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“I could always eat.”
Gesturing towards the tables, Mr. Croke said, “Take a seat and I will be back shortly.”
“Thank you.”
As he sat down, he noticed that Henry was sweeping the hall and waved him over. “Good morning, Henry.”
The young boy eagerly hurried over to him. “Morning, Mr. Stewart.”
“How did you sleep?”
“I slept well,” Henry replied.
“I am traveling to Linton Colliery this morning,” Guy revealed, keeping his voice low.
“Why would you wish to do that?” the boy asked.
“I am in town to inspect the conditions at the mine,” he shared.
The boy took a step closer to him. “It is awful there.”
“In what way?”
“People are dying all the time.”
“I was informed that wasn’t the case.”
Henry was about to respond when Mr. Croke stepped back into the hall. “I need to get back to work,” he said and resumed sweeping the floor.
Mr. Croke placed a plate in front of Guy with two slices of plum cake. “I do hope that Henry is not bothering ye.”
“Not at all,” he replied as he reached into his pocket to retrieve coins. “I find him to be a delight.” He extended the coins towards the innkeeper. “I was saddened to hear about his parents’ deaths.”
Mr. Croke accepted the coins. “It is a miracle that Henry survived working at the mines for as long as he did.” He watched the boy with pride. “Once we heard about Henry’s plight, we contacted the vicar, and I offered to apprentice the boy.”
“That was kind of you.”
“Frankly, we have grown rather fond of Henry,” Mr. Croke revealed. “He is a hard worker, and my wife likes to spoil him.”
“Henry is most fortunate, then.”
Mr. Croke nodded. “I do hope ye enjoy yer breakfast.”
After Guy ate the plum cake, he wiped the crumbs off his hands and exited the coaching inn. He hurried towards the bank and noticed an open carriage waiting out front.
He stepped into the bank and was immediately greeted by Mr. Huxley, who was standing next to a younger man who bore a striking resemblance to him. The man had blond hair slicked to the side, a long face, and was dressed fashionably, if not a bit flamboyantly.
“Good morning, Mr. Stewart,” Mr. Huxley said. “Allow me the privilege of introducing you to my son, Albert Huxley. He has been working at the bank with me for over a year now.”
Guy tipped his head in acknowledgement. “It is a pleasure to meet you,” he greeted respectfully.
Albert returned the gesture, albeit stiffly.
The elder Mr. Huxley continued. “Albert will be accompanying you on your drive out to Linton Colliery.”
“Thank you,” Guy replied.
Albert gestured towards the door. “Shall we?” he asked curtly. “The sooner we arrive at the colliery, the sooner we can leave.”
