“You must acquire invitations for Ma and Pa.” Hastily, she began to prepare pen, ink, and paper. “And write to Pa. Tell him— Why aren’t you writing?” “I am an earl.” “And?” “You cannot order me to write a letter like I’m your secretary.” “Don’t they teach you to write at earl school? Classes in penmanship, alongside classes in preposterousness, peremptoriness, and parsimoniousness.” “You do realize there is no earl school.” “Then how do you know how to earl? You are in charge of running the country and they don’t train you for it?” “Precisely.” “Without even teaching you to read and write?’
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