Of course, they’d go to the one place they all enjoyed and where they felt comfortable.
A short time later, they were gathered around a table, but no one said a word until at last Lady Bolton cleared her throat.
“That was enlightening.”
“Clearly, we need to do something,” Mrs. Hatch said, her stricken expression suggesting how upset she was by what they’d seen.
“Donating funds might help but surely some of these people just need a way to stand on their own again,” Miss Davies added.
Much like the meeting Eliza had attended, the discussion was a lively one. Everyone shared their thoughts and was listened to with respect.
“Parliament needs to take measures to change how workhouses are run,” Lady Bolton said. “I will certainly be discussing it with my husband.”
“I will share what I learned with as many as possible. But changing the laws will take time.” Eliza looked at the other women. “Those people need help now.”
“I agree,” Lady Harriet said with a single nod. “But how?”
“Unfortunately, we can’t help everyone in the workhouse ourselves,” Lady Bolton said. “Joining our efforts with other groups will have more benefit. I have been told of two different plans underway to help those interested in bettering themselves. The first would offer training to those willing to learn crafts that could provide them with a living wage.”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Eliza said, feeling a small measure of hope.
“Skills such as knitting, weaving, lacemaking, sewing, and others would be taught which would in turn produce goods,” Lady Bolton continued. “The goods would then be sold by the workhouse to help pay for the training.”
“But they’d still be living in the workhouse.” Miss Melbourne’s frown showed her opinion on that.
“Yes, but once they become adept at it, they might be able to find a position and make a living using that skill, which would allow them to move out.”
“Are the workhouses agreeable to this?” Lady Winifred asked.
“From what I’ve learned some are reluctant to try it.” Lady Bolton shook her head. “Never mind that volunteers would be used to train those who are interested. It appears as if the cost for the items used to produce the goods would need to be paid for with donations until the plan is proven. Once the workhouses see that it’s working, they would surely be willing to take responsibility for the costs and the plan would become self-sufficient.”
“What is the other option you mentioned?” Eliza asked.
Lady Bolton’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Boys are being sent to other British colonies, especially to Canada and Australia, to be taken in by farming families.”
“They’d be working for free?” Miss Davies shook her head in disapproval.
“They’d also be separated from their families,” Lady Winifred protested.
“That already occurred when the family entered the workhouse.” Lady Bolton raised her hand when Lady Winifred started to say something more. “I know. Moving to another continent is quite different than being placed in another ward where there’s still hope of being reunited.”
“The crafts you mentioned mainly pertain to women.” Eliza frowned. “Couldn’t young men be taught carpentry or some other skill that would offer them the same chance?”
“I’m sure you’re right. But even with volunteers, an effort of this magnitude requires funds to support it. We can certainly donate to it ourselves, but...”
“That’s not enough,” Eliza finished for her.
“No, it’s not.”
Eliza’s thoughts whirled with how more could be accomplished. If it hadn’t been for the visit to the workhouse, she wouldn’t be as committed to helping to find a solution. But seeing the circumstances of the people forced to go there firsthand changed that. Members of Parliament needed to tour one as well. She intended to speak to both her brother and Philip about what she’d learned.
Meanwhile, the league had to find a way to help. “We could hold a fundraiser of some sort.”
“Yes,” Lady Harriet agreed. “Something significant that will gather many affluent people and help to spread the word about the plan.”
“The holidays will be here before we know it.” Miss Melbourne stared across the room as if in deep thought. “The charity ball supporting orphans was a success. Perhaps we should host a Christmas ball and sell tickets to it.”
“Expensive tickets,” Eliza added.
