Then she told them to change into their play clothes. “Er.. what?” Billy said.
“Your play clothes Billy.” Mrs Postlethwaite restated. “… and please, address me as Ma’am when you speak to me. Your play dress is the green dress I bought you, for wearing when you’re not at school.” she reminded him. “Alice will button you into it, won’t you Alice?”
“Yes, Miss.” Alice obediently replied.
“Now run along… and don’t leave your day dress crumpled on the floor Billy!” Mrs Postlethwaite said.
“Yes.. er.. no.. Ma’am.” Billy said as Alice bundled him out of the kitchen and up the stairs. “How come you can call her Miss and I have to call her Ma’am?” he moaned as they reached the landing.
“I don’t know Billy,” Alice replied. “Best to just do what she says,” she advised. “I’d hate to see you get a lashing too,” she said.
