While interning at BMW many years ago, I saw the total number of members in the Munich interns Facebook group. I did some rough math in my head and concluded that 10% of the company’s overall employees were, in fact, interns—and we probably did at least 20% of the work. In other words, without interns, even an extremely well-funded, global operation like BMW can’t function!
The fourth season of Bridgerton, a period drama set in an alternate London society of the early 19th century, reminded me of this dynamic. Each season focuses on one of eight siblings from a noble family finding love, and in this one, the protagonist happens to fall in love with a maid named Sophie. But more so than merely centering around Sophie’s struggles with her background and cross-class love story, the season shone a light on maids all around.
We see the busy underbelly of Bridgerton house, where dozens of maids and servants run to and fro to prepare clothes, food, and all kinds of amenities for the large Bridgerton family. We peek into their relationships and personal affairs. We see them helping each other out with their chores but also their dreams. And, most of all, we see them as rocks of support their employers can rely on.
Years after her husband died, Lady Violet Bridgerton finally finds the courage to date again. But how will her relationship be perceived? And will she even remember how to have sex and not make a fool of herself? Mrs. Wilson, the head maid of Bridgerton house, comes to Violet’s rescue, comforting her and creating space for her and her beau to be alone.
Hazel, a fellow maid of Sophie’s also working at Bridgerton house consistently helps her friend go after what she truly wants: Mr. Benedict Bridgerton, no matter how complicated their relationship might be. His maid, meanwhile, reminds him to dedicate himself to more than just partying.
Mrs. Varley, the housekeeper of Featherington house, confronts Lady Portia about her pay which hasn’t been raised in years. At first, Lady Featherington tries to assuage her by handing her some old dresses of hers. Eventually, the conflict escalates and Mrs. Varley leaves to another house. There, however, she learns employers can do far worse to their staff than bequeath them worn dresses, and she eventually returns to Featherington house—but not before helping Lady Portia realize her mistake, who was sorely lacking a good housekeeper while Mrs. Varley was away.
Spotlighting the maids that keep the high society running was more than a nice touch added to an already-compelling plot. It really drove home the theme of the season—and the point: Celebrate the maids. The maids could be firemen, nurses, or teachers. They could be interns, caretakers, or IT support. Every company has “maids.” Most households have “a maid.” And every group relies on a small percentage of “maids” to keep everyone going.
Appreciate the basics—and the people who ensure they remain in place every day.
