The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

As soon as Elsa steps back inside, Samantha drops to her knees on the grass and I quickly join her. We sweep the grass, side to side, with open fingers. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world when I spot that brooch twinkling beneath the clothesline. It’s shaped like a dragonfly, with ruby eyes and turquoise wings. Samantha shrieks as my fingers close around the brooch. She jumps to her feet and brushes off her pinafore. We should take it to Grandmary straight away.

We race through the kitchen, run past Elsa, whose mouth is hanging open, and nearly knock into Mrs. Hawkins in the hallway. Mrs. Hawkins says that we must slow down. Grandmary’s having tea in the parlor with Mrs. Ryland.

Samantha races ahead of me down the hall and then takes a moment to compose herself just outside the parlor door. When we step inside, Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. Ryland, a woman with red hair like her son’s, glances up in surprise.

Samantha urges me to show her. I proudly stretch out my hand to present the dragonfly brooch to Mrs. Edwards. She looks at us in surprise and tells us well done. Samantha says it was in the grass outside. But I noticed that Mrs. Ryland is eyeing me suspiciously, as if I pulled the brooch out of my own sleeve. Mrs. Ryland snidely comments the grass is an unlikely place for a missing brooch. Samantha juts out her chin and says exactly what I wish I could. She says it was very likely. The brooch fell off while I was doing the wash yesterday. Mrs. Edwards scolds Samantha, telling her she must mind her tone. But the warmth in her blue-gray eyes tells me that she doesn’t suspect me of stealing. So why does Mrs. Ryland?

After we’ve gone back outside, I tell Samantha I don’t understand. I ask her why Mrs. Ryland dislikes me. She doesn’t even know me. Samantha shrugs and says Mrs. Ryland doesn’t treat me well because I’m a servant. It’s not right, but it’s how a lot of people are. I tell her that’s unfair. Samantha says she knows, and she’s sorry. I take a deep, calming breath. It’s not Samantha’s fault things are this way. I tell her it’s funny. Because the girl I’m supposed to be working for, her, treats me better than anyone else. I thank her for everything she’s done for me. Samantha’s face falls. She says that I say that as if I’m leaving soon.

I realize that Samantha is right. The time has come for me to go. I’ll miss her, but I don’t think I can pretend to be Ruby for even one more night, not with Elsa reminding me to keep my place. I say I have to go. Samantha nods sadly. She asks what will happen if I’m treated unfairly in my next job, too? Or if they work me harder than Elsa. I think about the work I have to do at my dad’s house, picturing the chore chart on the refrigerator. No problem. After what I went through yesterday and today, any chore at my dad’s house is a piece of cake.

I assure Samantha that I will be treated fairly. I’ll make sure of it. Samantha looks relieved. When we hear Mrs. Edwards calling, she gives me a quick hug and hurries inside.

A few minutes later, I hear Mrs. Edwards calling me inside, too. I follow her into the parlor. Mrs. Edwards apologizes for all of the upset surrounding her brooch. She says that she considers me a trustworthy girl. However, Samantha has told her that I have chosen not to continue on with them.

I tell Mrs. Edwards that I appreciate the work that I’ve been given, but it’s time for me to go home. I’m surprised to see the disappointment in Mrs. Edwards’ eyes. She says that’s very well. Then we will settle up. She says that I haven’t been here a full week, but I’ve earned it. She pulls out an envelope from her desk, and from that envelope, a crisp dollar bill. As she hands it to me, the work I’ve done during the last two days flashes through my mind. I sure didn’t earn a lot of money, but I did learn a lot. I learned how, and how not, to treat people. and I learned what real work is. When I get home, I’ll offer to do more chores. Anything except the laundry.