Sofia's Tune by Cindy Thomson

Author:Cindy Thomson [Thomson, Cindy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 26539890
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Once again Sofia had needed to race to work as though wolves were on her heels. Last evening’s conversation, poetry recitation, and exhibition of Grace McNulty’s photographs were proper evening pursuits in an English woman’s boarding house, but Sofia had been exhausted and was worried about her mother, and would have preferred to be excused. She hadn’t asked, however, because she did not want to appear unmannerly. To make matters worse, she’d missed another session of night school in the process.

Claudia whispered to her as they walked to their stations. “Mr. Richmond is afraid we will form a union and if we do, he won’t be able to replace us. And he should be afraid unless working conditions improve. People deserve to be treated with respect.” She lifted her brows menacingly. Americans, along with the Irish and other fair skinned people, seemed so expressionless to Sofia that they were hard to discern. Just the eyes. How odd. She preferred the passion of the Italians. That she understood. No mistaking an Italian’s melancholy or pleasure.

When Sofia went to her dark corner the wheels of her imagination cranked up. People could join together to convince others to do what was right. She might find a team of people to support her belief that Mamma should get proper help. She wasn’t sure about a union at the factory. If things were so bad here, why didn’t people leave and get other jobs? Claudia could not have been serious. Nellie Bly had not come snooping. Still, she did not like knowing that Mr. Richmond could fire her on a whim. She supposed a union could be useful.

Sofia did not see Claudia later. Sofia had been forced to work through her lunch break because her reflecting had resulted in her falling behind. When she punched the clock and readied to go home, she turned to find Mr. Richmond blocking her way.

“Miss Falcone, I have heard the rumors, as I am sure you have.”

“I…uh…I do not know what you mean.”

“Unions. Protesting in hopes of gaining high wages and shorter hours, which could mean ruin for the company’s profits, which in turn would cause people to lose their jobs. Those Progressives even want to take away my floor boys. They are twelve years old, not six. Well capable of the work I ask of them. I will not have rebellion on my floor, Miss Falcone.”

“No, sir.” She knew the boys were younger than twelve, but children working to help their families was not something she ever considered improper.

“You understand that I have been disappointed in your performance as late.”

“I am sorry, Mr. Richmond, but I will make up, catch up.” She was unsure how to explain.

“Yes, well, come to my office. I have a little proposition for you.”

“I must check on my mother. And then night school.”

“I promise this will only take a moment.” He took a step toward her, forcing her to turn around and walk toward the open door to the room where he smoked and shuffled through papers most of the day.

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