Enjoy this short story by Hellen Heels.

Ella was surprised to find the reception from Sheela so warm and welcoming. She knew Sheela was different from a typical grouchy old widow but she still felt about the “year” she was going to be with Sheela as work, not friendship. But the more time she spent with the lady, the more she felt comfortable, and by the time the dinner was over, they actually hit things off quite well. Another surprise Ella got was Sheela’s speech. She thought, because of her accent that Sheela wouldn’t be very well-versed in language. But Ella found Sheela more eloquent than half the so-called educated elite in the town.

After the dinner was over and they were sitting by the fire chatting, Sheela handed Ella a small necklace. It was thin and very narrow, and Ella knew by the size that it would fit so tightly to her neck that it would be a bit uncomfortable, and she said so to Sheela. “Thanks Madam Sheela, but I believe it’s too small for my neck.”

Sheela smiled at that and said “Don’t worry, I didn’t get the size wrong. It’s supposed to be this tight, and with it, I also give you four rules to abide by.”

Ella sat straight, deferential, she was nothing if not proper, and even if Sheela was comfortable as a friend, Ella was not about to become improper and disgrace the name of her house or the confidence of her mother.