Flight of the Monarch

"It was difficult to find someone else on short notice."

"But everyone at the gathering will know she is not a servant. We discussed her coming to visit you for a few hours, but I have not agreed to let her serve my guests."

Maddie could find no words.

"Miss Hawthorn, I would like to have a word with you."

Mrs. Sommers motioned for Maddie to follow her. When they reached the corner of the room, Mrs. Sommers spoke.

"She simply cannot stay."

"I apologize for the misunderstanding. I will take her home, since you cannot spare Mr. Christman to do so. I will return as soon as possible."

"You told me you could get someone; you did not say it would be her. I do not believe this is a misunderstanding as you call it. I told you before the invitation was sent that I have forbidden her to spend any time with my son." Her nostrils flared as she glared at Hayley. "I cannot afford to lose your time and service, by allowing you to take her home."

"I will do whatever you wish."

"I simply do not have the time to find a replacement."

She pushed past Maddie and charged toward Hayley.

"Put that smock on and stop wasting anymore of my time.

As long as you are here to serve, you will be treated as a servant. You will not speak to any of my guests unless you are spoken to, and you will not have conversations with any of them. Do you understand?"

Hayley nodded in agreement. "Yes, ma'am."

"Claudia!" The disgruntled woman ushered a thin, red haired girl, who was washing a ceramic bowl. "See that this girl is taken to a room to change."

Maddie and Hayley glanced at each other and smiled.

They were together again.

_ _

Hayley stood in front of a mirror and smiled. She never thought she would agree to be anyone's servant, even for a day. Maddie stood behind her and tied an apron around her as Hayley spoke.

"I wish to be perfect. I don't want to do anything that would disappoint Mrs. Sommers."

"Do not concern yourself with perfection. It would be a total waste of your energy."

"Maddie?" Hayley turned to face her. "Why are you always so calm? You saw how difficult she is. I have never seen anyone so impossible to please." She walked toward the bed and began mimicking Mrs. Sommers in exaggerated speech.