Some governesses demanded silence during breakfast; Pip saw breakfast as an opportunity to encourage Edith and Frances to speak. She turned the conversation towards Lord Newingham while they ate their toast and eggs.
“What will we say to him?” nine-year-old Fanny whispered anxiously, her gaze fixed on Pip’s face.
“What do you usually say when you meet your uncle?” Pip asked.
Fanny bit her lip.
“Nothing?” Pip guessed.
A nod was her answer.
“Well, this time you’ll bid him good day and tell him that you’re very pleased to see him. And if you wish, you may ask him a question about his journey.”
“A question?” Eleven-year-old Edie shrank back in her chair, seemingly terrified by this idea.
Pip smiled at the girl. “Yes. He’ll have just driven from London. What questions do you think you m
