Elijah shrugged, "It's the least I can do. They are like sisters to me. I want them to have a good future."

Ben nodded quietly. He picked up the shoe again and continued his work. "I hope I pass before I become useless..."

Elijah looked at him sadly. 'I do not think you'd ever become useless, Ben. Even if you could not work, you are a smart man and you have been a good guide in raising your kids."

"Perhaps..." said Ben. Even now, he was sometimes feeling like a burden. He was supposed to provide for his family, but today, Will had gone out to sea with one of his uncles.

Elijah shook his head. "No perhaps about it. Your kids depend on you, and not just about making a living. They learn so much and react to the world based on what they learn through you." It was a mixed bag how helpful that was for the kids be he knew they needed Ben.

Without the making a living, the rest didn't matter much. But Ben didn't say that. Usually arguing with Elijah led nowhere. "I hope you can resolve your issue, if ye choose to stay alone, Elijah." He changed the topic. "Ye know we're there for ye if ye get too lonely."

Elijah simply nodded then smiled weakly. "Thank you. I am glad for that. I like visiting you all."

Ben nodded and sipped his tea. "It's a real shame Rose must be away from home again to work."

Elijah nodded, "But its showing responsibility and that she is really growing up. Perhaps she will meet someone and get married." He offered to help Ben with it. "i am very proud of her.'

"Aye if the rich folk can keep their hands off her until then." He said. He took out his pipe and some tobacco, offering some to Elijah. "I don't like it, Elijah. Her bein' in that environment. Their lot sees our girls as nowt but toys." And their boys. "I don't like it at all."