The Training of Scarlet Worthy (7 page)

I looked up to see if I was correctly answering her question. She bid me to continue. “I had no friends. We were isolated, and the school had so few students. I kind of buried myself in the books, and I really liked math.”

I sat up at the thought of the hours of enjoyment that mathematics brought to me. I giggled. “Math saved me from the farm life. I did well and I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to college. My Lady has seen my record. I was a good student…..”

She spoke gently. “I know dear. But then what?”

“Well, I concentrated on my scholastics My Lady. I guess to the exclusion of all else, and I’m afraid I became what they call a nerd, bookish, homely and unpopular with both the women and the men. The rejection only made me withdrawal even more. I was hoping that this experience here at the Manor would help broaden my horizons, perhaps make a fresh start. I even thought that I’d make a friend or two – maybe even a boyfriend…..”

The end of my sentence trailed off. “I believed that a real love life was beyond my expectations at this stage.”

I looked up. My Lady was facing me and she was listening to me. No one had ever listened to me like she did – ever. I cocked my head.

“What? Did I say something wrong My Lady?

“You said it well precious girl, but you got a few things quite wrong. You are far from homely. In fact you’re are quite beautiful, and with some work you will be stunning. Leave that part to me. Besides, I would not abide a homely Executive assistant – now would I?”

I sheepishly shook my head. She smiled, it was an easy confident smile, her voice soothing and gentle. “And when you complete your understudy here at the Manor, believe me Sybil, you will be most respected – perhaps even feared by some. And the men and the women will flock to be with you, just to be near you. All of this in good time Sibyl.”

“May I speak My Lady?”

She nodded.

“I fear I have overstated my qualifications.”

She chuckled. “Then I must be a fool for selecting you? Is that what you’re saying?”

“Oh no My Lady it’s just that I’m humbled to be your selection.”

“Humility is good Sibyl.” She arced her back. “I will teach you perfect humility, but we’ll save that discussion for another time as well. Your name, are you fond of it?”

“My name?”

“Yes, the name Sibyl? Do you like it?”

“Not particularly. Why My Lady. Do you not like my name?”

“It’s a name that seems a bit conservative and diminutive. Soon you will outgrow it. I’ll let you know my thoughts, but once again, at another time.”

“Let’s speak of today. I want you to see the full extent of the Brighten Manor, its grounds, and its building, and I want you to be acquainted with the staff. Touring the Manor Estate will help you get a feel for the size and scope of the enterprise that you will be managing.”

“Managing! - My Lady, may I please ask. Did I hear you correctly?

She smiled. “Your hearing is fine my pet. Yes. I said managing. Come I’ll explain on the way to the stables.”

We rose together. I caught myself once more staring at her. Her long blond hair was styled in a classic chignon artistically achieving a wet look but without making her hair look stiff. The overall effect of My Lady’s chignon was more relaxed and natural.

I felt tiny standing before her, she so statuesque and yet so very graceful, her movements precise yet easy, as if time moved at a pace that she alone enjoyed. Her hands were surely pampered, the nails neatly manicure, and today a bold red polish to match her riding jacket. Her fingers long and delicate like that of a concert pianist.

I watched her pull on her gloves. Her face was at repose and bore not a single blemish. It was difficult not to reach up and stroke her cheek. Her light blue eyes were slightly hooded. She exuded sexuality. Her lips were partly open, ripe and soft. I could see her perfect teeth. The lip gloss was a subtle red, a perfect gentle blend that did not compete for the true and honest beauty with which she was so blessed.

She sipped the remainder of her tea. Watching me over the rim of her cup. Her posture was perfect. She carried her tall frame easily like a Parisian model.

“Do you like what you see?”

I stammered. “Yes My Lady. You look so stunning in your outfit. I’m sorry. Was I staring?”

“I’ll take it as a complement.” She placed the empty cup and saucer on the table. “Before we go, a single modification to your hat.” She attached a black stitched veil to the interior of my hat. Her hat too was similarly veiled.

“Now take you hat dear, and let’s be off. I find the veils most lovely, and they evoke an air of mystery and aloofness.”

