Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(62)

Edward drops into another chair across from me. “Through your interview, you have made the public aware of the inhumane suffering of child workers. Before I met you, I believed that change must be gradual, and drastic action cannot produce satisfactory results. But your efforts have taught me that some risks are worth taking.”

I force my mind return to the present. “I could have done better. I didn’t foresee the possibilities of the factory owners adapting to their advantage.”

“Kat, while you may believe that you did not successfully alleviate the children’s suffering, remember that the Eight-Hour Act was never meant to be an end, but only a step toward our final goal—to completely eliminate child labor.”

“Of course.” Yet, when I remember how Molly had reacted when her father forced her to go back to work, my confidence wavers. “I still believe that it’s the right thing to have the children educated instead of sending them into the streets. Or to the factory. But what can I do if Molly herself doesn’t want to come back? She seems to take pride in the fact that she’s helping her family’s finances. And since her sister’s baby needs to be fed . . . Edward, if I were in her place, I don’t think I’d choose any other option.”

“There are other options, though. She could make much more as a shop clerk or tradesman’s assistant, if she were willing to complete her education, but my guess is that her family is unlikely to excuse her for several years.” Edward sighs and rubs his forehead. “To be honest, I did foresee that families in the lowest rung—like Molly’s—will not benefit from the Eight-Hour Act, simply because their financial situations are too dire. But I do not regret advocating for lesser hours, nor our subsequent act of limiting the children’s work hours to daytime only.”

I wonder how many families like Molly’s are out there. Given the number of children I’ve seen at McVean’s factory, we still have a long way to go.

“Recently, Father and I have been discussing a new act,” Edward says slowly. “Since there is no shortage of supply, employers like McVean can set the wages however they like. Therefore, we have been contemplating setting a minimum hourly rate for laborers.”

“A minimum wage.” Another memory comes to my mind. “Wait, that was my idea. When I moved into the palace after the ball, I mentioned it to you once, when one of the cooks left for a better-paying job at a top restaurant.”

He nods slowly, a smile forming on his face. “And I told you that establishing a minimum wage would not be without problems, for the employer can simply choose to lay off more workers, resulting in a group of people who have no income instead of little.”

“But we have passed the law for an eight-hour work day,” I say. “McVean can’t employ fewer people working fewer hours.”

“Adults do not benefit from the Eight-Hour Act.”

I privately thank the stars that I’m a princess in this country, or I’d be doomed. Even if I were a man, who enjoys more privileges in Athelia, it must suck when there isn’t a limit on work hours or a minimum of pay.

“So, your father is convinced that Athelia could try establishing a minimum wage?”

“It would do no harm to try. But getting Parliament to pass the Act is another matter. The impact would be far greater than limiting child labor.”

It doesn’t seem an ideal solution, but then, so far, I can’t think of anything better. I don’t know what Molly’s father’s job is, but if he is paid a higher wage, he might be less inclined to make her earn a living.

“Okay.” I smile at him, feeling my heart brimming with affection. At that moment, I realize one of the reasons I fell in love with him. Edward has always been supportive of my ideas. He may tease me, but he never regards what I care for as trivial.

I rise on tiptoe, intending to kiss his cheek like the time before we went to Poppy’s house, but this time Edward is prepared.

Swiftly, he turns, and my gasp of surprise is swallowed by his lips firmly pressed on mine. His arm curls around my waist, drawing me close to his body. Whether it is from memory or not, I react straight away. I wind my arms around his neck and kiss him back, all other thoughts temporarily banished at the moment.

And then Krev’s ugly squashed face barges into my mind. Don’t fall in love with him, girlie!

I pull back abruptly. It was a mistake—I should have inched away slowly. From the look on his face, I sense that he’s both confused and hurt.

“Kat,” Edward says quietly. “I know that your mind is on the children now, but don’t tell me that my . . . my advances are unwelcome. There is a world of difference when you look at me now. Before, you looked upon me with suspicion, reservation, and even hostility. You’d blush, but it wasn’t genuine affection. But now, you’ve changed.” Gently, he brushes a strand of hair from my face. “I can tell that you want me. Not as much as I want you, but you cannot deny the attraction exists.”

Again, Krev appears in my mind, his expression menacing. I wonder if this is some goblin magic, or if he left such a deep impression on me that I’d think of him every time I’m close to disregarding his warning.

“Is it your suitor?” He never refers to Jason by name. “Can you still not forget him?”

The truth be told, I haven’t thought of Jason that much since I regained my memories. But still, even if I’ve fallen for Edward, I can’t completely forget my boyfriend in America. We’ve been together for two years. Everything I’ve done with him, such as squabbling over the flavor of popcorn in movies, outings at the park, and cozy nights with home-cooked dinners . . . a pang of guilt stabs me. I didn’t want it to turn out this way, but it has happened. I’ve left him for another man.