A satisfied smile broke through. "I quite agree. All my life, apart from school. I was born at the farm."

And he felt greatly attached to it and was glad that the child could see the beauty in what was around them. To many the isolated location, the repetition, the lack of the city's entertainment and all that might be hard to bear, and the moors beyond the place might seem desolate and even frightening, but to Tobias, it was the most beautiful thing in the world.

He had seen what the city had to offer back in his school days and had found himself completely unsuited to it, and though he had been tempted once to choose a different life, he had known even then that leaving the farm and the life he was used to and trying to make a career in the city would be like a fish trying to live on land.

"I was born and lived in some of the worst parts of London.  Then after Mum and Papa were killed, I just traveled to the names of towns that sounded interesting.  Either walking or catching a ride with whoever was going.  I liked Whitby, so kind of stayed there last while."  She replied, just chatting with the man, finding she liked the man.

Tobias shook his head. Once again he felt quiet anger that this could happen in a civilised country, and compassion for the child. That was it. He resolved then and there that even if the boy would turn out to be crap at farmwork, he would keep him on. Someone had to do look out for this kid.

"You should have been careful, traveling with strangers." Street urchins were vulnerable and now and then he heard or read such awful stories.

She nodded.  "I had a few close escapes but learned to be more careful.  Getting better at reading people.  Made friends, like Gus, and we kept an eye on each other.  Also we watch out for some of the older ones that live either on the streets or nearly so.  Old Nan in Whitby has a son that gambles and so she did not always get groceries.  So, some of our earnings went to making sure she got food.  Gus is taking what I got today, payday is later this week, to take care of her.  I saw the son out drinking so guessing he lost again."  She frowned. 

"But it isn't a bad way to live.  Not really.  Though I do miss having a warm place in the winter.  Regular wages will be nice now too."  She looked at him with a smile.  "And regular food."

Tobias could barely believe what he was hearing. Some street children looking after an old lady and sharing what little they had, when nobody even bothered to look after or share with them. It still didn't make stealing right, especially when there was the workhouse as alternative. Still, Tobias suddenly felt rather bad.

"Aye, ye won't go hungry or cold anymore. Say Nat, I'm sorry I hit ye earlier. I was too rash."

She shrugged.  "I've been knocked harder."  She shrugged but appreciated that he cared about it.  She had fought for some of her things and her place with other homeless that lived on the streets.  She was pretty tough and strong for her size.  She had learned to fight to survive.  The baggy clothing made her look much smaller than she was, though short she definitely was for even a lady.

"Aye, I'm sure you have," Tobias muttered grimly. They rode a little higher still and a cold, sharp wind hit them. "T will be like this for a while, I'm afraid."

She had worn her oversized jacket, mostly wore it except when she was by herself at her home where ever that was at that time.  "I am fine.  I like layers."  She shrugged.

"Good," said Tobias. "If it gets too cold tell me so. It's more pleasant down in in valley but it takes longer." And the drive was long enough as it was. Tobias made it often these days, what with letting Alice visit her family and making purchases for Alice and the baby.

"The drivers were teaching me to drive the carriages while we waited for the parties to be done.   If you want me to give you a rest let me know.  Just let me know when we need to turn somewhere."  She offered.