Her father had saved enough money to buy his freedom and that of his wife about 20 years before Lucy's birth. Both her parents were strong believers in education and were very giving to strangers; this upbringing would strongly influence Laney in her life.
Her father had accumulated sufficient funds to purchase his own liberty and that of his wife approximately 20 years prior to Lucy's birth. Both her parents were ardent advocates for education and generous towards strangers, which would profoundly impact Laney throughout her life.