and that’s what I first saw in you Sybil, a raw if untapped talent to lead, and to manage my people, and my affairs. Did you know you had those qualities? Be Frank, I wish to know about that side of you. Hold nothing back. I’ll enjoy my tea as I listen to you. Relax my dear - you are with me, and you are safe.”
I cleared my throat. I placed my hand to my lips and issued a slight cough.
“I was raised on a farm in America, in the Midwest. I arose early, and I went to bed early. I had chores to do, farm chores. I’m afraid they are not very glamorous as they would be on this working Estate.”
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
I cleared my throat. I placed my hand to my lips and issued a slight cough.
“I was raised on a farm in America, in the Midwest. I arose early, and I went to bed early. I had chores to do, farm chores. I’m afraid they are not very glamorous as they would be on this working Estate.”
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
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