“That would be helpful.” Another kiss with Thomas? Be still her heart. Did she have the courage to not only share a second kiss but to tell him what was in her heart? Somehow, she had to find it.
Chapter Twelve
By the following afternoon, one hundred and fifty flyers had been distributed to shops, street vendors, churches, tenements, and lodging houses throughout Mile End Old Town, the area known as Little Germany, and beyond.
Thomas, with Peter at his side, and numerous servants borrowed from Thomas’s parents, as well as from Frances, Bolton, Captain Shaw, Viscount Garland, and others, had divided the area into sections and handed out the flyers. Garland and Shaw had helped as well.
Thomas’s name and address were noted on them to contact if anyone had information on the Schmidts. The headline of the flyer—Help Unite a Family for Christmas—was sure to catch people’s attention and pull at their heartstrings thanks to Frances’ clever thinking.
Thomas hoped everyone in the area would soon be talking about the sad tale and the Schmidts would be found. Still, he hesitated to allow his optimism to rise too much. Not after the disappointments of the past few days. He didn’t want Peter to hold too high of expectations either.
“Now vat?” Peter asked as he glanced around the street after they’d finished delivering their portion of the flyers.
“We wait.” Thomas placed a hand on his shoulder, knowing the boy must be anxious since his accent was more pronounced. “If your parents are in the area, hopefully, someone will know and tell us or tell them.”
“And they’ll send you a message,” Peter said.
“Right.” He couldn’t help but look at the people walking by, wondering if one of them might be the key to finding the Schmidts. “Do you remember walking along this street?”
Peter nodded even as he heaved a sigh. “I keep looking for my mother or father.”
“No doubt they’re doing much the same thing. Always looking for you.”
A glance at the boy’s face suggested he wanted to do more. Thomas didn’t blame him, but he was out of ideas and thought Peter was, too. He started toward a cab stand. “Let us get out of the cold and return home for some tea and biscuits.”
Peter managed a smile. “Thank you, sir. I would like that.”
Soon they’d returned to Thomas’ home and were greeted by Stokes, the butler.
“How did the mission proceed?” the butler asked with a gentle smile at Peter.
“All flyers have been distributed,” Thomas said. “With luck, we will hear something in the coming days.”
“Waiting won’t be easy.” Stokes studied Peter. “Cook is in need of assistance to make extra biscuits for Christmas. I don’t suppose you are willing to aid her, are you?”
A light lit Peter’s eyes. “I would be pleased to, sir.”
“Excellent.” Stokes glanced at Thomas. “Lady Penworth is having tea in the drawing room and wanted to know when you returned.”
“I’ll join her.” Thomas watched as Peter accompanied Stokes toward the kitchen and then hurried up the stairs to see his mother.
“How did everything go?” she asked from the settee where she enjoyed a cup of tea, a book nearby.
“Well, I think,” he said as he joined her.
“That is good news.” She set down her cup and saucer and proceeded to pour for him. “Surely this effort will bring results.”
“One can hope.” He watched as she added half a spoonful of sugar, just the way he liked it.
“Christmas is the season for hope.” She handed him the cup with a smile. “I feel terrible for the boy.” She reached out to touch his knee. “It makes me appreciate you and your brother all the more. I’m so pleased you were able to come home for Christmas. The holidays were never the same without you during your time in the Navy.”
“They were bittersweet when I couldn’t be here.”
“Speaking of which, how long do you think you’ll stay in America?” She retrieved her cup and took a sip.
“Difficult to say. There’s much to learn in the banking business. Uncle Arthur has been helpful and provided opportunities that I hadn’t expected this early in my career.”
“Do you like it?” she asked.
