“Thank you.”
The groom departed, and Thomas opened it as Captain Michael Shaw walked toward him. “Trying to be fashionably late?” he asked.
Thomas released a frustrated breath, torn between the beckoning entrance of The Pavilion where Frances would be and the message. In truth, there was no choice. “It doesn’t appear that I’ll be going. What brings you outside?”
“I needed a breath of fresh air. It’s quite the crush inside, which I’m sure is a good thing.”
Thomas was thrilled to hear the ball was a success. But seeing it for himself would have to wait. He skimmed Dilby’s message which stated the plan had changed yet again. Ayers, who was supposedly in charge of the program, would be accompanying Harris as well, and they were moving the children soon.
Thomas scowled. Confronting Harris on his own would’ve been easy enough. But adding another man to the picture complicated the situation. For all he knew, Ayers could be in on the scheme. He preferred to keep the odds in his favor.
He looked at Shaw, who he knew was an experienced military man. “I don’t suppose you’re willing to aid me on a mission.”
The man’s eyes widened with interest. “Always willing to lend a hand to a friend and fellow former officer.”
“It might prove dangerous,” Thomas warned.
“Any worthy mission is.” Shaw glanced back at the entrance. “Shall I ask Garland to join us?”
“Good idea. If you see Miss Melbourne, will you please tell her that I’ve been unexpectedly delayed?”
“Of course.” Shaw strode inside while Thomas approached his driver to advise him that they needed to return to the dock.
In short order, Garland, Shaw, and Thomas were driving toward their destination while Thomas explained the circumstances.
“Selling children?” Garland shook his head. “One hears of these things, but to know of it firsthand is unbelievable.”
“Some of the children may have been given up by their parents,” Thomas said. “There’s a chance that’s true for all of them.”
“But unlikely, based on what the porter has told you,” Shaw suggested.
“Correct.” Thomas thought over the limited options. “We need to keep them from boarding the children onto a ship.”
“Assuming we arrive ahead of them, that should be simple enough,” Shaw said.
Garland looked between them. “You do realize we are all wearing evening attire and are unarmed. How do you propose we stop them?”
“You’d be surprised what a firmly given order will do.” Shaw smiled and nodded at Thomas. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Hopefully, that will be enough.” Thomas nearly smiled at the disbelief on Garland’s face. “If not, the threat of the police should help.”
“Very reassuring.” Sarcasm colored Garland’s tone. He brushed the lapel of his suit coat. “Let us try to avoid ruining our clothes. The ladies won’t like it if we return to the ball in less than fine form.”
“Good point.” Shaw nodded as he glanced at Thomas. “Miss Melbourne has been closely watching the door. I assume in anticipation of your arrival.”
Thomas stilled, absurdly pleased by the news. “Perhaps there’s a chance she is still speaking to me after all.” Too late did he realize he spoke the thought out loud.
“Oh-ho,” Garland chortled. “Trouble with your lady?”
Thomas looked out the carriage window, wishing they’d already arrived at the dock so he could avoid the conversation. “I fear she’s under the mistaken impression that I am only interested in her dowry.”
“That should be easy enough to correct,” Garland said with a smile.
“How?” Thomas would take any advice he could get.
“Show her.” Shaw spoke with confidence. At Thomas’s blank look, he added, “A heated kiss under the mistletoe should help make it clear that she holds your affection, not her father’s money.”
“Exactly,” Garland agreed. “A little passion will get you far.”
