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“Gambling is a terrible vice,” Mr. Croke remarked. “My wife won’t let me go down to the pub to sit at the tables.”
“Your wife is a smart woman. I know many men who have lost their fortunes over card games,” Hawthorne shared.
“Aye,” Mr. Croke agreed. “My wife is a keeper.”
Guy pushed back his chair and rose. “We have a few errands in town that we need to see to before we rest our eyes.”
“I wish ye luck, then,” Mr. Croke responded.
Hawthorne matched his stride as they exited the coaching inn. “Where do we find Burke?”
“At the blacksmith shop,” Guy revealed. “He grew up working in the coal mines but was one of the few people able to escape the harsh conditions.”
“Not everyone is so lucky.”
“No, they are not,” Guy said. “It is hard to rise above one’s station to make something of oneself.”
“You did.”
Guy shook his head. “I may be educated, but I am still of a lowly status.”
“That isn’t entirely true.”
“I’m afraid it is,” Guy replied.
Hawthorne glanced over at him. “What is it that you want out of life?”
Guy paused as he considered his response. “I suppose I want to make a difference in this world.”
“Haven’t you done that?” Hawthorne asked. “You tracked down your father’s killer and sought justice for yourself and many others.”
“That is true, but there is so much more that I want to do.”
“Such as?”
“I’m afraid you wouldn’t understand.”
“Why not?”
Guy gave him a side glance as they walked on the pavement. “You are a rich and powerful marquess.”
“Your point being?”
Guy stopped on the street and turned to face him. “I had hoped to one day be in the House of Commons,” he said. “I know it isn’t as impressive as the House of Lords, but it was something I always aspired to.”
“What do you wish to accomplish in the House of Commons?”
Guy grew silent as a woman walked past him with her children. “I wanted to help people who have no voice,” he answered, keeping his voice low.
“That is admirable.”
“Now I want to help the coal miners,” he shared. “Laws need to be changed so they are treated better and their dangerous work conditions become safer.”
“That would be a hard task,” Hawthorne remarked. “Many people have tried to bring up legislation to change their work conditions.”
Guy sighed. “I know, but—”
“I never said it was impossible,” Hawthorne interrupted. “It would take hard work, and you would be knocked down by many people who are much more powerful than you.”
