The Home Tree

March 25, 1836 Dear Diary, This morning Mr. Spindle asked me to stay after work. He said he wanted to “talk” with me. I was terrified. What would happen? All morning long I was unable to concentrate on my work. I worried I might lose my employment because I insulted him by leaving the dance rather than put up with his advances. At the noon meal, I sat with Kate and Emily and Orrillia and told them my problem. They formed a plan. They promised to wait for me after work, right outside the door and would rush in if I should call out at any time. Knowing I had their support enabled me to get through the afternoon. At the sound of the bell, while everyone else rushed out of the room, I slowly and cautiously approached Mr. Spindle's desk. I was hoping he would apologize for his behavior at the ball. But, no, that's not what happened. Instead he commended me on my work. He told me that one of the “Petticoat Overseers” on our floor is leaving and he'd like me to take her place. Diary, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I heard that! I told him I'd have to give him my answer in the morning. Then I raced out of there like I'd been possessed by Lucifer himself. My friends were waiting and I almost knocked them over as I flung the door open. “What happened, Jerusha?” they cried. I was walking so fast they could hardly keep up with me. My heart was pounding so hard, I couldn't slow down. When they finally did catch up, Kate said, “He must have made an advance towards you, judging by how fast you came running out of there.” “No that's not it at all”, I said. “You'll never guess what he wanted. One of the petticoat overseers is leaving. He offered me the position.” “Well,” said Emily, “I guess he thinks if he promotes you, he can get some special favors.” Kate said, “Let's all stay calm. We'll help you figure out what to do. First we need to get some supper so we can think clearly. Then we'll go to our room and puzzle it out.” We spent hours discussing how I should respond to his offer. The position would provide extra money and we all agreed that I need it for my family. I'd also be orienting new girls to the weaving room, something I want to do, but under no circumstances will I take this position if there are any extra “privileges” required of me. I'm also worried that if I'm too authoritative with him, he might have me blacklisted. Finally, after hashing it out for hours, we decided I should be direct with him and say that his behavior at the dance confused me. It made me think he offered this promotion because he has ulterior motives. Dear Diary, I will state on my honor, under no circumstances would I ever permit any such behavior. It really helped me to be able to talk this out with my roommates, but I was still not able to sleep, wondering if I have enough courage to tell him this. Love, Jerusha