# Triple Education explained — The Maid of Sker

> Chapter companion for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

Davy returns to find Bardie, now about ten years old, being educated in a three-part system: body at Candleston Court with Lady Bluett, mind with Master Roger Berkrolles in Newton, and soul at Sker with Moxy. Davy reflects on her orphanhood and the charity she depends on, while Master Berkrolles returns Davy's saved pay and discusses Bardie's future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Orphanhood

Bardie's orphanhood is central: she longs for a home and parents, and is dependent on the charity of others, which causes her both gratitude and shame.

### Class Mobility and Ambition

Bardie's education is seen as necessary because of her 'birth and nature,' suggesting that learning can elevate her station despite her lack of family.

### Social Class and Identity

The contrast between Bardie's plain dress and the finery at Candleston, and the taunts of other children about her parentage, highlight class distinctions and social identity.

## Character check-ins

### Davy Llewellyn

Returns after seven years' absence and reclaims credit for Bardie's education; receives his saved pay from Master Berkrolles.

### Bardie

Now about ten years old, she is a graceful child educated in a three-part system; she feels the sting of being dependent on charity and longs for a home and parents.

### Master Roger Berkrolles

Serves as Bardie's schoolmaster, teaching her mind; he returns Davy's saved pay and discusses the need to provide for Bunny.

### Moxy Thomas

Runs the farm at Sker with Watkin; she loves Bardie dearly and reluctantly lets her go for education.

### Watkin Thomas

A fine young fellow of twenty, shy and deeply admiring Miss Delushy from a distance.

### Lady Bluett

Attends to Bardie's soul at Candleston Court, teaching grace, manners, and music; she keeps her pledge to Davy.

## Key lines

> She would spend, perhaps, a fortnight at Candleston, then a fortnight in Newton village, and after that a month at Sker, more or less, as might be, according to the weather and the chances of conveyance.

Bardie's schedule rotated between Candleston, Newton, and Sker, with the length of each stay depending on weather and travel opportunities.

_Describes Bardie's three-part educational routine._

> I would rather have a home though—I would rather have a home, and a father and mother of my own, instead of beautiful charity.

Bardie expresses her deep desire for a real family and home, rather than relying on the kindness of others.

_Reveals Bardie's emotional pain about her orphanhood._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/li-triple-education
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters