Chapter 27

As Alice and her mother chatted during their tea time, a letter arrived for each. They opened their respective letters and their face brightened when they completed.

"Mother, Margarette is coming to stay in our estate for two days" Alice said with happy face.

"Really. That is such a great news. Even your grandparents are planning to visit the estate next week" the Duchess declared joyfully.

"That is a great news. I have missed them" Alice said.

"It was so difficult to see them in capital but ever since we came to our fief, I think I have been seeing them frequently."

"Well, it takes only a week's journey to get here."

"You are right. What about Margarette? When is she coming?"

"Even she will visit next week. Her father is away since a month and it seems she is bored in her house."

"That pitiful child. Her mother died last year, so it expected of her to feel uncomfortable."

"Yes. You are right. Why are grandpa and grandma coming so suddenly?"

"I told them about your father. You know…. He collapsed again last night."

"I heard about it. I went to check on him but her was fast asleep. So I left quietly."

"What do you expect to happen if you think about work all the time? You must understand that you are not still as energetic as you were in the past."

"Should I help him? Even if he is sick, he still has to work for the sake of his people. I can understand his situation."

"You can try. My head is already rolling because of all those complicated calculations."

"Well… I learned many things from the books, so I think I am confident."

"Fine. But when Margaretta comes, you should only think about attending her."

"Yes mother."

Alice can understand her mother's worries. It is third the Duke collapsed due to overwork. He has been feeling weak past few weeks, and became sick. And when a sick person stubbornly works, the consequences are hard to imagine.

Though the Duchess has been scolding her husband asking him to rest, but he still went through all those bundles mounted on the table. The main reason for increase in work is because the plan to open schools even in the rural areas of the estate.

It started two years ago. Alice pointed out the fact that not all can attend the academy that are only five in number, as there were lesser seats and less people who will get the chance to study. Education is the basic right fir every human, even if they are good in studies or not. Basic knowledge is required for all to survive.

So just making the rule of getting people admitted into academy if they have talent without considering their background is not enough, a ruler must make sure all his subjects are able to wield the power of knowledge. So she suggested to increase the number of schools and spread out even in rural areas.

Her father accepted her judgement and suggestion after thinking a lot. He created a perfect plan with the help of his advisors, and began the construction in the respective areas. She heard from her father that all the constructions are nearly done. They only have to hire skilled teachers, who are abundant in this estate.

With her mother's permission, Alice started to check every document piled up on her father's desk. Though she did not understand most of the things, she still tried to sort out everything she can with her experience in her past life.

At noon when Duke found his daughter doing his work, he was startled. She looked up and called him.

"Father, how are you?" She asked worriedly as he still looked pale.

"I am fine" he said and coughed.

"You should rest father. I will see what I can do" Alice said with a smile.

"But… you don't know anything."

"It is fine. I have spent past three years reading all various sorts of books."

"I… I will help you."

The Duke said and walked forward.

"But..." Alice tried to stop him.

"Alice, this is a big project. It concerns my people's future. I do not want any mistakes to occur."

"I understand. But at least let me help you."

"Alice you are a young girl. You should go and play with your brother and sister. You shouldn't be stuck in this small room going through these documents."

"Please father. I am really worried about you."

The Duke cannot ignore his daughter pleading so earnestly. After Alice begged him few more times, he could only give up and accept her help.