“Back home we call them life skills. Here, children learn the trades of their parents, but it’s not simply a matter of being a farmer or a blacksmith or tailor or a cook. Have they been taught management skills? I think I’ve mentioned that where I come from everyone can attend school, can learn to read and write and do math. There are also classes, um, lessons, on things like cooking and sewing and managing money. They are called life skills because they are the things people need to know to function in society.
“That’s why I asked what they had been taught. If a father is lazy, he will have few skills to teach his children. How does an Earl learn about running his estate? Doesn’t he need people who know how to do it really well to teach him, even if he hires someone else to actually do it?”
“Of course,” Ellen said. “So you believe it possible to teach these people to do better?”
“You won’t know until you give them the chance to learn and improve their lives. There’s a saying back home. If you give a man a fish, you’ve only fed him for that day. But if youteachhim to fish, he can feed himself the rest of his life.Life skills. See?”
“Yes.”
“Now, sometimes people aren’t very intelligent, and it’s hard for them to learn things.” Reese hesitated before plowing on. “I know a lot of you nobility types think that’s because you’re naturally smarter and better than regular people, but a lot of it comes down to the amount and quality of food children receive when they’re growing up. They don’t grow smart and strong because they don’t get good food when their brains and bodies are developing.” Her voice broke. “Like that little boy we saw.”
Ellen’s eyes glistened. “He looked so different from the children at Aunt Nellie’s. How is it possible for a child to have thin arms and such a fat belly?”
“It’s not fat. It’s a symptom of insufficient protein in the diet.”
“I was ignorant before,” Ellen stood, wearing a determined expression, “but I cannot sit back and do nothing. I wish to be brave like you. What must we do?”
“I talked to your housekeeper while she was bossing us around for our baths.” Reese walked over to the desk. “She said there is a good supply of fabric here. At least until we get that place cleaned up, I don’t want to expose too many people in case there’s anything really contagious there. Then we can arrange for more people to help with the houses and that horrible cesspool. Something we’ll need to drill into those people is hygiene.” Reese chuckled. “We should have a sign that says, ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’ in every house.”
Ellen gave a sleepy nod. “We have much to do tomorrow.”
“Yes. We’re going to change those people’s lives for the better.” Reese turned to her maid. “Thank you for your help in this too. I couldn’t have done that today without you.”
Lulu nodded and curtsied. The look she gave Reese warmed her heart, because for the first time, the little faerie wasn’t giving her a look of warning or admonition, but one of respect.
***
The next two days were exhausting, but with the help of Aunt Nellie’s people and some of the Kellworth servants, Reese and Ellen were able to get the people dressed, fed, and provided with supplies to get clean.
Reese had wondered if Jem might come with them, but one of the servants had said he had gone to London with Kaitlyn and Cyrus. Reese hadn’t admitted to herself, until the sharp stab of disappointment hit her, how much she had hoped he would come after her. Which was just stupid of her. She didn’t need to complicate things between them further.
While she and Ellen sat in the drawing room after dinner, a servant tapped on the door and entered carrying a silver tray with an envelope on it.
“My Lady, a messenger delivered this letter for you from the Earl.” He set the tray on the table beside Ellen and left the room.
“Wonderful,” she said as she read. “Gareth has finished his business in London early and plans to be here tomorrow. This is most excellent. Perhaps we can invite your cousin to join us—” Ellen broke off and tapped her fingers on the paper. “Would you perhaps prefer to meet my brother and his guests first? You would know better if they will suit.”
“Nowyou’resaying something I’m not sure I understand,” Reese said. “I’ve heard the term ‘suit’ used for courting couples who decide they’re not a good match. I’ve never heard it used for house guests. Do you mean they might not get along?”
“My brother sometimes invites . . .” Ellen frowned, “interestingfriends to be his guests. I believe Gareth and Mr. Jem would deal well enough.”
“But you’re not sure Jem would get along with your brother’s company?” Reese felt a twinge of concern. What kind of people did the Earl bring into his home? “Is your brother a partier?” At Ellen’s confused expression, Reese added, “Do he and his friends get drunk and then misbehave?” She didn’t get into that kind of thing herself and had little patience with people who didn’t recognize their limits.
“No, not Gareth. I will not know about his guests until they arrive. Last summer was . . .differentthan in past years. Some of the men were not quite the thing.” Ellen bit her lip, her expression unhappy.
“Don’t get all delicate with me.” Reese pinned the girl with a firm gaze, her anger at the Earl building. “Is your brother allowing guys like Sir Slimy into his home when you’re here? Are you afraid one will try to take advantage of you?”
“Of course none of his friends would try to take advantage ofme.” Her eyes flashed at the insult to her brother. “None would dare incur Gareth’s wrath.”
Reese found that answer lacking on so many levels, she didn’t know how to put her next question into words. Did Ellen mean Gareth’s guests wouldn’t mess with her because it would tick off her brother, but they might pull stunts on other guests? Or servants? Reese felt confident she could take care of herself just fine. In fact, the way she felt at the moment, she wouldn’t mind needing to take care of herself, but that would only embarrass Ellen.
“Is it appropriate for me to be here when they are?” Reese asked.
“Oh, please do not leave yet.” Ellen looked almost panicky. “The gentlemen will likely go shooting or engage in sporting activities during the afternoon. In the evening, when they are more likely to become lively, you and I may retire early. My brother is used to me doing so.”
“Maybe you should come with me to Nellie’s for a visit while these people are here,” Reese suggested, still not sure.
“No, I am sure now we must send an invitation to your cousin,” Ellen said with a note of finality. “His presence here, I am sure, will put your mind at ease.”