I placed my hat upon my head and handed hers to her. She adjusted mine until she was satisfied that it was on properly. When finished she said. “Wonderful my dear, I’ll wager you will have the full attention of all of the boys and the girls at the stable. Come.”

Lady Julia took my arm and laid it gracefully over her own. It was a most formal gesture and I felt immediate confidence walking by her side. As we approached the surrey I stood a bit taller, my head held high, and comfortable in my elegant attire. The veil brushed against my cheek. It’s presence a reminder of my aristocratic chaperone.

My beautiful Lady ushered me down the path of my cottage. I looked forward to learning from her. My senses were alive with anticipation.

The soft brown horse stood strapped to the carriage. I saw his muscles twitch. Beyond the carriage, the landscape rose to a lush green English meadow that was framed by a line of trees in the distant horizon. I felt like I was stepping into an Edwardian novel. The gravel cracked and scattered beneath our booted feet. I held open the door to the surrey. My lady stepped inside and I followed. I was a willing pupil to the head Mistress of Brighten Manor, and I was having more pure joy, more fun, than I had ever had on any day of my heretofore dreary life.

Lady Julia, picked up the reigns that reached from of the surrey. The horses head rose at that slightest of touch. She glanced at me and winked. “Comfy dear?”

My feet were positioned flat on the floor of the buggy, my knees together and my back straight against the cushion of the padded seat.

“Yes My Lady, deliciously comfy.” I giggled, and to my surprise so did she.

My Lady then issued a barely audible clicking nose with her tongue. The little horse began to walk. She flicked the reigns and the horse moved more briskly into a gentle trot.

We both settled into the easy movement of the surrey. The lane was smooth and the ride soft and pleasant.

“It will take about twenty minutes to reach the working stables. The stable boys and girls have instructions to have two of the Manors’ horses saddled and prepared for us. I find riding most enjoyable, and easily the best way to see all of the Brighten Manor Estate.

“You
have
ridden a horse Sibyl. Have you not?”

She waited for my answer. “Yes My Lady, we had a horse on the farm. I fear it was more suited to the plow than those of the Manor. It was a nag.” I laughed, “But I was able to stay mounted.”

“Good. Then we merely need to polish your style. I’ll teach you how a proper English woman rides.” She patted my leg.

“On the way, let me begin your education regarding your duties here at Brighten Manor. Pay close attention. You have my permission to ask questions. I trust there will be many.”

Her first words stunned me.

“Every staff member on the Estate will report to you.”

She said it so simply, yet her words hung in the morning air like a suffocating weight. I felt dizzy.

“Report to me? Why My Lady? I have never managed anyone, I can’t….”

She interrupted me. “Then you shall learn, I will teach you, but you
WILL
learn! “Let’s get this corrected right now. Do not object to the responsibilities of being my personal assistant Sibyl. I find it tedious. You may ask what you must, and I will help you learn. If you are not up to that challenge, then we can part ways right now. Is that clear.” She halted the buggy. She waited.

“Oh My Lady, please. No. I promise never again will I challenge your instructions. I will do whatever needs doing. I’m so very sorry. Please go on. Please don’t release me.”

“Very well.” Smiling, she urged the horse to begin again.

“There are many staff, but you will only need to manage the leader in the structure of each of the Estate sections. Madison will report to you on a scheduled basis, one that you provide him. He has responsibility for the Manor house, its staff, including Cook, the chambermaids, house servants and others. There are files on all of those people in your office. I recommend you begin tonight, becoming familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of those in your service.”

My Lady glanced at me. “Are we clear on this?”

“Yes, My Lady, and what if someone is not performing?”

“Good question. You will bring the performance issue up with his or her manager. In a case with someone at the Manor, that particular case you would bring before Madison. It is then upon Madison to rectify the behavior, and if it continues, well you tell me Sibyl. What do you do if the same inappropriate behavior continues? This is a test. You’re a smart girl. Reason it out, what is your only recourse?”

I looked straight ahead,
I was good at puzzles
. I took my time. Once again My Lady patted my leg. She smiled at me.

“Talk it through Sibyl.”

