Chapter 20 #2
Weatherby lowered his voice. “That is the question, My Lord. The men say the collapse made no sense. Nothing should have given way.”
Tobias felt a cold prickle at the back of his neck as he met Weatherby’s eyes.
Weatherby held his gaze. “I fear it may not have been an accident.”
Tobias began to pace around the room as he considered who could have caused this. He ran through the list of men who might wish him harm, searching for anyone with motive enough to strike at the estate so boldly.
For a brief moment, his thoughts flickered to Viola.
He remembered the way she had spoken to him that night in his study, the certainty in her voice when she said he did not know everything that was happening.
He remembered her concern about the estate, her quiet insistence that it was in more trouble than he realized.
She had pressed him with such confidence, as she understood the estate better than he did.
He considered her insistence, her certainty, and her almost desperation. She had spoken as though she and her family could save him from the financial strain she believed he was blind to.
Would she truly go to such lengths?
Who else would strike at him so directly?
Who else would benefit from proving he could not manage the estate on his own?
Would she truly go so far? No. No, she would not. She could not.
But the doubt lingered.
Tobias inhaled deeply and pulled his shoulders back. Weatherby stood taller, waiting for instruction, his posture tense.
“Tell the stableboy to bring two horses,” Tobias said. “I have to go to see the mine for myself. We have no time to lose.”
Weatherby bowed his head once. “I knew you would want to go out there, My Lord. I have already sent word.”
He turned at once and left the study at a brisk pace. Tobias followed him through the corridor, their footsteps quick and steady as they crossed into the courtyard.
The stableboy was already leading out two saddled horses, the animals shifting their weight as they waited. Tobias mounted at once, settling into the saddle. Weatherby swung up beside him without hesitation.
They quickly set off toward the road that led to the mine, the horses settling into a steady rhythm as they rode. The village came into view quickly, and the sound reached them before the sight of it. Doors were open. People were stepping out into the lanes. A low hum of voices rose with urgency.
As they entered the village, Tobias slowed only enough to avoid colliding with the growing crowd.
Women hurried across the narrow street, calling out names as they tried to keep their children close.
Younger boys darted ahead, weaving between the horses, shouting for their fathers and brothers.
Older men moved more slowly, leaning on walking sticks as they tried to keep pace with the others.
Tobias guided his horse carefully, shifting to the side when needed, allowing people to pass while still pressing forward. Weatherby stayed close beside him, both men navigating the tight spaces between villagers, all heading in the same direction.
Once they cleared the last row of cottages, the road opened again.
The crowd thinned, though many continued ahead of them, all traveling toward the mine.
Tobias urged his horse into a quicker pace, and Weatherby matched him as they followed the winding road out of the village and toward the rising slope where the mine entrance stood.
People were gathered near the entrance, some standing in clusters, others pacing anxiously. A few men were helping the injured sit or lean against carts and crates.
Tobias slowed his horse as he reached the edge of the crowd.
The foreman saw him at once. He wiped dust from his face and came forward quickly, his steps uneven from exertion and strain.
“My Lord,” he said, breathless. “We have men inside checking the supports. Several have come out already. We are still counting.”
“Is anyone trapped?” Tobias asked.
“We do not know yet,” the foreman said. “The first group is safe. The others are still being brought forward. We must keep the families and everyone else back until we have the full number.”
Tobias nodded. “Send word to the house the moment the count is complete.”
“I will, My Lord.”
The foreman hurried back toward the entrance, shouting instructions to the men assisting him.
Tobias watched the scene for another moment.
Women were pulling miners close, checking their hands and faces.
Older men steadied those who emerged, searching for injuries.
The noise was intense, but the foreman was keeping order.
Tobias shook his head and slowly exhaled. “We can do nothing more here now. They must finish the count and bring out the injured. We cannot interfere.”
Weatherby nodded. “I agree. Once they know who is safe and accounted for, and who is not, and once things are secure, then we will be able to step in.”
Tobias watched another miner emerge, supported by two others. A woman rushed forward, her relief clearly visible on her face as she steadied him. Tobias looked away.
“Let us return home,” he said. “I must begin sorting out what I will do. I will wait to hear word before coming back out.”
They turned their horses and began the ride back, weaving through the movement.
As they reached an open meadow, Weatherby shifted in his saddle, a rare sign of discomfort.
“My Lord, there is something else you need to know.”
Tobias slowed his horse and looked at him sharply. “What is it?”
Weatherby swallowed. “In the urgency of the news about the mine, I neglected to tell you something important.”
Tobias straightened, dread tightening in his chest. “Weatherby, speak.”
Weatherby met his eyes, regret clear in every line of his face. “Miss Marwood has packed her things and left. She is on her way to catch a coach in town.”
Tobias went still.
She’s gone. I knew I had lost her, but now she is fully gone.
For a moment, he didn’t speak or breathe. He stared past Weatherby, jaw clenched.
His voice was calm and determined. “I am going to find her.”
He turned his horse toward the estate first, knowing he needed the coach if he hoped he would not be returning alone. Weatherby gave a single nod and brought his own horse alongside his lord’s.
Both men set their horses into a run.