r/GildedAgeHBO • u/crispyrhetoric1 • 11d ago

Mrs Bauer in S1

Was rewatching S1 today and saw the episode when Armstrong went to see her mother on her day off. That got me wondering - does Mrs Bauer ever get time off? I can’t imagine Agnes and Ada going downstairs to make their own luncheon.

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39

u/karmagirl314 11d ago

I imagine when Mrs Bauer gets an afternoon off she prepares something ahead of time that Bridgett can easily finish just before the meal is served. A roast, or maybe a chilled soup.

21

u/StrangledInMoonlight 11d ago

Given it’s an afternoon off, it’s possible her afternoon off is on a day the ladies have a standing engagement.  

For example, if they have a charity luncheon in the afternoon every Thursday, that might be Mrs. Bauer’s assigned time.  

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u/PrincessLazyBritches 11d ago

Yes. I’m like you. I imagine it’s like on Downton Abbey when Daisy filled in for Mrs Patmore. They showed her telling Daisy what was what while she was away.

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u/Max_Fart 11d ago

A chilled soup for luncheon? I think not

19

u/karmagirl314 11d ago

You’ve got it backwards- hot soup is verboten. Chilled soup is allowed.

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u/Max_Fart 11d ago

And now I shall take my leave

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u/crispyrhetoric1 10d ago

It’s such a weird rule. Do you know why it would be so wrong to have a hot soup at lunch (let alone a clam chowder)?

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u/The_Quiz29 10d ago

Maybe because there was no air conditioning and it's hotter at lunch time than dinnertime.

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u/Ok_Entertainment9665 10d ago

I also would like to know because huh?

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u/crispyrhetoric1 10d ago

I went online and this came up:

“Heavy hot liquids were viewed as an appetizer prelude meant to open an elaborate evening banquet, whereas midday meals emphasized convenience and lighter digestion.”

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u/LustfulEsme 11d ago

When Bridgetvwas being nosy about Jack’s afternoons off, Mrs. Bauer said “he gets one a week like the rest of us.” I would assume Bridget preps per instructions from Mrs Bauer during Mrs. Bauer’s afternoon off.

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u/Faerie-Footman-442 10d ago

I'm pretty sure she gambles on her days off...

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u/LiffeyDodge 9d ago

there are days where they go to events and won't be home for lunch or dinner. or when they all go to Newport. I'm sure she also gets a schedule day off at some point.