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.
Laney's upbringing was shaped by her father's financial independence, which he had achieved about 20 years before she was born. Her parents' strong emphasis on education and their willingness to help others would have a lasting effect on Laney's values and actions.