“They’ll make note of my shyness and walk away,” Frances countered. “Attempting to converse with me will convince them I’m not worth the effort.”
“Dear Frances.” Her mother shook her head. “You’re looking at this wrong. Not only will dealing with the gentlemen provide the practice you need to overcome your...issue, but it will help you to know what you do and don’t like in a potential husband.”
“I already know what I want.” And who. But she didn’t add that. It was too soon to advise them of her feelings for Thomas. Besides, he hadn’t declared himself.
“Excellent.” Her father nodded in approval. “That will make this even easier.”
Before Frances could further protest, the butler arrived to announce dinner.
Frances followed her parents down to the dining room, wondering how she was going to make it through the week before the ball.
She paused as another worry crossed her mind—what would Thomas think if he heard the news? Would he realize how limited her prospects were and decide to return to America to find a lady there who was worthy of him?
She had to try again to convince her father not to tell anyone of his intention. She only hoped he would listen.
Chapter Six
The day of the party to gather greenery arrived, but Thomas was torn whether to go. He had yet to locate Peter’s parents. It seemed wrong to join in frivolity when the boy was so miserable.
They’d walked through the neighborhood in Mile End Old Town where Peter used to live, and he pointed out a few familiar locations. They’d even stopped at the bakery that his mother had been fond of.
But it was as if the Schmidts had disappeared since leaving the workhouse. Only a few people they’d spoken with remembered them, but none knew where they had gone. Thomas discovered thirty sugar refineries were in London, dashing his hope of looking for Mr. Schmidt there, assuming he’d returned to work.
If only Thomas knew where else to search, but he was at a loss as to how to proceed.
“I appreciate how determined you are to help him,” Thomas’s mother had said that morning. “But I do hope you spend time with us as well as your friends since you’ll only be here a short while.”
He’d been with his parents on numerous occasions, but it never felt like enough. Guilt circled him no matter which direction he turned. But there seemed little point in remaining home, so he decided to join his friends.
When he arrived at Bolton’s to ride with him to the estate where they were collecting greenery, his mood lifted. His friends would be willing to help if he but asked. At the very least, talking through the situation might provide a solution he hadn’t thought of.
He just had to be careful not to mention the specific workhouse as he didn’t want Frances or any of the other ladies of the literary league to learn of it. Not when the ball was just around the corner. Before he shared any details, he wanted to make certain there was no connection between what had happened to Peter and the training the league was aiding.
He was no longer sure he’d be able to uncover how Peter had been left to fend for himself in New York City in the short time he had. Surely, bringing the boy and his family together was more than enough. Peter’s parents might know how it had come to pass, and the question could be quickly answered—if he found them.
“We’re pleased you came,” Bolton said with a grin as Thomas joined him in the entrance of his home. “The more the merrier.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” He held up his gloved hands. “Here’s hoping we aren’t pricked yet again this afternoon.”
Bolton laughed, clearly in good spirits. “I think you’re hoping for too much. But at least the weather should hold long enough for us to complete our mission.”
“As long as it doesn’t rain. Then again, the temperature feels cold enough for snow.”
“That would help to put us all in the proper frame of mind, wouldn’t it? As soon as the others arrive, we will be on our way.”
Bolton had offered to take his coach, which would fit six, so they made arrangements for him, his wife, Lady Tabitha, Captain Shaw, Thomas, and Frances to ride together. The others were gathering elsewhere and would meet them at the estate.
“I didn’t have a chance to mention that I returned from America with someone,” Thomas began as he and Bolton waited in the entrance hall. This moment might be the only chance to see if his friend had any suggestions.
“Oh?”
Thomas briefly explained how he’d found Peter and the unfortunate circumstances.
“How terrible.”
“It is. I have been searching for his family to no avail. They seem to have moved since Peter went to America.”
“It will be a challenge to locate them.” Bolton frowned. “Is there a chance of inquiring at the father or mother’s place of employment?”
