ETIKET I VE KORT | Handmaidens in Nobility

[The Esrova Court 1478]

 

HANDMAIDENS IN NOBILITY, A GUIDELINE 

 

 

UKEN VE KRAWN I ROZZ

Issued by the

PRINCESS ROYAL

On the 12th day of  Joma and Umund of 443 E.S.

 

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VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK

 

Handmaidens have long served the Haeseni Queens and Princesses of yore, though such specifications regarding these handmaidens and who may be granted the privilege of taking one have yet to be established.Thus, the Princess Royal deems it fit to outline the duties and responsibilities of said handmaidens as well as instate proper guidelines on taking handmaidens, so that there is no room for error within the Royal Courts. 

 

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I. THOSE ENTITLED TO HANDMAIDENS

 

Having the privilege of a handmaiden is one such thing many ladies of the courts grasp for, for having a woman pledge her life in service to you is seen as a most envious thing. The more ladies in waiting that you possess, the more prestigious you are viewed, such is why multiple handmaidens are bestowed to those with a higher standing within the nobility. 

 

To be a handmaiden beneath the crown is a most coveted position, with higher standards and expectations placed upon their behaviour and public position, especially if a lady has been granted the honour and privilege of serving beneath the Queen, who is able to take an unlimited amount of handmaidens. Princesses are entitled to three handmaidens, while the Princess Royal is entitled to four. Serving beneath both the Queen and the Princess Royal is a most prestigious place to find oneself working, and should be something that all noblewomen strive for. 

 

The consorts and female titleholders of nobility are allowed to take upwards of two ladies-in-waiting, whilst their firstborn daughters may only swear one into service. Women who do not possess parentage of a titled peer are not allowed to take a handmaiden into servitude whatsoever, lest they bend the rules of etiquette and bring shame upon their family name and house. 

 

II. WHO MAY BECOME A HANDMAIDEN

 

All women born into nobility are capable of becoming a handmaiden, but in order to serve, they must first be of a lower social standing than the lady who seeks to swear them into servitude. For example, the Princesses of the Kingdom may select any three members of the peerage to act as her handmaidens, whereas the firstborn daughter of a comital lord may only select two daughters of either a baronial or common background.

 

Those outside of the noble classes are capable of being selected as handmaidens, but they must first possess a noble or royal sponsor to corroborate their dedication and well-being in terms of health and personality. Typically, those who are chosen to be the handmaiden of a noblewoman are those who, in the eyes of the lady, have already proven themselves to be reliable, trustworthy, and decent. Handmaidens may also be sought out elsewhere, however, if there is a distinct lack of options within the peerage. 

 

III. THE DUTIES OF A HANDMAIDEN

 

A handmaiden is expected to tend to their lady with an attentive and kind disposition, heeding their calls with a willingness to aid their counterpart. Not only must she be willing to lend a helping hand to her lady, but she must also be willing to lend her ear in the most trying of times. Simply put, a handmaiden must emanate loyalty in everything she does. After all, it is a position that, once obtained, is held for life lest the handmaiden obtains a higher station than that of the lady they are serving. 

 

Alongside the emotional support that handmaidens are expected to lend their ladies, ladies-in-waiting are expected to help their patrons dress for courtly events, apply their makeup, put their jewellery on, and so on and so forth. They might also deliver messages and pick out their wardrobe. Anything the patron requests of her benefactor, the handmaiden must oblige.

 

IV. THE PRIVILEGES OF A HANDMAIDEN

 

To be selected as a handmaiden for a woman of nobility is a privilege in and of itself, but with this station comes a plethora of boons and additional stations. Should the patron of the hand maiden require more consistent companionship and service from her lady, the patron may provide a living arrangement for the maiden. These living arrangements must be suitable to the maiden’s rank within the kingdom, befitting that of their place within society. As such, the maiden will be able to better consistently assist their patron, strengthening their bond and ensuring proper upstanding assistance. 

 

Being handmaiden to a lady gives the maiden a higher standing in society. The honour of such a position brings the maiden up to be more revered in the community and in a sense, the maiden will act as an extension as their patron, representing their honour and esteem. Should someone insult the handmaiden, this would extend to insulting the honour of the patron which can result in a severe offence, should the maiden be higher in station. 

 

Being a handmaiden comes with higher station, as does the respect which is expected of others towards them, especially if the lady is a royal handmaiden. The patron of the lady will help with many aspects of life as does the maiden in return for her service. The patron may work to help find the  maiden a suitable husband, advocate for their maiden’s character, provide clothing as well as put forth their recommendation for their ladies in matters of courtly appointments. The relationship between a handmaiden and a patron is that of mutual benefit as their companionship grows. 

 

Of course, a suitable uniform must be provided for those who wish to serve their patrons in a manner befitting of their status. Should a lady be granted the honour of tending to a patron, they will be granted a dress or brooch to wear for the purpose of demonstrating the honour they’ve earned themselves by serving as a handmaiden within the Royal Courts. The higher the status of their patron, the higher the quality of dress they will be granted. Such is not policed, and is up to the discretion of the patron whether they wish to commit to such a statement. 

 

V. THE DISMISSAL OF A HANDMAIDEN

 

The position of handmaiden is seen as one duty which will be lifelong. There is no ability to leave the service of their patron and only will a lady be able to leave service should they be dismissed, causing scandal and dishonour upon the lady, or in the unlikely event that the lady will marry above her patron’s station. 

 

As the position of handmaiden is a highly exclusive and coveted title, any dismissal from service is considered a scandal and a stain upon the lady who has been dismissed. Loyalty, trust and respect are the main standards for such a position and should these be broken, the patron may see fit to dismiss their hand maiden. 

 

Due to being a representation of their patron’s honour, any crime committed by the lady shall be grounds for immediate dismissal. Should the slight unto the patron be taken to an extreme extent, it is customary for their patron to make public the betrayal upon them, in order to warn any future employer of possible dissent. 

 

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SIGNED,

 

Her Serene Highness, Analiesa Josefina Barbanov-Bihar

Princess Royal of Hanseti-Ruska, Duchess of Karosgrad

 

Her Ladyship, Adelajda Ipera vas Ruthern

Handmaiden to Her Serene Highness, the Princess Royal

 

Firress Viorica Irena Barrow

Servant to Her Serene Highness, the Princess Royal

 

Spoiler

This post was written by @PerfectlyPeachy@Madyyyand @sarahbarah

 

Edited September 19, 2022 by The Morrivi Court