The Address

Content Warning: The section discusses suicidal ideation, alcohol and substance use disorders, pregnancy loss, abuse, and involuntary hospitalization. In addition, the source text uses outdated language to refer to mental health conditions and psychiatric hospitals, replicated only in quotes in this guide.

Sara Smythe, age 30, was promoted to head housekeeper at the luxurious Langham Hotel one month ago. Though unmarried, Sara uses the honorific Mrs., as is customary for women in this role. Her boss chastises her for being too lenient with the maids, even offering to “slap them” for her if she’d prefer. One day, Sara sits at her desk and looks out the window, noticing a young girl climbing a windowsill across the courtyard. Sara bolts to the apartment and lets herself in. When the child teeters on the railing, Sara yanks her backward, and they fall to the floor. At the noise, the child’s mother enters, and Sara recognizes the Honorable Mrs. Theodore Camden, daughter of a baron and mother of three. Sara explains what happened, and the nanny claims Mr. Camden was there when she left to complete an errand.

Later that day, Theodore Camden thanks Sara. He is an American, “magnetic” in appearance and demeanor.