Something Old, Rebecca Connolly [ebook reader for laptop TXT] 📗

short of thinkin’ a jot of ’em would envy any of us down here.”

Thomas grinned at the dubious suggestion. “That’s because they’ve never experienced the satisfaction in it! What’s there to dislike?”

Apparently, other miners had been listening in, for now answers seemed to come from every direction.

“The dark.”

“The dirt.”

“The smell.”

“The air.”

“Rockfalls.”

“Flooding.”

“Wages.”

“Hours.”

“And lackin’ any sort of proper appreciation from the ladies!”

Jovial laughter rang up and down the tunnel Thomas was in, and he joined in with them. No doubt, it was uncommon enough for a shareholder to be in the mine with them, or any gentleman for that matter, but as he had every intention of outright owning this mine in the near future, he was determined to be on good terms with all of the men. Not only good but approachable terms. While Arscott was the mine captain and all concerns would likely flow through his domain, Thomas wished to be an active part of the mine’s activities and workings, down to the boys who ran the ore up to the surface for the bal maidens.

Even when he was not in Cornwall, as he would undoubtedly one day have to return to London or Hampshire, he’d eagerly wait for reports and send replies the moment he could do so. If it were in his power, he’d give up Rainford altogether and forever stay at Pendrizzick once he made an offer for the place. But Rainford was special to Lily, given its proximity to Monty and her cousin’s children, as well as Beth, so he doubted in all likelihood that they could give it up. They could let the London house though, as they were so rarely there and took no pleasure in the Season. It was agreeably situated in location and in style, which ought to make it a popular option for those seeking accommodation.

Lily might prefer that, actually. Split their time between Rainford and Pendrizzick… Enjoy the pleasures of country living continuously, apart from the rare moments they would be required in London…

It sounded ideal to him, and he made a note to address this with her when he returned to Pendrizzick.

He brought his attention back to his task at hand and the miners who worked alongside him. “I have never worked in a mine before, men, so my experience may be lacking. But I believe I can say with some certainty that I have never worked among such capital fellows, nor amid such fine-spirited company. A gent in a mine is no common sight, but you have given me the good fortune of appreciating the work you do with greater understanding and teaching me new skills that I would never find anywhere else. I am grateful to be down here with you and even more grateful that I have not yet been mocked for my efforts.”

“There be plenty o’ time for tha’, sir,” one of the men called up. “Jus’ let us get used to ee, an’ we’ll give ee a right clacking.”

A few whistles rent the air as others chuckled, and all returned to their work, leaving Thomas and Arscott to themselves.

Thomas wiped at his sweat-dampened brow, looking at the work he had done, comparing it to Arscott’s for a moment. “Well, if that isn’t a pitiful excuse for a morning’s work, I don’t know what is. Now I truly cannot believe I haven’t been mocked.”

Arscott grunted his version of a laugh but offered a smile. “We ne’er mock a man his first time below, sir. Give us time, we’ll get to ye eventually.”

There was no comfort in that, but Thomas found himself laughing and spent the next few minutes discussing the quality of rock they were mining and what could be learned from it. Even in the dark of the tunnels, with the light of torches and lanterns alone, Arscott could see the difference in layers and could point them out to Thomas with ease, though the distinction was not quite as clear to him.

However educational the day was, Thomas was in no condition to truly work the whole of it in the mine. He would need to keep himself more fit and strong if he wished to participate in the work of his mines on a more active basis. He would have an aching back and shoulders that night, there was no mistake, and likely when he woke tomorrow as well.

But it was worth it.

Thomas shook hands with Arscott and a few others, then made his way up to the surface, finding his horse tied where he had left it that morning. He mounted quickly and set off in the direction of Pendrizzick. He needed to get back to enjoying time with his wife. As soon as possible.

The mistress’s garden at Pendrizzick had become Lily’s favorite spot in the entire estate without any trouble at all. The stone walls were perfect protection from the wind that accompanied Cornwall, and the neat, cobblestone path that meandered through the plants was just short of perfect, which was one of the most endearing parts. A small pond sat in one corner, containing waterlilies and moss that added perfectly to the ambiance of the garden as a whole.

There were wildflowers and bluebells scattered in places, there were lilies and wisteria, and there were plants Lily had never seen, all possessing the same careful manicuring that the gardens outside the walls did but without the same exactness.

Mr. Allyn had clearly maintained this space after Mrs. Tremellion had left, in the absence of a mistress to do so, but he knew all too well that this garden was not his.

She would need to spend time with him one of these days to learn about each plant in this garden and how to best care for each. Then she could make decisions about what to keep and if anything should be added to the plot. All she would do for now was tend the plants in existence and rid the area of weeds.

And perhaps clip a few