Daughter of the Loom (Bells of Lowell Book #1) by Judith Miller, Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page A

they’ll just keep on with their unending questions until they’ve learned and repeated every detail of your life,” Nadene interjected.
    The girls giggled. “She’s right. We don’t know when to stop asking questions.”
    Lilly glanced toward Nadene, then chose her words carefully before answering. “Your apology is accepted.”
    Nadene nodded her approval.
    “We truly do appreciate your cooking skills,” Prudence said, obviously not wanting to go to bed. “I’m only sorry you can’t remain here at the house and be our cook. We all like Miss Addie, but she’s a poor excuse for a culinary artist.”
    “Oh, listen to you, culinary artist ,” Marmi mimicked, causing all of the girls to giggle.
    “Do you know where you’ll be assigned once you begin at the Appleton?” Franny inquired.
    “I’ve been told the spinning room, but I’m sure that it’s subject to change since I haven’t actually signed a contract yet. The thought that we’re required to sign a contract seems to imply that the owners don’t believe women will keep their word. As if women might not be responsible employees, don’t you think?” Lilly inquired, hoping to elicit the girls’ attitude toward their employer.
    Nadene leaned back against her pillow and tucked the quilt under her chin, obviously willing to remain awake a bit longer.
    “They require contracts from all employees—the men, too,” Prudence replied. “I think the contracts are a good thing. That way there’s no misunderstanding. We’re all given the same information about the rules and what is expected of us.”
    Most of the girls nodded in agreement. Nadene didn’t respond.
    “So you don’t mind any of the rules?” Lilly ventured.
    “Some of the regulations may seem harsh—we’re certainly expected to give a long day of hard labor for our pay, but that’s to be expected. At least the Corporation has eliminated the required pew rent at St. Anne’s Episcopal,” Nadene stated.
    Lilly was aghast at the remark. “Pew rent?”
    Nadene nodded. “Thirty-seven and a half cents a month.”
    Franny added in a conspiratorial whisper, “They held it out of our pay, but we raised enough of a ruckus that they finally stopped.”
    Nadene continued. “The pew rent was an easy way for Kirk Boott to recover the cost of building his Episcopal church. My feeling was that if he wanted an Episcopal church, that was fine, but why should I pay for it? I’m a Methodist.”
    Lilly folded her arms across her chest. “Such behavior by Mr. Boott and the Boston Associates shouldn’t come as a surprise to me. Every one of those men is self-serving, set upon nothing but the almighty dollar. Not one of them has any concern for others. Those men and their greed have caused untold suffering to the farmers of East Chelmsford. I have no doubt they’d sell their souls to the devil to turn a profit.”
    Prudence’s mouth dropped open. “How can you say such things, Lilly? Why, the Boston Associates are forward-thinking men who have finally given women an opportunity to be of value in this country. I personally applaud what they’ve accomplished. Perhaps you haven’t given thought to how you would have supported yourself upon the death of your parents if these mills hadn’t been here to provide you a job,” she countered.
    Lilly clenched her fists, her expression hardening as she fought to control her voice. “If the Boston Associates hadn’t invaded this countryside, my father would still be alive, and if he weren’t, I’d at least have a farm to provide my living, Prudence. You’ll not convince me that those evil men have done me any favors. Had they ventured into New Hampshire and stolen land from your family, I’m sure you might think differently.”
    Lilly knew she’d gone too far. Exhaustion made her vulnerable and free with her thoughts. Why couldn’t she be sweet spirited like her mother? Mama would be so ashamed of my attitude .
    Marmi placed an arm around Lilly’s