Read History Lessons for Free Online Page B

program had been a struggle. Now she could pay in advance and save money in the process.
    "Does the new garb agree with you?"
    She jumped as she encountered Mr. Ellis inside the hallway.
    "Yes," she said. "It's more comfortable. Thank you."
    "These clothes are higher quality," he said. "But that's because they won't be getting dirty. Things like picking berries, feeding geese bringing in sheep, cleaning...those are now tasks you'll be doling out to others."
    He paused. And now it's time to call the morning line-up," he said. "Are you ready?"
    "I guess so," she said, and walked into the front hall.
    The other women were milling around.
    "May I have your attention?" he asked.
    The women turned and Lucy, who was so used to joining them had to remind herself to stay where she was.
    "This morning I'm announcing something of a restructuring here," he said. "Over the next few days I'm announcing a new head of artisans, a head stock person, a head gardener. My intent is to streamline responsibilities so I can have more time to go over this house and grounds with a fine-toothed comb until I ferret out and correct every, single historical inaccuracy I can find."
    He turned towards Lucy. "To that end I'd like to announce my first appointment. Miss Lucy Primm will be taking over as head of household maids. You will answer to her, get your assignments from her, and adjust your garb and mannerisms as needed for accuracy."
    "Any questions?"
    The other women shook their head.
    "All right then. May I present our newest Head of Household Maids, Lucy Primm."
    There was a polite smattering of applause. Lucy's eyes scanned the row of maids and smiled. When she got to Missy, her friend dropped her gaze.
    "Fine," Lucy thought. "Be that way."
    "Thank you," Lucy said. "I'm really new at supervising, so this is going to be a learning experience for me. If you have any questions or suggestions, please bring them to me. I know it's always made a difference to me to have an approachable...supervisor. So please, don't hesitate."
    "Is the demerit system still in place?" Missy's eyes finally locked on Lucy's. Her tone was challenging.
    Lucy looked to Mr. Ellis for help, but he'd dropped his eyes, clearly indicating that he expected Lucy to handle the inquiry.
    "Yes," Lucy said. "Mr. Ellis set that system in place. I don't have authority to undo it."
    "So you're OK with it? And you'll enforce it."
    The eyes of the other maids were flashing from Lucy to Missy and back again. Lucy wanted to cry out, "Why are you doing this," but instead she turned away and addressed the entire group.
    "I don't make the rules, but I respect them," she said.
    "It's amazing what a change in pay grade will do for someone's attitude," Missy said loud enough for all to hear.
    This time, Mr. Ellis did step forward.
    "Miss Palmer," he said, addressing Missy. "Do you have some sort of problem with my appointment?"
    Missy didn't look so certain of herself now.
    "No," she said, demurring slightly.
    "Then may I ask why you're taking issue with Miss Primm before she's even had a chance to begin her duties?"
    "I---I..." Missy began, and then Lucy saw her friend's eyes automatically go to her, imploringly. This time, however, it was Lucy who looked away.
    "If it is a problem with policy that you have, Miss Palmer, then you're welcome to come discuss it with me. And if the demerit system isn't something you can live with then I'll happily give you a letter to take to your next prospective employer. As Miss Primm said, I make the rules. She simply helps me carry them out."
    He looked around. "Is that clear?"
    Everyone nodded and Mr. Ellis backed away.
    Lucy's mouth felt dry, but she found her voice after a few moments.
    "Your assignments are on the board," she said. "So if you'll all be to your duties I'll be around to talk to you one by one today."
    The other women filtered out, leaving Lucy standing alone with Mr. Ellis.
    "You failed," he said.
    "I did?" Her heart sunk.
    "Am I..?"
    "Fired?