I circle the coffee table and sit next to her on the leather couch. “You are a brilliant little girl, and it’s an honor to get to see you every day. I’m not mad one second about the schoolwork. You had a hard time, and you pushed through. That’s something to be proud about.”

“I don’t want to go to the dinner party.”

I look away, not sure how to handle this. “Well, I guess we could talk to Mr. Rochester about it and see what he thinks. But I feel like if you’re invited, you should go. It could be fun.”

“Mama had dinner parties.”

My heart sinks. “She did?”

“Big ones like this. With fancy food. I never liked the fancy food.”

Mrs. Fairfax works past noon today on dishes full of paella with king prawns, chicken, and mussels. There’s also a hanger steak with greens and a saffron risotto. In other words, I’ve never eaten most of what’s being served tonight. “We can find something to snack on before the dinner starts. That way you’re not hungry.”

“Why can’t you come and sit next to me?”

Because I wasn’t invited. Because I’m the help. I don’t know how best to explain this to Paige. Noah would probably have something snarky to say about class systems, but I just feel lower than dirt right now. “I’m sorry, honey. I wish I could.”

It’s not entirely true. I don’t want to sit and watch Zoey Aldridge fawn over Mr. Rochester. Or worse, watch Mr. Rochester fawn over her. Though I am curious about the food and the decor. I’m curious what it would feel like to be rich.

“If you’re not allowed to go, then I’m not going to go.”

I have to grin at her impassioned response. “You’re loyal, and that’s a good thing. I appreciate it, but you belong there. You belong right there with your uncle Beau. Just think, he might need your help getting something and not want to look weak in front of his friends. You could help him out.”

She considers this. “I did like looking at the cake. It’s so tall!”

“So it’s settled,” I say. “You’re going.”

“I’m gonna wear my Electric Company shirt,” she says in a warning tone. The shirt is very soft from being washed so many times. The yellow ink threatens to fall off.

“That sounds like a great idea. Very festive.”