“I’m sure you do.” She glanced at Thomas. “I would like to aid in the search however I can.”
“How kind of you.” Thomas didn’t know what she could do, but he appreciated her offer.
“I shall bring the issue before the league.” She nodded as if to confirm her decision. “We have become quite adept at solving problems when we put our heads together.”
“Thank you,” Thomas said politely, though he couldn’t imagine they would be able to help. “Any assistance would be appreciated.”
The sound of an approaching carriage caught her notice, and she looked past Thomas. “Some of the other members are arriving now. I will keep you apprised of any suggestions we come upon.”
Her kindness and thoughtfulness combined with her determination to act warmed him. He couldn’t understand why a gentleman hadn’t already swept her off her feet. But he was pleased one hadn’t.
“Frances,” he said, and her focus shifted to him. “You are the hero.”
“Oh, but—”
“Frances, I should’ve known you’d arrive early,” Lady Harriet called as she approached. “Mr. Sinclair, how good to see you.” She glanced between them. “My apologies if I’m interrupting.”
“Good day to you, Lady Harriet. Not at all.” He smiled at Frances. “I was just leaving. I hope to see you both again soon.”
With a bow, he stepped into the carriage and settled on the bench opposite Peter.
“The lady is very nice,” the boy said as the carriage rolled forward. “And she’s pretty.” He frowned as if he wasn’t sure that was a good thing.
“You obviously have excellent taste.” Thomas grinned as he looked out the window to watch the ladies fade from view.
He liked to think he’d surprised Frances and made her see herself in a different light. She had already done that for him. They were even better for one another than he’d first thought.
His smile held all the way home, his heart light despite the lack of progress on finding Peter’s family. Sometimes, one had to have faith that everything would work out, and there was no better time to believe than at Christmas.
That evening at dinner, Frances decided to try again to convince her father not to increase her dowry. Or at least not to announce it.
She didn’t like confrontation of any sort, but this was important. The more she thought about it, the more she felt as if her father was tying a bright red bow around her in an attempt to make her attractive to potential husbands.
It was a disguise of sorts. Like a spoonful of sugar to help take unpalatable medicine. The thought was less than flattering.
In fact, it hurt.
She knew her parents loved her and that her father was trying his best to help. But increasing her dowry wasn’t the answer. The idea of men who she didn’t know, and she probably wouldn’t like vying for her attention was terrifying. She didn’t want to deal with them when her affections were already taken.
Would Thomas take note of those men at the ball, if there were any, and turn the other way? That was also terrifying. She didn’t want to jeopardize the attraction that seemed to be building between them.
She glanced around the dining room, noting the sterling flatware, fine china, and crystal dishes on the elegant table. Burgundy wallpaper and paintings in gold frames offered a stylish look to the room. Though her parents lived modestly compared to some, as far as she was concerned, wealth was better spent helping others than acquiring things. Marrying a man with a title and money was of no consequence. Only his character and whether he cared for her mattered.
That wasn’t quite true, she realized with a pang of worry—Thomas Sinclair was the only one who mattered. She feared no one else would do.
Frances waited until the butler had cleared the soup dishes then straightened in her chair. “Papa?”
“Yes, my dear?” he said as he reached for his wine.
“I have given the idea of you increasing my dowry further thought,” she began.
“I’m so excited about it, Frances,” her mother said before Frances could continue. “I do believe this will greatly help your prospects.”
“As do I.” Her father smiled. “I considered doing it before, of course, but thought it best to wait to see how things progressed of their own accord.”
In other words, to see if she managed to attract a husband on her own. Which she had failed to do.
But perhaps that was because she hadn’t come upon the right man. Granted, it was difficult to come to know anyone when her shyness had her tongue-tied and staring at the floor.
