“You’re doing something far more important here,” Alex said, deeply impressed.

“I thought you’d give me a hard time,” Emma said, looking embarrassed.

“Why would I do that?” Alex looked startled when she said it.

“Because you come from a much fancier background than I do. I grew up in the slums, in a rat-infested tenement. Anyone English knows exactly what I come from by the way I speak. And you obviously had a much more posh background than anyone here. I felt that way about Pru in the beginning too. British aristocrats are such snobs. I thought she would be too, and she’s the sweetest, simplest, most humble woman I know. And I think you are too.”

“Thank you, Emma.” Alex smiled and almost wanted to hug her for the compliment, but she didn’t dare. Emma was a little bristly and took time to warm up, but she’d been warm and kind all day. “Fancy doesn’t necessarily mean good. I’m not too impressed by anyone in my family. They’ve never accomplished a damn thing, except my father in business maybe. They’re spoiled rotten, lazy, self-centered. I have a sister who’s convinced she’s the queen of the universe, and she never thinks of anyone but herself, or of doing anything for anyone else. All I knew when I was growing up was that I didn’t want to be like them. I still don’t. I don’t respect them, and I don’t want to lead the lives they do. I’m pretty sure I’ll wind up alone. No one I grew up with would put up with me or has the same ideas. My sister’s husband is a decent guy, but their values horrify me. I hate to think of their children growing up as spoiled and selfish as they are.”

“You’re not like that,” Emma said in an admiring tone.

“No, I’m not. But I’m a lone voice in what I consider a very dark world.”

“I don’t think Pru feels that way about her family, her parents sound like nice people. They took in a huge number of children who had been evacuated from London, many of whom are orphans now. Her people just bore her, although I’ve never liked the idea of aristocrats. But she’s the only one I’ve ever actually met, and she’s a lovely person.” Emma sounded sincere as she said it, and deeply affectionate toward Pru. Everyone loved Pru. She was what aristocrats should be, and often weren’t, and an example to others.

“My family disgusts me,” Alex said bluntly. “I’m ashamed to be one of them.”