Who’s the Boss?
Phillip was fascinated by his apprenticeship. He was about to enter a completely new environment. Meeting the Estate residents and staff was a good start. He didn’t get any negative vibes from anyone, however Mr. Digby didn’t seem to control anything but the books he maintained. James. He was to call him James. He must remember that. Control. Phillip wondered who really ran the show that was the Beaufort Estate. It seemed that control was really in the hands of Cook and Martha, James’ wife. There was Samuel, but he was seldom in the house and then it was pretty casual. He did bring in produce for Cook from the garden. They seemed to discuss what was needed and who should take care of it. But then, they’d all been working together for many years. Were they just like his mother and sisters in the kitchen? Just knowing what to do next and who was best to do it. Phillip was nervous. How would he fit in? He supposed James was his go to person for questions, but it wouldn’t surprise him if he was sent to one of the other staff for answers. Mrs. Beaufort - or was it Mrs. Crawford - should be the boss, but he couldn’t tell.
Then there was this Giles person, the estate chauffeur, someone he hadn’t met. He didn’t know why this small group of people needed a chauffeur, but he was sure he’d find out. He knew that Giles would be part of today’s lesson. Apparently, Mrs. Crawford and James had decided a luncheon would be an easy start for Phillip. Giles would be picking up some of the guests, others would be coming in their own vehicles. Would he be parking attendant too? He was getting a headache.
~~~~~
When James had approached Emelina about a luncheon, she was more than happy to help. As a matter of fact she was glad. She wanted to have her dining room filled with people again. Laughing, talking but didn’t want an evening gathering to start with. Besides Dez, Matt and Jeremy, she had two others in mind. A small party of six would be a perfect number for a luncheon. Jeremy would bring one of the doctors and she would invite one of her friends from a charity she worked on. Giles would pick up Matt and Dez in the Estate car. She was excited! Talking to Cook about a light summer menu was just like the old days, except she really wanted to participate. In the old days, she didn’t discuss. She told Cook what to do, although Cook could work her around to what was realistic. The same thing happened with Martha. Now, she would decide what she wanted, make a plan and then discuss with them what worked. Although she signed the paycheques, she sometimes didn’t feel like a boss. They just all worked together. How would this new fellow fit in? He was quite a bit younger than everyone. If Brigitte were still here…..with that thought she relaxed. Brigitte did a wonderful job.
~~~~~
His mother called to Phillip. “Breakfast’s on the table. Phillip you’d better stop worrying and come down to eat. He looked in the mirror. Straightened his tie, put his best dress jacket on, smoothed his hair, took a deep breath and said. “You can do this Phillip.” He'd stick close to James and follow his lead.
“People ask the difference between a leader and a boss.
The leader leads, and the boss drives.”
~ Theodore Roosevelt
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