Given the way she had stared at the floor, avoiding his gaze, what else could he think? Perhaps he should avoid her before his return to America to give her time and distance to decide what she truly wanted.
He stared at the ticket, realizing he didn’t care for that idea at all. It didn’t feel right. Not when he thought of how she’d responded to him since his return. Or the way she’d felt in his arms. He’d been certain she cared for him even if he knew she could make a better match with someone else.
With a sigh, he reminded himself that he had time to decide as the ball was hours away. He was also waiting to hear from Dilby, the porter, who was to send a message when the children were taken to the docks, which could be delayed due to the weather. Thomas was prepared to confront Harris as soon as the opportunity arose. To catch him with the children would be all the evidence he needed to end whatever scheme the man had created.
For now, Thomas intended to spend an hour or two with his parents. He was well aware of the passing of each day, which brought him closer to departure.
A glance in the drawing room showed it empty, so he continued to his father’s study, pleased to find him sitting in one of the red leather wingback chairs before the fire, reading a book.
He paused to survey the scene and commit it to memory for the lonely months ahead. The masculine room with its shelves of books, warm tones, and a globe that invited exploration, was one of Thomas’s favorites. He’d spent many enjoyable hours with his father in the cozy space over the years.
It was easier to ignore the changes in loved ones when you saw them daily. But in the few months he’d been gone, his father had more grey hair at his temples, and the lines bracketing his eyes and mouth were more pronounced. He hated that he’d noticed as it only increased his reluctance to leave again.
“Good afternoon, Father,” Thomas said as he drew near. “Am I interrupting?”
“Not at all.” He marked his page and closed the book, gesturing toward the other chair, his expression welcoming. “Join me. You must be relieved to have found the boy’s parents. You’ll be better able to enjoy the holiday now.”
“True.” Thomas sank into the chair, enjoying the cheery fire. “I must confess that I rather miss the lad.”
“Did you discover how he came to be in America?”
“In part, though concerning questions remain.” He frowned at the thought of the confrontation ahead, anxious to have the scheme ended. But he wasn’t about to share his plan with his father who would disapprove of his involvement.
“It is concerning to think a child might be taken without his or her parents’ permission.”
“Indeed. Worse still for the child to be abandoned in a foreign place if whoever was supposed to take him changed their mind.” Anger filled him at the thought, but he did his best to set it aside.
“What do you intend to do about it?”
“Make a few more inquiries.” That much was true—he would ask Harris how he could sell children and still look at himself in the mirror each morning. Then he’d punch him so hard that he’d question his choices for the days to come. “Miss Melbourne discovered the name of the person in charge of the program, which could prove helpful.” It didn’t sound as if Mrs. Conrad was involved, but he’d find out. For now, Harris was his target since there was no doubt that he was embroiled in the unsavory business.
“Speaking of Miss Melbourne, your mother seems to think there might be something between you.” His father smiled, his brown eyes warm with interest.
“Oh?” Thomas resisted the urge to shift in his chair.
“You made us proud when you joined the military, but your mother and I were pleased when you came home and will be even happier when you do so again. It’s about time for you to take a wife. Miss Melbourne seems like a fine choice, don’t you think?”
In every possible way. But instead of agreeing, Thomas cleared his suddenly dry throat. “Not when I’m in New York City and she’s here.”
“You don’t intend to remain there forever, do you?”
“No, but it will be some time before I can return.”
“According to a letter I received from Arthur, you’re learning quickly.”
Thomas was pleased his uncle thought so, but he still needed to gain more experience if he wanted to seek a lucrative position in London. “I’m determined to do my best.” The harder he worked, the sooner he could return to London.
“Surely, Miss Melbourne is pleased with the future you have planned.”
He couldn’t say since he hadn’t told her about it. Nor did he have an actual plan other than coming home as quickly as possible.
“Her father should be impressed with your endeavors as well.” His father lifted a brow, suddenly looking every inch an earl. “If not, perhaps I should have a word with him.”
“Thank you, but there’s no need for that.” He was a man full grown, capable of speaking for himself. Either he could stand on his own or he wouldn’t stand at all. However his misstep with Frances and her father made him wonder if he should reconsider.
“If you prefer, though I don’t understand why you’re dragging your feet. The lady would be lucky to have you.”
Thomas smiled. “I appreciate your belief in me.” He hesitated to say more, doubting whether his father, who’d always been so confident and sure, would understand. “As you know, Melbourne has a considerable fortune. I have to think he would prefer someone with a title and wealth for his only daughter.”
