Thomas wasn’t certain what to think based on the man’s odd reaction. “I found him. He’s with me.”
The man’s attention moved past Thomas, searching for him.
“He is staying with me not far from here,” Thomas quickly added. “Is he your son?”
“You have Peter? How did this come to be?” The man’s accent thickened as he frowned at Thomas.
“I found him in New York.” When Mr. Schmidt’s expression didn’t change, Thomas added, “In America.”
“Nein. That cannot be.” He shook his head and took a step back.
“Were you at the Whitechapel Workhouse when you were separated from him?” Thomas almost wished Peter were with him so they could resolve any confusion, but he refused to put the boy through further emotional trauma.
“Yes.”
Thomas pressed on. “You were working at a sugar refinery when you were injured.”
“Yes.” The man’s chest rose and fell revealing emotions he’d hidden thus far.
Hope rose even higher, tightening Thomas’s entire body. “You have two daughters?”
“Yes, Hannah and Elsie.” The longing in the man’s expression pierced through his disbelief. “You have my Peter?”
Thomas grinned as relief weakened his knees. “I do. And he’s very anxious to be reunited with you.”
The next half hour was a blur as the rest of the family was gathered, along with their belongings, while Garland located a cab to take them to Thomas’s home since they couldn’t all fit in Garland’s carriage.
Peter’s sisters had the same eyes and pale hair as their brother and watched Thomas carefully as he explained to Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt where they were going.
The entire family looked thin and worn, not to mention apprehensive at the sudden turn of events. Thomas hoped they understood he was trying to help them. He still didn’t understand why Mr. Schmidt was using the name Hoffman, but those details could be sorted through later.
“Where will they stay after they’re reunited?” Garland asked as his carriage led the way to Thomas’s home with the cab carrying the Schmidt family behind them.
“Good question. I don’t want them to return to the hostel. While I appreciate there is comfort in being surrounded by people who speak the same language, that is no place to live. It’s only meant to be temporary. They need a proper home.”
“Why don’t I attempt to locate an apartment for them while you oversee their reunion?” Garland asked. “A friend of mine has several buildings that he rents not far from Little Germany. Surely between you, me, and Bolton, we can pay for a month or two so the family can regain their feet. Perhaps I can convince my friend to donate to the cause as well.”
“That is an excellent idea. Preferably a place with furnishings. We’ll need to provide food as well.”
“Right.” Garland smiled. “I can think of no better way to celebrate the holiday than to help the family. We will make it a wonderful Christmas for them.”
Thomas nodded, pleased at the thought and grateful for Garland’s help. “Most definitely.”
He helped the family alight when they reached his home, his excitement making it difficult to remain calm. Noting the unease in the parents’ expressions as they looked at the elegant townhouse, Thomas led them to the servants’ entrance.
Mrs. Schmidt carried the youngest girl, who couldn’t have been more than two, and clung to her mother tightly, while Mr. Schmidt held the other girl’s hand.
Thomas entered the kitchen, thrilled to see Peter there, polishing flatware. “Peter, I have a surprise for you.”
He held his breath as the boy turned and stared at the family in disbelief. It was as if the moment was frozen in time. No one moved or spoke.
“Papa! Mama!” With that, everyone rushed toward one another, talking all at once, mostly in German.
“Peter.” Mr. Schmidt dropped to his knees and hugged his son so tightly that Thomas didn’t think the boy could breathe. Then the man drew back to look into Peter’s face, his eyes filled with moisture and his hands holding his son’s shoulders as if afraid to let him go. As if afraid to believe he was truly there.
Mrs. Schmidt, still holding her daughter, knelt to hug Peter, crying as she whispered to him. The two girls reached out to touch their brother, seeming to want to make certain he was real.
Emotion welled up inside Thomas, the strength of it catching him by surprise. He cleared his throat, looking around to see he wasn’t the only one. The cook, a kitchen maid, and even Stokes teared up at the sight of the family together.
