“Well, they can if they want. I don’t stop them from learning.”
She didn’t speak, but she was very well aware that she had to lie to the housekeeper to give Millie time to read with her. Millie wanted to better herself but had been given no time or opportunity.
Fortunately, he was thinking ahead, his mind already guessing her thoughts.
“I suppose there is little time for most of them. And who would teach them? Tutors are expensive.”
She nodded, not daring to speak.
“You know, Mother speaks of how I hated doing my lessons as a boy. Ran like the devil himself was on my tail. But agentleman must know his letters.” He cut a hard glance at her. “Do you say that everyone reads in China?”
“No. But even the poorest know a few words. Our language is done in pictures. Everyone recognizes a few words.”
“It’s the same here. Most know their name. A few letters here and there. Numbers are more common.”
“But you value it, yes? Reading and writing is the basis of advancement, yes?”
He didn’t answer. They were distracted as another couple came to greet them. Yihui did better this time. She didn’t say anything but the barest hello and though the newcomers seemed disappointed by this, no one laughed at her.
They moved on a moment later and Max went straight back to their discussion. “There was a boy in my village who was very smart. Mother allowed him to sit with me when the tutor came.” He gave a self-conscious shrug. “It was the only way I would sit for instruction.” He sighed. “It worked for months until Father stopped it. I was furious that I had to stay in and study when I didn’t want to, and my friend got to play when he wanted to study.”
“What happened to the child?”
“He farms pigs just like his father. Does a good job of it. He’s very smart.”
“Can he read and write?”
“Some, I think.”
“You don’t know?”
He shrugged. “He’s one boy out of dozens on an estate we lived at for a few summers. I have not kept track of them all.” And that thought troubled him. She could tell by his tight expression. “I should find out. He was clever. Moreso than I.” He glanced at her. “In China, he could have taken an exam, then? And gotten a government job?”
“If someone sponsored his education, yes. He would not be limited by his father’s occupation.”
“Yes, yes. We do that as well. If the boy catches our attention.”
There were more people on the street, more interruptions as they greeted every well-dressed soul who came by. She remained silent most of the time. So many words came too fast for her, but she was getting better.
And then, when it was time to return home, he demonstrated that he was still thinking on her words.
“You believe my servants want to read and write?”
Did she tell him about Millie? Did she risk—
“There must be someone,” he continued. “You would not bring this up if you didn’t know.”
It was the truth, and it was proof that he was clever in his own right.
“Who is it?”
“Max…” She didn’t know if it would get the girl in trouble.
“No, no, let me think.” A moment later he snapped his fingers. “What’s that maid’s name?”
“Millie.”
“She wants to learn?”
