Page 14 of A Tenuous Betrothal
Their expressions softened somewhat, many with caring expressions smiling their support.
She called out to them again so that even those in the back could hear her. “We will listen to Mr. Thomas. And we are listening to you.”
Some nods followed.
Miss Davies approached Mr. Thomas. “What do you recommend?”
He lifted his hat off his head and then replaced it. “I think we need to make it easier on the families who wish for their children to stay at home. I think we need to figure out the women as well. If they want to work, they are needed, but...” He shrugged. “It is a very difficult life for a mining family.”
“Mining’s better than trying to farm this arid soil,” another miner who stood closer chimed in. “Brings bread to the table. Can’t argue with that.”
Miss Davies nodded and then wrapped her arms around her middle.
Marc stood closer to her. “Perhaps we exit and think things over.”
Mr. Thomas nodded. “You’re welcome to my home this evening if you want to talk over the particulars.”
“Thank you. We’d be pleased to do so.” Miss Davies reached for his hand. Then she waved all about to the workers. “Thank you for your work.” Her voice sounded unsure and lacked its former energy.
They turned to exit, nothing but darkness up ahead again, but Marc knew the entrance to the mine was coming, and that made a big difference in the otherwise suffocating darkness.
Mr. Harman joined them. “I’ll be escorting you out.”
“Thank you.” Miss Davies might have smiled at him, but it had grown so immediately dark that Marc couldn’t see a thing. Her hand rested on his arm, a gentle communication. Whether she was offering comfort or receiving it didn’t matter.
They walked in silence all the way back out of the mine. Only when they were once again out and blinking in the sun did Miss Davies huff in exasperation. “They want their own children to work in the mines?”
“It sounds like they do.” Marc led her away from the entrance and from the other miners who might overhear. “I don’t think they have much choice. I’m trying to understand. Mining is their source of income, food, everything. They live here in Cresselly under the care of your uncle, for better or worse. We can attempt to protect them from overly harsh conditions. We can ask that your uncle treat them well and not put them in danger. But this is their life. And it’s a blessing to them in some ways.”
“Mining is a terrible life, but you heard them... they don’t have any other way to make a living here.” She turned from him, and soon her shoulders were shaking.
“Miss Davies.” He reached out to her, resting his hand near her elbow.
She faced him, her soft eyes stricken and wet with tears. “Before now, I’d just never considered that they might feel trapped in this life, that it isn’t the best situation for them.”
“You must have known the dangers of mining, been in a mine before?”
“Yes, of course. But before listening to them today, I had no idea of them feeling they and future generations had no use for school, that they were bound and destined to mine and only mine. Yes, of course I knew it was dangerous, and unpleasant even, but today it became real.”
He nodded. “I respect that. And I’m sorry.” He had had moments like hers, in which he’d at least gained a greater understanding of the gravity of a situation. “Let’s talk about how we want to move forward.”
“I think I know.” She sat on a nearby log. It was worn and smooth, as if well used for this very purpose. He sat beside her.
“For now, we give the miners the choice. We stipulate that no family will ever be forced to have their children work in the mines.”
“What about the families who feel forced to simply because of their situations?”
“With both parents there? I would like the families to help us think of a good solution. Perhaps they will have an idea, something that would be more helpful than anything I can think of.”
“Excellent thoughts.” He grinned. “You, Miss Davies, have the makings of a very successful princess.” He dipped his head, then realized the implications of his words.
Her face colored. “Thank you.”
“Not that I’m suggesting...” He ran a hand through his hair. “This is by far the most...”
“Awkward? Frustrating? Maddening?”
“Unique.” His eyebrow rose. “The most unique situation I’ve ever been in.”
