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“Thank you for coming to help out when you did,” Burke said. “It’s the difference between life and death for many people.”
“I do what I can.”
Burke nodded in approval. “You’ve disposed of twice as much dirt as the other men.”
“I guess my burly size finally came in handy.”
“I believe I underestimated you,” Burke said. “No one else from the bank came to help.”
“That is most unfortunate.”
“It isn’t surprising though. They care very little for the workers here.”
“I am hoping to change that with my report.”
Burke turned towards him. “No report is going to change what transpired here today,” he said. “But we believe we have found a way to help these workers in the future.”
“How so?”
“I can’t speak of it here, but meet me tonight at the coffeehouse at ten,” Burke murmured. “We have much to discuss.”
“I look forward to it.”
Burke’s eyes strayed towards the pit. “There are two more bodies that still need to be dug out.”
“Is there any chance they are still alive?”
“I’m afraid not,” Burke said. “It has been too long for anyone else to survive.” He grew silent. “Those two boys didn’t have a chance.”
Guy felt his heart sink. As Burke walked off, he saw Miss Locke standing near the dilapidated buildings, passing out slices of bread to the children. She was dressed in a pink gown that looked starkly out of place in this dreary area.
He walked over to her and waited for her to look up at him. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to help.”
“This is no place for a lady.”
She handed her last piece of bread to a young girl before turning to face him. “I had to do something to help these people.”
“You should have sent a footman.”
“I couldn’t very well sit at my manor and pretend that these people weren’t in dire need of supplies.”
“I can respect that, but these images won’t ever go away,” he remarked. “They will be engraved on your very soul.”
Miss Locke’s eyes strayed towards the bodies, which were now being covered with tattered sheets. “I understand, but I wanted to help,” she murmured, her voice hitching.
“May I escort you home?” he asked.
She shook her head, her eyes betraying her fatigue. “I don’t intend to leave until they pull out the last body.”
“That could be hours.”
“So be it.”
“Do you by chance have any more bread?”
“I do.” She walked over to the coach and pulled out another loaf. She broke off a generous piece and extended it towards him.
