Page 43 of Love with a Notorious Rake

“Yes, I can read and write, but no one here knows that. I recently turned fifteen, but am passing myself off as thirteen. Not sure how much longer I’ll be able to get away with it, I’ve grown three inches in the past few months. Your turn.”

All pretense of a working-class accent was gone. This young lad was acting a part as surely as Aidan was. “My name is not Aidan Black. I am heir to an earl.”

Rokesmith chuckled. “I had you pegged as a toff. What in hell are you doing here?”

“I cannot say, but regardless of what I may say or do, I am not on the side of McRae. I am collecting information. That is all I’m willing to reveal.”

Rokesmith gave him a contemplative gaze. “Fair enough. I’m from Dover.”

“You’re a long way from home.”

“Not by my choice. When my father died, my uncle had me committed to a boy’s home, claiming I was incorrigible. He no doubt took my father’s money, what little there was. I’ve no other family. As soon as I’m old enough, I plan to get my revenge.”

“Jesus,” Aidan muttered. “How long ago was this?”

“When I was ten. I’ve been moved around since then. I met most of these children at the orphanage in Leicester. We were sold to the master here at the cotton mill two years past.”

“Sold?”

“It happens. More than you think.” Rokesmith kicked at the dirt near his worn boot. “You’re here to collect information. You’re one of those do-gooder nobs. All you’re going to do is cause trouble. I know it.” The lad pointed at the children. “I look after them, see they come to no harm. They look up to me.”

“I can see that,” Aidan replied quietly.

“I won’t help you.”

“No? If you want to help those children, and keep the food coming, yes, I believe you will. Until trust builds between us, we’ll start slow. I will need letters delivered to my man in Hinckley. I’ll pay. The first letter is to be delivered shortly. Are you allowed off the mill property?”

“Yes, since I’m thirteen, and I get two hours off on Sunday.”

“For religious studies? Or church?”

Rokesmith snorted. “Hardly.”

Aidan shook his head. “You’re entitled to two sets of clothes, two shillings a day wages, at least a few hours a week of education, separate dormitories, and proper beds. And proper meals.” He pointed to Lottie, who was laughing and chasing another girl. “Children under nine are not permitted to work in mills. Those between the ages of nine and thirteen are not to work more than nine hours a day. Children aged fourteen to eighteen, no more than twelve hours a day.”

“So?”

“None of that is happening here. Already there are enough violations to close down this mill. But I have the feeling there is more going on. Something hidden and ominous. Am I wrong?”

Rokesmith’s eyes narrowed. “If you start kicking over stones, you’re going to ruin everything. I’ve an agreement with the master. I keep quiet, he lets me watch over the children and keep them in line. That weasel Meeker arranged it. Speaking of which, he’s onto you. He lurks about in dark corners, watching. Taking notes. You’re going to have to yell at the workers more.” The boy hesitated. “Maybe in the courtyard tomorrow, under Master and Meeker’s eye, we should stage a fight.”

Aidan gave Rokesmith a dubious look. “In what way? I’m not going to hit you.”

“You know, grab me by the scruff, shake me, and threaten to clout me in the head. I’m used to it. That miserable overlooker before you did it. He was a right bully. And worse—at least to the women and children. He didn’t have the guts to take on the few men in the mill.”

“And I suppose none of the men tried to stop it.”

“Not if they wanted to keep their positions. Besides, most of it took place off the mill floor.” Rokesmith frowned. “I’ve told you too much already.”

Aidan recalled Tessie saying she performed sex acts for extra money in her pay packet. When he’d mentioned McRae, there had been true fear in her eyes. He had a feeling there was much she could reveal. He should do as Rokesmith suggested: call her out as the former overseer would have. “Disciplining you for them to witness is a shrewd plan. You have a devious mind. I like it.”

“Do it around three. Master usually stands in the window, watching the deliveries.”

Aidan grabbed Rokesmith’s arm. “You had better be on the level with me. No going behind my back to Meeker or McRae. I have the power to bring this place down around your head, and I won’t be crossed. Work with me, and I will protect you and the children.”

Anger flashed in the boy’s brown eyes. “You’re a toff sure enough; you think that you’re above us all. To hell with your threats.”

Obviously the wrong tack to take, but he had to make it clear there would be ramifications if he was betrayed. He released Rokesmith. “I am merely making it clear where we stand.”