Thomas had finally purchased a heavy winter jacket for Peter and had bought ones for his sisters as well. The three siblings had sat on the chairs in the apartment wearing their coats with smiles on their faces, which warmed Thomas’s heart. Their thrill with the gifts made him wonder if he could ask for Frances’ help to select a toy or two for the children for Christmas.
Returning home to Frances’ message had been a surprise, but he had immediately departed for her home. Her maid stood near the drawing room doorway, serving as a chaperone since Mrs. Melbourne was out shopping.
“So this Mrs. Conrad is the one behind the plan?” he asked.
“Yes. Lady Fairbridge said a meeting can be arranged with her.”
Thomas blew out a breath. “I think that would be best. I want to gather as much information as possible so we can determine how Peter ended up abandoned in America.”
Frances nodded from where she was perched on the edge of a chair, her hands tightly clasped on her lap.
The sight had him frowning. It almost appeared as if she were nervous about his reaction. “Frances, thank you for sharing everything you’ve discovered. It’s truly helpful since my visit to the workhouse resulted in little new information. Thank you again.”
She closed her eyes briefly then opened them to hold his gaze. “I do not deserve your thanks. I had been told about this part of the program months ago and failed to bring it to your attention when I first learned about Peter’s situation.”
“You didn’t know that was how he came to be in New York. Besides, you’ve been working so hard to prepare for the ball.”
Frances jerked to her feet, her dark eyes glittering with emotion. “Should we even proceed with it?” She pressed a trembling hand to her mouth before dropping it to her side where she clenched it until her knuckles turned white. “How can we when children are being torn from their families by the very institution the ball is supposed to aid?”
His heart clutched at her distress, and he longed to take her into his arms to comfort her. However, the maid who stood nearby kept him firmly in place. “I would never suggest that such drastic action is needed.”
“The ball is tomorrow evening,” she continued as if he hadn’t spoken. “I’m not certain how to contact everyone to advise them of the cancellation. I’ll need to advise The Pavilion as well.” She met his gaze. “I will call an emergency meeting of the literary league—”
“Frances.” This time he waited until he was certain he had her attention. “I don’t think calling off the ball is necessary.”
“Why would anyone want to donate to the charity when the workhouse’s activities have resulted in such a terrible circumstance?”
“We don’t know what happened for certain.” Although he had a suspicion there was at least one person at the workhouse involved who knew the details, and it just might be the manager he’d spoken with.
Still, that didn’t mean all the good that the members of the literary league were trying to accomplish should be wiped away.
“As far as we know, Peter might be the only child who endured such an unfortunate outcome,” he added.
Frances studied him for a moment then shook her head. “You don’t believe that. I can see it in your face.”
He paused, taken aback that she knew him so well. “I am concerned that something more is going on,” he admitted. “But from what you’ve told me, the effort to train those in the workhouse for new positions is separate from those sending children to other countries.”
A voice sounded from the hall, and Frances listened closely only to briefly close her eyes. She seemed less than pleased by whoever was coming.
Mr. Melbourne strode into the drawing room, looking between the two of them with curiosity. Or was it disapproval? Thomas couldn’t be sure.
“Mr. Sinclair. What an unexpected...surprise,” the older man said. The hesitation in his voice suggested Frances’ father was deciding whether or not to be concerned about Thomas’s visit.
That made Thomas doubly glad of the maid’s presence as he walked forward to shake the man’s hand.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Melbourne.”
“Father, I asked Mr. Sinclair to come by to discuss the charity ball.” Frances looked at Thomas, clearly undecided about what more to say.
Mr. Melbourne lifted a bushy brow at Thomas. “I didn’t realize you were assisting with it.”
“Not to the extent that your daughter is, of course. My attempts to help are insignificant compared to all she’s done.”
“She has been working diligently to raise money for the workhouse.” Mr. Melbourne smiled as he looked at Frances. “Her mother and I are very proud of her.”
“Understandably so, sir. She has a heart of gold and has gone to a great effort to make certain the ball is successful. I’m so impressed with all she’s accomplished.”
Frances blushed at his words and looked even more beautiful. A warm glow filled him as she held his gaze, a reminder of how much he adored her.
