Page 21 of Love with a Notorious Rake

They sat on the opposite side of the large study, on the leather settee and wingchairs. Then silence descended, as if no one knew what to say next. Despite the affectionate welcome, awkwardness had settled in. It was time to say his piece while they were alone.

“I’ve lived in idleness and discontent, slipping slowly into the dark pit of debauchery.” Aidan met the men’s gazes. “I am not being flippant; I’m speaking the truth, as hard as it may be for you to hear. I’ve made a complete muddle of my life. We all are quite aware of how low I descended—apparently, the rest of society is as well. I am not proud of my behavior. Allow me to apologize for it, and for any disrespect that I have shown.” He paused, uncomfortable, but soldiered on. “I also regret any shame that has been reflected on the family.”

His father cleared his throat. “You are forgiven, Aidan. You were long ago.”

“Thank you. Now I have to learn how to forgive myself. There will be a time I’ll be able to speak of it in more detail, but it is still too…raw, for lack of a better word. Have patience with me.”

“Of course,” Garrett said. “Take all the time you need. Just one question: What about Delaney?”

Aidan shrugged. “I want to put the incident out of my mind.”

“I’ve asked Edwin Seward to trace his background and whereabouts, but the man has disappeared. All he’s discovered is that he’s originally from Ireland. Perhaps he has returned there,” Garrett said. “I am awaiting the final report.”

“Let’s hope he’s gone from England. I was going to wait to mention this, but I believe it best to put my plan in motion as soon as possible,” Aidan stated.

“Shouldn’t you rest before taking on any enterprise?” his grandfather asked, concern in his tone.

“I’ve had plenty of rest. I’ve discussed this with Riordan, and he agrees with my scheme. Dr. Bevan suggested I submerge myself in one of the family’s causes.” Aidan explained how factory reform held his interest, and how he wished to operate as Riordan had, observing as a covert operative, gathering information that could be used to push through much-needed amendments to the current act.

His father and grandfather exchanged glances. At least they hadn’t discarded his suggestion outright.

“I’m particularly interested in cotton mills, since they exploit women and children more than any other industry,” Aidan said.

“Dr. Bevan agreed to this strategy? Does he believe you well enough?” his father asked.

Aidan frowned. “I didn’t discuss the particulars, but he would not have allowed me to leave if I wasn’t ready to move on with my life.”

“Aidan should do this, and he should be given our full support,” Garrett said.

He gave his uncle a nod of thanks. His six-years-older uncle was more of a big brother, and Aidan was glad of his assistance. “Father, between you and Grandfather, you know of the worst mills in the country. Using your influence, you can have me placed at one. Think of the information I could gather—enough ammunition to push for improvements.”

“In what capacity would you work at the mill? You hardly look and sound like a factory worker,” his father interjected.

Aidan smiled. “I’ve thought of that. Surely there are middle management positions, such as a floor supervisor.”

“That would not be easy to arrange,” his grandfather said. “Such positions are coveted, and usually held by men who have been at the mill many years.”

“I have great faith in your power, Grandfather, and in Father’s. You could arrange something, even if it’s temporary.”

His father rubbed his forehead. “You cannot be plunked down in the middle of a cotton mill. You will have to be trained on the machines, learn the inner workings of the production of cotton. Study all of the laws—”

“Like the Labor in Cotton Mills Act of eighteen thirty-one? As I said to Riordan, I listened more at those family meetings than you know.” Aidan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I have to do this. I want—need—to do something worthwhile. It’s not an immediate necessity that I be dropped into a mill; I will do the due diligence, be trained on the machines, study laws and procedures. It will have to be one of the worst mills in the country. Surely you know of one.”

His father sighed, “There is more than one, unfortunately. Government grinds at an agonizingly slow pace. Even Riordan’s presentation of education reform before the prince will not bring about swift change. Passing amendments to present acts, or crafting new ones, takes months, years. God, even decades.”

“It’s true,” his grandfather interjected. “It is deuced frustrating. You could go to all this trouble and see no satisfactory result.”

“Even bringing the mill owner to justice would be a victory, would it not?” Aidan asked. “Think of me as a de facto factory inspector, albeit a stealthy one.”

“Sounds like a victory to me,” Garrett stated. “Surely Da, you’re able to find a mill owner who deserves to be prosecuted?”

“Yes, Garrett, there are a number. If you are determined to do this, Aidan, then allow your father and me to make inquiries. I know of a man who can train you on the inner workings of a cotton mill, but it may take a few weeks.”

Aidan beamed. Hope bloomed inside him for the first time in—well, longer than he could recall.

Abbie knocked and entered. “Tea is served, gentlemen. And Aidan, when I informed Mrs. Barnes you were home, she and Mrs. Teague prepared a veritable feast.”

The housekeeper and cook had been at the hall since before Aidan was born. Even when he misbehaved as a child—which, he reflected, was often—the ladies always had a biscuit and a ready hug when he had needed it most. He would visit them after dinner.