Watching the new Masterpiece Theater production of "Downton Abbey" last night I marveled at the number of servants a family of five required: a butler, housekeeper, valet and ladies' maid, a cook and assistant, several footmen, scullery maids and numerous others.
That this imaginary family of two parents and three daughters is the same configuration as my own sets my mind to spinning. What sort of servants would I like to have? A chauffeur would be nice, as would a cook and scullery maid. Perhaps we could find a servant who specializes in the throwing out of junk and the organizing of basements (an indentured closet organizer?). Seasonal assistance would be most welcome: a gardener in the spring, summer and fall; a personal shopper for the holidays.
The only problem with such a large staff is finding a place to house them in our snug house. But then, one doesn't have to worry about such things with fantasy employees.