“O-oh?” Still, Miss Melbourne’s gaze held on the floor.
He dearly wanted to place a finger beneath her chin so he could look into those brown eyes, so like the color of melted chocolate. But the familiarity they’d shared during the house party at her family home a few months ago was gone, swept away by time much like coal dust on the hearth.
They’d been on first name terms then and had exchanged more smiles than he could count. Did she remember any of that? If so, did she think about him half as often as he thought of her?
A deeper blush rose in her cheeks, a reminder that he was staring without speaking. She must think him terribly rude.
“I have come home for the holidays.” Did she even know he’d left England? “I’ve been in America, you see.”
Those dark eyes shifted to hold on him briefly before returning to the floor, the movement too quick for him to read anything in her expression.
“O-oh?”
He smiled, his heart warming at her shyness. That had been one of the reasons she’d caught his notice at the house party. Coaxing a few words from her, including a smile, had become the highlight of his day. He liked to think she had appreciated his efforts since by the end of the party, she spoke to him several times without apparent distress.
As a second son, he had often been overlooked, which resulted in being timid in his youth. He’d conquered his own shyness, especially after being in the military.
What had caused her reserve? She had spoken easily with her friend, Lady Harriet Persimmons, which made Thomas think her wariness applied to strangers or perhaps just men. Whatever caused it, he hoped he had the chance to discover the reason and help her overcome it.
Though they’d only been acquaintances before the house party, his regard for her had grown during the week of games, dinners, and other activities at her family’s estate. She was kind, intelligent, and filled with good humor. Her family’s wealth hadn’t turned her into a snooty lady like it did for some young ladies he’d met.
“I’m working with my uncle in New York City,” he continued, trying to sound enthusiastic about it. He mostly was. If only his job wasn’t so far from home and Miss Melbourne. The work itself was fine and certainly a challenge.
Although a good share of his time was spent making the wealthy even wealthier. For what purpose? That made it more difficult to ignore the unfortunate people who lived on the street. Was it any wonder he’d wanted to help Peter?
“H-how nice.” She glanced at him again, this time for a longer moment. “How do you find it?”
Lonely. Unfamiliar. Frustrating.
He told himself that if he made his own fortune, he could use as much of it as he wanted for good, but it still felt selfish. Yet if he wanted to win Miss Melbourne’s hand, he needed wealth and the ability to prove he could make more.
“New York is a bustling place,” he began. “People hurrying everywhere. And not a familiar face to be seen.”
He’d made a rash decision when he moved to America, something he rarely did. He had told himself it was ridiculous to move to another continent to be able to court her when he wasn’t certain she cared for him the same way he did for her. Her shyness made it difficult to know.
He hesitated, not wanting to sound negative. “There’s much to see, of course, since it’s new to me.”
“I’m sure.” She met his gaze again, longer still. Something in the depth of her eyes caused his heart to race. Did he dare hope she’d missed him? “And your work there? Is it satisfactory?”
“Quite.” The lie left a bad taste in his mouth. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting J.P. Morgan.” He hoped she was familiar with the American who dominated corporate finance. Sharing that would help to make it clear he was doing all he could to take every opportunity presented to him. His uncle was well-connected and had already provided numerous introductions that would help to pave his way.
“Oh my. That must’ve been exciting.”
Not especially. He was a rather gruff man who acted as if he had more important things to do than speak with employees. Thomas was pleased Mr. Melbourne didn’t act that way.
“What of you?” he asked, ready to change the subject. “What has happened in London of late?”
Miss Melbourne opened those lovely lips with a hint of a bow in the upper one only to pause. Her eyes went wide as if she were caught off guard by his question. Panic glittered in her eyes, reminding him of a deer caught unaware in the woods.
He hadn’t meant to ask a difficult question. He should’ve eased into a change in topic rather than do it so abruptly. “I’m certain you’ve been preparing for the holiday,” he suggested, hoping that would aid her.
“Y-yes.” She nodded so enthusiastically that her hat bobbed, threatening to come loose from its pins.
Thomas waited, hoping she’d say more because he truly did want to know what and how she’d been doing.
“There’s a ball.” The words came out in a rush.
His mind turned over the possible meaning of her response, trying to make sense of it.
