albeit one-room small) adjoining her mistress' chambers (so she could be on call 24/7).

Check the included graphic for a list of quick facts and duties.

To read more about lady's maid, check out the book club kit for A Counterfeit Wife, which goes into great detail about the training, education, skills and duties, and more:

https://www.paullettgolden.com/bookclubkits