“Well my first thought was that I would come to you for advice. Then I thought. No. If I were to do that, then my staff….. Oh good heavens, listen to me.” I touched her gloved hand. “My staff,” I giggled. “Well wait, it would be my staff wouldn’t it? And that being so, only I would be able to make corrections.”

I glanced at her. She smiled and nodded. “Go on.”

“Well, if I pursued that approach, coming to you that is, then I’d have two problems. First, I would lose any respect for my authority with staff, and second, if I bothered you with such issues, you would not have the manager you seek. I get it My Lady. Beginning today, you have one person reporting to you, and only one person you need to hold responsible for all of your holdings - me. Is that it?”

“That is perfectly said dear. Well done.”

I nearly swooned. It was the first compliment that My Lady had bestowed on me from a job perspective, and I was giddy. I picked up her gloved hand and kissed it.

“You execute your duties like that my little one and we’ll be fine. I’ll guide you along. That same approach is how you will handle all of my affairs. As I said, starting straightaway, get your head in the files. Identify your leaders. Make sure that they know what you are going to expect from them. Set the tone early and crisply. That carries forward to all of the Estate vendors as well. Call in the firms that supply the Manor. Talk to the grocer, the outside electrical service even the plumber. Let them know what level of service and quality you will expect from them. Let them know the penalties for non-compliance. Be firm. Be specific, and leave no room for prevarication.”

We were approaching the stables. I could make out twin gables rising above the main barn. It was immense. I leaned forward in the carriage.

“My Lady, how many men and women work the Estate beyond those who support the Manor house? I see so many people scurrying around up ahead.”

She snapped the reigns and the little hose picked up speed. She raised her voice a bit. “There are about fifty. The foreman will brief you on each. Always have your managers do such briefings at your convenience. Instruct them in writing to be prepared, and to give you a full formal briefing in your office. Set your expectations and then critique all of your managers on their performance and the quality of the service they provide to the Manor. It will serve you well.”

I was feeling pretty full of myself. Who would have believed that I would be managing upwards of a hundred people and such a large enterprise as Brighten Manor?

My Lady pulled up the horse. “One last thing. Before we meet any of your new staff. Take this last bit of advice as motivation for you as my manager. I will expect the same briefings from you Sibyl, and I will be very demanding of you in those briefings, and at times seeming perhaps quite a bit harsh. So, warning issued - be very vigilant managing the assets of my precious Brighten Manor.”

She shot me a wicked grin. I smiled and lowered my eyes and whispered. “Yes My Lady, your expectations are a sweet demand for me. May I always please you?”

Lady Julia tied the reigns to the carriage, and immediately we were surrounded by a crowd of willing staff. She held up a finger, and as one they became still. She touched her lips indicating silence.

She whispered to me. “They are happy to see us.” She turned to face me. She cupped her hand over my ear and giggled. “I don’t come to the stables as often as I once did. This will be an occasion for them. They also know about you, and that makes them nervous. I like to heighten there excitement. Sit a minute. Watch the tension mount. I’m afraid there is a wicked side to me Sibyl. I like to watch them squirm.”

And make them squirm she did. My Lady sat upright in the surrey. She identified a handsome young man at the front of the crowd.

“That one is Carlton. I got him from a neighbors Estate, a Lady Bradstreet, you’ll meet her. She comes to the Manor often for tea. Carlton is quite good looking. Don’t you think?”

She was gossiping. Playing an edgy game of keep away - filling time to make them wait. I fell in behind her lead. The tension was intoxicating and the power over them electrifying.

“Well only if you like your men tall, and delicious.” I whispered in return.

“Oh, that’s only half the story dear.” She rubbed the top of my leg. “I won him on a bet with from Lady Bradstreet. I don’t even remember the bet, but Lady Bradstreet lost, and now he’s mine. I have him on a contract and she secretly pays his fee.”

“Oh my God. My Lady you are wicked. What does Carlton do?”

“I'm told he has quite an impressive background; I must look into it sometime, but for now - not much. I just like to look at him.” She whispered a laugh. “My neighbor was heartbroken to lose him, she told me he’s endowed like a stallion.”