Alex sighed. “My letter was well-written because I didn’t begin mining until I’d had a year of Harrow under my belt.”
“You left Harrow to become a miner?” If the man’s eyes had bored into Alex before, now they looked to discredit him entirely.
Alex shook his head with a sad chuckle. “My family fell to ruin. My father and mother were taken to debtors’ prison, and rather than taking me with them, they told me to flee. From then on they thought it best that they have nothing to do with me. We were in Northumberland, and I knew a man could eat if he became a miner.”
“And what has happened between then and now?”
The question caused Alex to shudder, but he continued. “I worked in Newcastle Mine for four years. Then one day a firedamp explosion nearly killed me.” Lord Ashley nodded grimly, and Alex knew he didn’t need to explain more. “From that moment I did whatever it took to raise myself from my station. Knowing how to read and write places one above one’s peers in some respects. I worked hard until I became a manager of acquisitions under Mr. Cartwright, the owner of Newcastle Mine.”
Lord Ashley steepled his fingers. “I am sorry you were in an accident, but that experience has made you truly informed on the dangers that persist in the industry.”
“Precisely,” Alex answered.
“I’ve spent years of my life trying to improve conditions for the poor, but I hope your counsel will shed more light on the miners’ plight.”
Had Lord Ashley just asked Alex for his opinion? He’d seemed interested when he’d invited Alex to come and speak with him, but this was more than a trivial meeting; the man seemed eager for deeper discussion. Alex knew Lord Ashley was the sort of parliamentarian who did his research and had suggested successful bills in the past. He blinked a few times and tried to gather his wits.
“The deaths, my lord.” He opened his leather notebook and cleared his throat. “There are far too many, and they don’t get reported as they ought. And then, of course, there is the ventilation in the mines. The air is the miners’ greatest need and worst enemy.”
“Go on,” Lord Ashley said, leaning forward in his seat.
For the next half hour Alex explained problems, shared drawings, and proposed solutions to create a safer environment for the deep shafts of the mines. “There is some ventilation already, but frankly, it isn’t enough.”
“And what of the inspections to follow the law?” Lord Ashley queried. “Doesn’t this help?”
“How can Inspector Tremenheere frequent all the mines, Your Lordship? I have never seen him in all my time in Newcastle. And, from what I’ve heard, he doesn’t have experience down in the mines, which I think is essential for regulation, innovation, and enforcement.” Alex held his breath, hoping the statement wasn’t too bold.
“You think there ought to be more inspectors?”
“Most definitely. But that’s only part of the problem.” Alex’s eyes shot from side to side. Mr. Cartwright was all the way back in Newcastle, but Alex could feel the man’s beady gaze on his neck. “New techniques are often expensive; it takes time and effort to implement them. I think most mine owners won’t want to slow down in any way. They don’t...” He sighed. “The price of a life is very cheap in a mine.”
“What do you suggest?”
Alex inhaled and drew up his shoulders. “There must be some way to help the laborers. Perhaps best practices and methods can be taught, discussed, and then implemented by the foremen. And, of course, regulations ought to be set and enforced by law and inspectors, with fines for the owners who do not comply.”
“Hmm.” Lord Ashley rubbed the hair on the side of his cheek. “Interesting ideas.” He stood with a curt nod. “I’ll give it some thought. Thank you for your time.”
Alex closed his notebook and rose to his feet. “I must thank you for even entertaining me in the first place.” He hoped the abrupt ending of the meeting did not mean Lord Ashley was displeased.
“Of course. I should do it more often.” Lord Ashley gave a chagrined smile. “I’ll contact you again, Mr. Jenkins. Good day.” He held out a hand.
Alex took it and swallowed. “Good day,” he croaked back as he bowed and walked to the door, allowing himself to hope. So His Lordship did have an interest. Who knew what would come of this meeting, but at least he had not been found wanting.
He glanced at his pocket watch. He planned on visiting Christopher but thought he ought to wait until the later afternoon to ensure he would be home. He still had a few hours left for the one indulgence he’d been saving for: a trip to the renowned London Zoo.
Chapter 12
With a blessedly unforced smile,Charlotte dismissed her maid and prepared to leave her room. For the first time in weeks, she would spend the day with two of her younger brothers, George and Joseph, who had just finished their term at Harrow.
She opened a drawer in her dressing table and withdrew several coins. As she tucked the change into her purse, she paused. Should she have also invited Lord Ainscough to join them? They’d interacted several times in the past fortnight.
She thought of him in his new white shirt. Did she want him to officially court her? In some ways, yes. Harris Ainscough had proved to be one of the most upstanding young men she’d met in theton, far less self-aggrandizing than the average fellow.
He was kind, too, and complimentary. She’d been pleased with how long he’d shown interest without pressing for an official courtship. His pace made her feel like his attentions weren’t just a ploy by her brother to procure her a title, which made her like him even more. And yet... even now her heart did not feel a flutter when she thought of him.
She shook her head. She had two brothers to entertain, and she planned on spoiling them. Today would be completely free from added gentlemen—thoughts of relationships and the future should not concern her.
With a pace she knew wasn’t ladylike, she raced down the stairs. She didn’t have to be the perfect model of decorum around her brothers; that loathed role was saved for Christopher’s stolid presence.
