“I spoke briefly with Lady Fairbridge when I came upon her while shopping. She told me the training has begun and was quite enthusiastic about the results thus far,” Phoebe said. “The board members of the workhouse remain somewhat skeptical, but that isn’t unexpected.”
Something niggled at the back of Frances’ mind as Phoebe shared what else Lady Fairbridge had said. A memory that seemed important, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
“Frances, do you have an update on ticket sales?” Rebecca asked, pulling her from her thoughts.
“I received a message from Mr. Seaton just this morning.” She withdrew a note from her reticule. “He advises that one hundred and forty-six tickets have been sold. He has also received numerous donations that total approximately five thousand pounds.”
“That’s wonderful.” Rebecca shook her head. “I’m so impressed. And think of how many people are now aware of this cause. Surely some will offer ongoing support to the program.”
“Especially if the training is successful.” Phoebe smiled. “Perhaps something similar could be offered to those in need before they are forced to consider entering a workhouse. If we could manage that, the plan would truly be a success.”
Frances drew a deep breath, filled with satisfaction and pride for what they’d already accomplished, and the ball hadn’t even been held yet. She had high hopes of helping families like Peter’s to have more options to provide for their loved ones.
However, any success of the ball and the charity would be dimmed if Peter’s family couldn’t be found. She intended to do everything she could to help Thomas make that happen.
“What are your plans for this afternoon?” Thomas’s mother asked when he joined her and his father for luncheon that day.
Thomas had spent the morning scouring Mile End Old Town, asking anyone who would listen if they knew Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt. He’d received numerous tips and suggestions, but none had led him to the correct family. He intended to return to search that afternoon but had come home for luncheon to spend a little time with his parents.
He was reluctant to answer his mother’s question since he knew they would disapprove of him spending more time looking for the Schmidts.
While they felt sorry for the boy, they didn’t understand why Thomas felt responsible for him. That was difficult to explain even to himself. As ridiculous as it sounded, his own success in life was somehow tied to finding Peter’s parents.
It was as if claiming victory in this endeavor would prove—if only to himself—that he was worthy and could achieve whatever he set his mind to. That he wasn’t merely an unneeded second son, but a man who mattered. The notion might not be rational, yet he couldn’t let it go.
Even so, Thomas wouldn’t lie to his parents.
He cleared his throat. “I thought to visit a few shops in Mile End Old Town to see if any know Peter’s family.” As if he hadn’t already done that more times than he could count. But there were many more shops to stop by.
“Thomas,” his father began.
The tone, not to mention the look, was enough to tighten Thomas’s chest. How many conversations over the years had started that way? His attempts to earn his father’s approval never succeeded. He wasn’t certain why he allowed it to bother him.
Still, he loved his parents and knew they loved him. They had encouraged him to strive to be a better man. It wasn’t their fault that he always seemed to fall short.
Thomas set down his fork, a sinking feeling in his stomach as he waited for his father to continue.
“There has to be another option for the lad. Someone else who could aid him in this endeavor.”
“Who?” Thomas asked.
“We have so little time with you before you return to America,” his mother added, her concerned expression tightening his chest even more.
“I know.” Thomas set his napkin on the table. “But when I look into Peter’s eyes, I feel compelled to keep trying. The boy is lost without his family.”
“You’ve already done more than any others would,” his father said. “You not only saved him from living on the street but also returned him to London.”
Yet the way his father said that didn’t make his efforts sound satisfactory. Because they weren’t. He had only helped the boy trade one set of problems for another.
Thomas forced a smile. “Perhaps, but I cannot rest until I have pursued every possibility.” Before either of his parents could protest, he lifted a hand to hold them off. “I know Alan and Julie will be dining with us this evening, and I look forward to it. I promise I won’t miss it.”
He’d only seen his brother once since his return, and there was nothing his mother enjoyed more than having both her sons together.
His mother’s resigned sigh suggested she wasn’t satisfied but wouldn’t argue.
“Perhaps you could hire someone to find the Schmidts,” his father suggested, clearly unwilling to let it go. “Someone with experience in these situations.”
Someone capable since Thomas wasn’t. He released a quiet sigh, his mood lowering further. His father had a valid point, but Thomas was trying to save his money. Spending it meant staying in America even longer.
