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Jun. 20th, 2016
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Terminology help?
Jun. 20th, 2016 05:40 pmWorking on a story idea. It's mostly set in a large "household" Somewhere between late medieval and Victorian. Not our history, but should have a fair bit in common.
The "master" is either a really low ranking noble, or just an important merchant or some such. Even a doctor/lawyer/other "profession".
Lots of staff, etc.
What do you call the person in charge of keeping the household running? I'm thinking more of the female staff and "housekeeping type stuff. For now I'm just call her "the Housekeeper".
Important character is a young girl, not a servant, but not exactly family either. Supposedly she's an orphan, and the Master of the house owed her family a great debt (of honor) or some such. Not sure what to call her? "Fosterling " comes to mind, but I think that's more early medieval.
I have reasons for not wanting her to be adopted. At the same time, I see her spending at least some time helping out around the household as directed by the Housekeeper.
But she is also spending time with the Master's wife. And being sent out for some schooling.
So any ideas on what I should refer to her as?
The "master" is either a really low ranking noble, or just an important merchant or some such. Even a doctor/lawyer/other "profession".
Lots of staff, etc.
What do you call the person in charge of keeping the household running? I'm thinking more of the female staff and "housekeeping type stuff. For now I'm just call her "the Housekeeper".
Important character is a young girl, not a servant, but not exactly family either. Supposedly she's an orphan, and the Master of the house owed her family a great debt (of honor) or some such. Not sure what to call her? "Fosterling " comes to mind, but I think that's more early medieval.
I have reasons for not wanting her to be adopted. At the same time, I see her spending at least some time helping out around the household as directed by the Housekeeper.
But she is also spending time with the Master's wife. And being sent out for some schooling.
So any ideas on what I should refer to her as?