In all honesty, Thomas couldn’t feel anything other than a warm glow of happiness and hope. But he wasn’t about to admit that to Garland. His friend would want to know why. For now, Thomas intended to keep what was building between him and Frances a secret.
“How can you not be filled with Christmas spirit while decorating?” Thomas countered. “The scent of the evergreens alone is enough to make me smile.”
“Humph.” Garland eyed the holly warily. “I suppose next you’ll tell me we are to hang those somewhere.”
“Above the dance floor.” Thomas glanced up at the ceiling. “Although that could prove problematic when it’s so high.”
Frances and her mother entered the ballroom with more holly, causing Garland to groan. He looked closer at Frances and then Thomas. “I say, it seems as if Miss Melbourne has the same look of delight upon her face that you do. How interesting.”
Thomas didn’t bother to hide his grin. Still, he glanced at Frances, ridiculously pleased to see her happiness, knowing he was part of the reason for it.
As soon as the decorating was complete, he would pull her aside to share what was in his heart. He should’ve taken the moment alone with her to do so. But he couldn’t regret their kiss, which had confirmed everything he felt for her.
Frances was everything he wanted and more. The only remaining question was whether he could convince her and her father to consider him as a suitor. To wait for him to return from America in a year or two.
The thought of being gone so long dampened his fine mood. No matter that he told himself such worries could wait until after the holiday when he was sailing back across the ocean to New York City.
Thomas did his best to thrust it from his mind and returned his attention to the task at hand.
Garland and one of the footmen procured a tall ladder from somewhere in the depths of the building, and soon they were hanging the holly from the ceiling at Frances’ direction.
Admiration filled him as she requested they move this way and that to find the perfect placement of each ball without casting her attention to the floor or hesitating in her speech.
He didn’t know where she’d found the wherewithal to overcome her shyness, but it seemed to be improving daily.
They were placing the final ball of holly when a familiar footman entered the ballroom. Alarmed at the sight of him, Thomas climbed down the ladder and walked toward the servant, noting he held a message.
Dare he hope it was regarding Peter’s family?
“James?” Thomas caught the servant’s attention, who’d stopped to speak with one of the other footmen.
“There you are, sir.” The man continued forward and handed him the paper. “A message arrived for you, and Lady Penworth requested that I deliver it posthaste.”
“Thank you.” Thomas took it, well aware of the others in the ballroom pausing their efforts, including Frances, to watch him. Anticipation washed over him, and he whispered a quick prayer then opened the slip of paper.
I read your flyer and know of a family that matches the description of the Schmidts. However, the father’s name is Leon Hoffman. Could there be a mistake? The family has had a hard time of it and is staying at Handwerker Heim if you are interested in speaking with them.
Pastor Morris, St. Mary’s Church
Thomas considered the message, wondering if there could be a connection despite the question of their surname. Then again, this was the only lead he had thus far, and he refused to ignore it. No harm could come from speaking with the family. He’d already visited the hostel in the area known as Little Germany that the pastor mentioned but had asked for Leon Schmidt, of course. He couldn’t imagine why there would be confusion with the family’s name.
He looked up to see Frances walking slowly toward him, a question in her brown eyes.
He lifted the message, wishing it contained better news. “A pastor has sent word of a family matching the description but with a different last name. I’m going to speak with them to see if there is any connection.”
“Oh.” She frowned, clearly disappointed. “I shall hope the information leads to Peter’s family.”
“As will I.”
“Would you like me to accompany you?” Garland asked.
“I’d appreciate that.” It would be helpful to have another opinion as the situation unfolded. Despite the unlikeliness that this had anything to do with Peter, a sense of urgency filled Thomas.
“My carriage is outside.” Garland gestured toward the door. “We can take it.”
“Perfect.” Thomas looked again at Frances. “My apologies for leaving,” he began, regret causing him to hesitate. He’d been certain this afternoon would provide the chance to speak to her about how he felt.
“Do not concern yourself for even a moment. I hope the visit goes well. Please send word as to how it progresses when you’re able.”
