“I know Cartwright cares only about expanding his empire, but I am wondering if there are ways to work smarter rather than just longer and harder. The men know too late when they are in dangerous situations.”
“Aye.” Moxham shook his head. They exchanged a glance, and Alex knew they were both remembering Rhys’s last moments. Moxham sighed. “But at least the women are ’bove ground now. My Mag’s just transferred to Alnwick Mine, and she says they treat her real nice.”
Alex tried to look happy for the man. The fact that any female worked in a mine sent a cold shiver down his spine. The place wasn’t fit for grown men, let alone young boys and women. The graphic memories that came to his mind were exactly why he had not told Charlotte of them. Women should be spared the inhumanity.
There he went again, thinking of her. She wanted him out of her life, and chances were very good they’d never have any reason to cross paths again.
“What really needs to happen is a way to improve safety.” Alex hung his head in his hands. “If only there were some—”
Like an unexpected flash of lightning, an idea entered his mind. He pulled out a paper and began sketching something with a stub of charcoal. He looked it over, pleased with his idea. Then he withdrew more paper and his inkwell. He sucked in a deep breath, knowing full well that commoners didn’t often write to members of Parliament, let alone someone like Lord Ashley, who had done so much for policy and change before. Perhaps the man didn’t even read post from people he didn’t know.
But it was worth a chance.
Chapter 7
Lydia Croftsborrow entered the Roylances’London town house with even more bubbling enthusiasm than she usually possessed. “We are finally together at last!” she exclaimed, enveloping Charlotte in her arms. Once the hug finished, Lydia untied her bonnet and handed it to the butler, exposing her dark-blonde hair all arrayed in curls and a fashionable center-part bun. Charlotte smiled at her friend’s infectious attitude. Lydia clasped her hands and sighed, taking in every intricate tapestry and well-stuffed chair. “It has been an age since you were in London. Painting in the North with the masters last year was nice, but nothing compares to Town.”
Charlotte offered a half-committed smile, wishing she felt just as excited about where she was, and motioned to the new sofa across from her. “Do have a seat. Tell me, what has been so diverting? How many balls have you attended? Has someone already declared his undying affection for you?”
Lydia splayed out, lounging against the back of the seat emphatically. “Oh no, certainly not. But now that you are in Town, I was hoping we could be much in each other’s company. I may have connections through my late father’s place in the House of Commons, but everyone knows you are twice as rich as some of the peerage.”
Charlotte tried to mask the weariness she felt. Coming here was supposed to be the right decision, but the past three days hadn’t filled her with anything but longing for home. She didn’t understand why; she’d thought her anger at Alex would help her thrive here. But Northumberland gnawed at her, and Alex’s handsome face crept into her mind far too often.
Lydia seemed to detect Charlotte’s fallen countenance. “If talking of gentlemen does not suit at present, there’s also the Queen and Prince Albert. I hear the prince is going around trying to raise money for a grand exhibition of sorts. It’s supposed to highlight England’s successes and display much of the world’s innovations. The prince has quite the vision for the grand event, from what I’ve heard.”
“Yes, I glimpsed a headline in the paper. How... interesting.”
Lydia chuckled at Charlotte’s lackluster response. She smiled and changed the subject again. “Did you take a carriage to London?” Her easy words never seemed to run out, and that was a blessing with Charlotte’s pensive mood.
“No. It was my first time in a train, and the journey was blessedly shorter than the usual arduous carriage ride. It was a miracle, too, for my brother is of a mind that the trains are full of disreputable people.”
“I see,” Lydia said, waggling her eyebrows. “I’ve taken various train lines into London, and I have to say, nothing untoward has ever happened.”
Charlotte offered a polite laugh.
Lydia studied her, becoming more serious. “How do the familial relations go? I know that has been a slight trial before.”
“Oh, it’s still a trial.” With a sigh, Charlotte thought on the past week. Despite Christopher’s immediate happiness with her choice to go to London, his good humor hadn’t lasted. “I thought my relationship with my brother might be better here with so many social calls, but it seems even my chewing offended him at breakfast. And no matter how well I behave at parties, he always finds something critical to say once we arrive home.”
“Do not trouble yourself too much. I am sure it is well-meant.”
“I suppose so,” Charlotte said, trying again for a smile. She’d listened to his outbursts too many times to think everything had been well-meaning. But she did care for him and had wondered many times if his temper stemmed from some deeper desire to emulate their father.
The maid brought in tea, and after Lydia had helped herself to a small plate, she sat nestled into the cushions. “What news of Northumberland?”
There it was again, the thought that never strayed too far. “Not much to report. George and Joseph are at Harrow currently, and I can’t wait to meet with them here. When Christopher and I left, only little Walter was at home, but my parents do not wish him in Town because he’s so young.” She felt mixed emotions toward all three of her younger brothers and a few more strained ones toward her older brother. “Alnwickisbeautiful.” The landscape was what she missed, wasn’t it? The land, the trees, the open expanses, instead of the city? A bit of regret pulled at her. She’d been rash with Alex, and now she wasn’t sure she’d been right to assume so much so quickly about his motives. That was what was really bothering her.
“And what about you, Lydia? How does your family fare?”
“My mother’s health is poor, but my stepfather takes good care of her, despite his idiosyncrasies.”
“I am sorry to hear about your mother. I hope her health improves.”
“That is what I pray for,” Lydia said quietly.
“I remember liking Admiral Rytting. Very dedicated to the sea, as I recall.”
Lydia nodded. “He has only two loves: my mother and the navy.” She drew in a breath and changed the subject. “Anyway, I am more than glad that our homes are not far from one another.” She lifted her teacup in a toast. “To many adventures this Season!”
