# Sound Investments explained — The Maid of Sker

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

## What happens

Davy visits Sker to check on Bardie and Moxy, reflecting on his role as trustee for Bunny and Bardie's money. He establishes a fishing partnership called 'Bardie, Bunny, Llewellyn, and Co.' but faces a poor fishing season. The chapter explores Davy's self-justifying financial management and his interactions with Moxy and Bardie.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class Mobility and Ambition

Davy's establishment of a fishing partnership for the children's money reflects his ambition to improve their fortunes through investment and industry.

### Morality and Hypocrisy

Davy rationalizes his control over the children's money, claiming self-denial while asserting ownership by virtue of rescue and kinship.

### Family and Orphanhood

Bardie and Bunny are orphans under Davy's care; the chapter explores surrogate family dynamics and the responsibilities of guardianship.

## Character check-ins

### Davy Llewellyn

Acts as trustee for Bunny and Bardie, invests their money in a fishing partnership, and reflects on his moral and financial duties.

### Bardie

Shows affection for Davy and playfully suggests being sold at market; is living with Moxy and Evan Thomas.

### Moxy Thomas

Intervenes in Davy's visit, expresses concern over Evan's broken spirit, and manages the household.

### Evan Thomas

Mentioned as broken down after the death of his five sons; finds comfort in watching Bardie.

### Bunny

Davy cleans and dresses her up; she is a beneficiary of the trust alongside Bardie.

### Sir Philip Bampfylde

Mentioned as the source of the trust for the children; Davy feels gratitude toward him.

## Key lines

> Hy’se ’a been so long, old Davy, afore ’a come to see poor Bardie?

Why have you been so long, old Davy, before coming to see poor Bardie?

_Bardie greets Davy with a playful, affectionate complaint about his absence._

> Take poor Bardie to markiss, old Davy; and ’e get a great big money for her.

Take poor Bardie to the market, old Davy, and they will get a lot of money for her.

_Bardie mimics a market transaction, showing her imaginative play and understanding of commerce._

> Dyo! Why for you come again? Never you used to come like this. Put down Delushy, directly moment.

Dyo! Why have you come again? You never used to come like this. Put down Delushy immediately.

_Moxy scolds Davy for his sudden interest in Bardie, using the nickname 'Delushy' for the child._

> I not only kept all their money for them, but invested it in the manner which seemed to be most for their interest.

I not only held onto their money, but invested it in what I thought was their best interest.

_Davy justifies his financial management of the children's trust funds._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxiv-sound-investments
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters