The Brightwood Code: Chapters 1-6

by Monica Hesse
In this historical novel, a young woman is forced to relive her recent past as a switchboard operator on the front lines of WWI when she begins to receive mysterious, threatening telephone calls at work.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1-6, Chapters 7-12, Chapters 13-19, Chapters 20-26, Chapters 27-35
15 words 76 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. infraction
    a violation of a law or rule
    “This is your third infraction this week,” my supervisor continues, wedging herself in between me and the operator next to me.
  2. clandestine
    conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
    Our workstations are narrow enough for this clandestine communication; we all had to pass weight and height exams upon hiring to make sure we fit in the chairs.
  3. convey
    transmit or serve as the medium for transmission
    Then I nod meaningfully toward my switchboard, trying to convey that it requires my full attention.
  4. en masse
    all together
    Behind me, the line of fresh operators steps forward en masse; the girl who will take over my shift is already sliding in at my left, reaching for the cord in my hand so she can complete this annoying transfer.
  5. decrepit
    worn and broken down by hard use
    “My professor is giving extra credit, which I sorely need, for coming in early and organizing his decrepit filing system. This is my diligent-student costume.”
  6. sordid
    morally degraded
    I know the impression I’m leaving: that the word was a bad word, sordid in nature, that I’m too embarrassed to say it out loud to him.
  7. conversant
    well informed about or knowing thoroughly
    “Obviously, I’m not an operator. But I am conversant in telephones. I know how they work, as a caller. And I know that when I lift up the receiver, an operator is already there on the other end, ready to help place my call.”
  8. summarily
    quickly and without following customary procedures
    Because I’d forgotten to go to three volunteer sessions in a row at my mother’s club, too busy with friends and frolicking, and was summarily told that the Ladies’ Aid Society didn’t need my aid: My job should be to smile at fundraisers, not try to plan them.
  9. plucky
    showing courage
    “But in the meantime, I will be cheering for you, Edda Grace St. James. The American girls are always plucky. When I trained for this role in the capital I found the operators there tougher than schoolmarms. I followed—”
    Before he could finish his sentence, floorboards on the staircase creaked.
  10. quell
    suppress or crush completely
    I crept into the empty bed fully dressed, clutching my recovered hair combs, and then tried to quell everything rising in my stomach.
  11. deftly
    with dexterity; in a dexterous manner
    She nods, her fingers deftly producing a shirt with little brass buttons shaped like anchors.
  12. decorum
    propriety in manners and conduct
    In just a few minutes, the office buildings surrounding Hecht’s have opened, lawyers and secretaries pouring out bareheaded and barehanded, the decorum of hats and gloves forgotten as the inhabitants of F Street office buildings leave their desks to celebrate in the streets.
  13. sheepish
    showing a sense of shame
    When he straightens to standing he throws his arms up in a sheepish shrug.
  14. frivolous
    not serious in content, attitude, or behavior
    Frivolous Edda, and I’d connected my first call overseas.
  15. appraise
    consider in a comprehensive way
    “Perhaps.” He appraised me. “I make the time for operators who are serious about their work.”
Created on Mon Jan 05 08:39:54 EST 2026 (updated Wed Jan 07 07:09:07 EST 2026)

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