“The important thing is that they’re together again.”
“I’ll have Cook prepare a few things to have delivered to them. This is going to be a very special Christmas for the family thanks to you.” Frances looked at Thomas, her admiration deepening. “You are a good man, Thomas. You persevered when others would have given up. By doing so, you have forever changed their lives.” Was it any wonder why she’d fallen for him?
“I am happy to aid them. Everyone needs a helping hand at times.” He frowned. “Once the Schmidts are settled in their new home, I intend to discover how Peter came to be in America by himself.”
An inkling of foreboding caused Frances’ stomach to tighten, something she didn’t understand since she wanted to know how it had happened as well. Had the Schmidts been in the workhouse when she and the league members had toured it several months ago? Was there something she could’ve done to prevent this from happening?
She pushed aside the concern and said, “I hope you do so that nothing like this breaks apart another family again.”
Thomas’s expression turned fierce, so different from his usual easygoing attitude. “Exactly. Whoever is behind it will pay. I’m returning to the Whitechapel Workhouse in the morning for answers.”
Frances nodded even as she wished a different workhouse was involved.
Before she could say anything more, her mother entered the room, sending an excited look at Frances before she warmly greeted Thomas.
Frances hoped her mother realized he’d only called to provide an update on Peter and his family. Perhaps now that he’d reunited them, he would be able to relax and enjoy his remaining time at home, which was drawing to an end far too quickly. Would she have the chance to tell him how she felt before then?
Chapter Fourteen
Thomas was certain the Schmidts were continuing to enjoy their reunion the next morning and didn’t want to interrupt. Not when they’d only been together such a short time. Though he would’ve liked to have Mr. Schmidt join him for the inquiry at the workhouse since it was his son who’d been shipped to America without his permission, Thomas decided to go there alone first.
While Thomas knew the parents were grateful to have Peter returned to them, eventually they’d want to know why he’d been taken to begin with—and why they’d been told he’d run away. Thomas certainly would.
That was a mystery he could at least try to unravel.
He greeted the porter on duty and asked to speak with the administrator again. He waited in the empty entrance hall for a manager to be fetched, glancing around the dingy space. Clearly, no Christmas spirit had penetrated the walls of the workhouse nor would it. Not when the place seemed to be painted with desperation. The sour scent of it was thick in the air.
That made Thomas even more determined to make certain no members of the Schmidt family would ever pass through the workhouse again.
At last, Mr. Harris was fetched, the same unhelpful manager he’d met on his first visit.
“Yes?” Impatience colored the man’s tone.
Thomas explained the situation, starting with finding Peter in America, although he’d told the manager all of that during his first visit. He didn’t want any misunderstandings. He added that although the family had been reunited, they wanted to know why Peter had been sent to America.
“They must’ve chosen to send him there.”
“Why would they do so?”
“Parents who enter the workhouse are given the option of participating in a program which relocates poor or orphaned children to the British Colonies and other countries.”
Thomas stared at him in disbelief. While he supposed he’d read something about the program at some point, it had been presented in a positive light rather than one that tore apart families.
“You didn’t mention this program when I first spoke with you.” Thomas knew that for certain.
“I’m sure I did. Perhaps you’ve forgotten. At any rate, parents can choose to provide a better life for their children by sending them to families abroad who are willing to raise them. The program has reduced vagrancy among children and assists with the labor shortage in other countries and the colonies.”
“Did you get Mr. Schmidt’s written permission?”
The man scoffed. “Since most who enter the workhouse are illiterate, that’s impossible.”
“But did they understand what you were suggesting?”
“Of course.” Yet Mr. Harris’s gaze shifted away, making Thomas wonder. “Now then, if that’s all, I have other duties to see to.”
“I would like to speak with whoever is in charge of the program.” Thomas wanted to make it clear that he wasn’t leaving until he knew the full truth.
“Mr. Ayers isn’t here. Besides, the family is together again. What difference does it make?”
