Page 42 of A Dangerous Scheme (Regency Spies & Secrets 4)

“I understand,” Miss Locke replied.

The man disappeared into the back room. A moment later, the metal clanking stopped, and they could hear the two men’s muffled voices.

The man returned and said, “Burke has agreed to see you. Just head into the back room.”

Guy gestured towards the back door, indicating that Miss Locke should go first. He followed her into the back room, which he found to be incredibly stuffy. There was a blazing fire in the hearth and tools hanging from the walls. A brawny man wearing a blackened apron stood next to an anvil in the center of the room.

“How may I help you?” Burke asked as he removed his thick gloves.

Miss Locke stepped forward. “I do apologize for bothering you at work.”

“That is no trouble at all, Miss Locke,” Burke replied. “I am always available to speak to you.”

She gestured towards Guy. “I wanted to introduce you to Mr. Stewart. He was hired by the bank to inspect the conditions at the colliery.”

“Is that so?” Burke asked, eyeing him cautiously.

Miss Locke continued. “I was hoping that you might share some of your experiences working as a trapper in the pit.”

Burke frowned as he averted his gaze. “That is not something I generally wish to discuss.”

“I am well aware, but it would greatly help Mr. Stewart’s investigation,” Miss Locke remarked.

“How so?” Burke asked.

Guy spoke up. “Miss Locke has spoken to me in great detail about the terrible conditions that the children must endure at the coal mines, but I find that the atrocities do not stop there.”

“No, they don’t,” Burke replied. “You have no idea the hardships that women, children, and men are forced to endure at the colliery. It is inhumane.”

“Will you tell me about them?” Guy asked.

“For what purpose?” Burke questioned with an exasperated look. “You will write your report, but the bank won’t make any changes.”

“How do you know that for certain?” Guy pressed. “Don’t you owe it to the workers at the colliery to at least try to make a difference?”

“We are trying,” Burke declared.

“In what way?” Guy asked, hoping to keep the eagerness out of his tone.

Burke pressed his lips together. “It doesn’t matter,” he replied. “The bank will never make changes, at least while the colliery is profitable.”

“Mr. Stewart is sympathetic to the plight of the children,” Miss Locke interjected. “It’s the first time anyone at the bank has even listened.”

“That is true,” Burke muttered, “but it isn’t saying much.”

“I am only here to help, and I can’t do it without yours,” Guy said.

Burke met Miss Locke’s gaze. “Are you sure you trust this bloke?”

“I do,” Miss Locke replied. “He is an honorable man.”

Guy felt the familiar twinge of guilt for deceiving Miss Locke, but this was his assignment. He was to root out a trade union and arrest the people involved. So why did he feel like he was betraying Miss Locke and the whole town?

Burke studied him for a long moment. “Fine. I will tell my story, but it isn’t for the faint of heart.” He turned his attention towards Miss Locke. “Would you prefer to step outside while I share the gruesome details?”

“I will stay,” Miss Locke said firmly.

Burke nodded. “As you wish.” He let out a heavy sigh. “I started as a trapper at the colliery when I was nine years old. My day started at three in the morning and didn’t end ’til nearly five at night,” he shared. “The pit was dark, and I couldn’t even see my hand in front of me. At first, I was scared, but then I realized I would be beaten if I made any noise.”

---