Chapter 2-3
294 Words
Concordia regarded Miss Smedley in silence as the young lady perched uneasily on the only other chair in Concordia’s study, nervously smoothing back her pale hair in its bun and settling the folds of her burgundy-velvet-trimmed cashmere skirts.
Concordia knew that Alison Smedley came from the Philadelphia Smedleys, a family of blue-blood wealth with powerful ties to steel and railroad magnates. Here at Hartford Women’s College, Miss Smedley enjoyed a bevy of admiring girls who sought her favor. When it suited her, she could be a pleasant young lady. It did not always suit her. Particularly where her roommate was concerned.
“I know what you’re going to say,” Miss Smedley said, breaking the silence. “I was supposed to help during the entire reception, and I didn’t stay.”
Concordia waited for more. “Why did you leave?” she finally asked. It was like pulling teeth.
Miss Smedley gave a dramatic sigh. “Maisie was useless. If she wasn’t staring out the window at the snow, she was rearranging the table, and I’d have to change it back. I worked hard to get it just right. The spoons should never go to the left of the saucers in a proper afternoon tea configuration, nor should the cups be stacked.” She rolled her eyes.
“So that’s why you left?”
“No,” Miss Smedley said through gritted teeth. “Maisie abandoned me first. To play in the snow. I suppose one can’t expect much from such an ill-bred girl. I left after that. After all, why should I stay and do all the work?”
“Because we were even more short-handed, and needed you,” Concordia retorted.
The girl shrugged.
They were getting nowhere. Concordia stood. “I will have a list of chores for you in the morning, Miss Smedley. You may go.”
Miss Smedley raised an eyebrow in surprise, no doubt expecting a long-winded lecture. “What about Maisie? She should get more chores.”
“There will be plenty of work for both of you,” Concordia assured her.
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