“You could never be a burden to me, brother. You were the only light in the darkness that was my life when we lived with our father and the others.”
“Ezekiel was not always horrid to me,” Adam said softly. “He used to bring me food sometimes. He told me to call him Ziek.”
“I didn’t know that,” Ruby said.
“Well, he was the eldest and had to conform to Father’s ways as he was his heir, so it is likely he did not want anyone to know, but he did visit me now and then.”
Ruby found she liked that knowledge. That not all her siblings were willing to turn against their youngest brother because his legs did not work like theirs did.
“I remember well the last time he visited me, before we ran away, because he looked worried, Ruby.”
“Did he say what was worrying him?”
“Only that our father was not the man they thought he was.”
“Cold, callous and horrid do you mean?” Ruby snapped.
Adam shook his head. “No, I think there was more to this. Something Ezekiel uncovered had shocked him to the soles of his feet.”
Ruby wondered what their eldest brother had found, but as it was unlikely she would ever know, she pushed it asked.
“Thank you for telling me about Ezekiel. It is nice to think that one of our siblings had a glimmer of kindness in him.”
“Yes, he has,” Adam said solemnly.
“And now, there is a matter I need your assistance with, brother.”
“What?” He sat upright.
“I wondered if you would help me prepare lessons, Adam. I have a six-year-old child to teach and would like you to help me with the lessons I must deliver each day. After all, my references were written by you, so clearly you know what is needed.”
The small smile was a relief.
“So, help me, Adam. While I am with Ella, you can prepare the following day’s work. I will get you books, as Mr. Howarth has said I may use the earl’s library. Soon I will buy more paper and you can organize me. He wants her to study mythology, poetry, and everything in between. You have read extensively your entire life. You could help me.”
She saw the flash of something that Ruby thought was excitement in her brother’s eyes.
“I can do that. I will start tonight.”
“But first you must translate this recipe from Old French into English for me. The cook who made the cake wishes for it to be done.” She handed it to him. “And as that cake was delicious and we want more, you must make sure you do it clearly and concisely.”
“I can do that.” He sounded a great deal happier.
They ate the meager meal of potatoes and carrots, and then Ruby told Adam she wanted to ask the Amble sisters some more questions about the family she now worked for. It was a lie, of course; she had to tell the other residents about the increase in their rental payments. Leaving her brother mulling over the lessons for tomorrow, she went back downstairs.
Knocking on each door, she asked everyone to gather at the Amble sisters’ rooms as soon as possible.
Violet fussed about making tea once more. While Ruby read the sisters the note from Mr. Robins.
“We shall come about, dear,” Beatrice said.
“I don’t know how. Yes, I will receive money for my employment, but it will not be enough to cover the others who cannot pay the extra needed. Plus, we do not have much time to find it.”
The residents of 11 Nobby Lane were elderly, and finding work was not easy.
“That poisonous toad and his harpy will usually give us a day’s grace if we cannot pay. Why do you think they are persisting now?” Violet asked the question.
“I don’t know, but my fear is they have others who would move in and pay more,” Ruby whispered.
