Ходячий замок
Chapter 2
You’refartoocleverandnicetobestuckinthatshopfortherestofyourlife.Wetalkedaboutit,butwecouldn’tseewhattodo.”
“I’mallright,”Sophieprotested.“Justabitdull.”
“Allright?”Marthaexclaimed.“Yes,youproveyou’reallrightbynotcomingnearhereformonths,andthenturningupinafrightfulgraydressandshawl,lookingasifevenIscareyou!What’sMotherbeendoingtoyou?”
“Nothing,”Sophiesaiduncomfortably.“We’vebeenratherbusy.Youshouldn’ttalkaboutFannythatway,Martha.Sheisyourmother.”
“Yes,andI’menoughlikehertounderstandher,”Martharetorted.“That’swhyshesentmesofaraway,ortriedto.Motherknowsyoudon’thavetobeunkindtosomeoneinordertoexploitthem.Sheknowshowdutifulyouare.Sheknowsyouhavethisthingaboutbeingafailurebecauseyou’reonlytheeldest.She’smanagedyouperfectlyandgotyouslavingawayforher.Ibetshedoesn’tpayyou.”
“I’mstillanapprentice,”Sophieprotested.
“SoamI,butIgetawage.TheCesarisknowI’mworthit,”saidMartha.“Thathatshopismakingamintthesedays,andallbecauseofyou!YoumadethatgreenhatthatmakestheMayor’swifelooklikeastunningschoolgirl,didn’tyou?”
“Caterpillargreen.Itrimmedit,”saidSophie.
“AndthebonnetJaneFarrierwaswearingwhenshemetthatnobleman,”Marthaswepton.“You’reageniuswithhatsandclothes,andMotherknowsit!YousealedyourfatewhenyoumadeLettiethatoutfitlastMayDay.
