Thomas released his grip and rolled to the side, panting. “Here.” He tested his jaw, which already hurt.
Shaw reached out a hand to help him up. “Are you injured?”
“A bruise or two. Nothing more.” Thomas glanced at Harris. “Well worth it to end the man’s scheme.”
“Most definitely. Garland has gone to find a constable. Ayers will take the children back to the workhouse after he speaks with the police.”
“Thank you.” Thomas reached to shake the man’s hand. “I would’ve failed if not for your help.”
Shaw’s grip was firm. “The pleasure is mine. Sometimes, it’s only a matter of asking. No one should have to forge their way through life’s challenges on their own.”
Thomas considered his words for a long moment, absorbing the truth of them. That was what he’d been trying to do. Make it on his own whenever possible.
Certainly, he’d taken the opportunity his uncle had offered. But he hadn’t asked him to help him find a position in London. Instead, he thought he needed to do it on his own once he had experience.
Perhaps if Thomas explained what he wanted to Uncle Arthur, he’d be willing to help Thomas return to London more quickly than he’d hoped.
Asking for assistance wasn’t a sign of weakness but a way to make the most of life. Especially since he wanted to offer help in return. To give and receive allowed for balance.
“Besides,” Shaw continued with a grin, “it’s not every day an author gets to play the role of hero rather than simply writing about it.”
Thomas chuckled and clapped his shoulder. “I look forward to reading this scene in one of your future stories.”
“I’m holding you to it. I need all the help I can get selling books.”
Thomas glanced at Harris who stirred on the ground. “We might need to find something with which to tie this one up.”
“Perhaps not.” Shaw gestured toward the street. “It looks as if Garland has already found a constable.”
“Good,” Thomas said with relief. “The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can return to the ball.” He couldn’t wait to ask Frances to dance, assuming they made it back before the ball ended. “Over here,” he called out, more than ready to take the next step toward his future.
Frances’ spirits dimmed and her worry increased as the clock continued to tick and still there was no sign of Thomas. Tibby had told her that he’d arrived but had been called away, taking both Captain Shaw and Viscount Garland with him.
She couldn’t imagine what had happened that required all three of them, but it concerned her.
Luckily, she’d been so busy dancing, as well as explaining the charity and the training to numerous people, that time had flown by.
“You’re the belle of the ball,” Harriet said as she joined her with a smile.
Frances scoffed. “You mean my dowry is.”
Her friend’s sympathetic look suggested she understood Frances’ upset. “On the bright side, you now have numerous choices among potential suitors.”
Before Frances could say that she’d already made her choice, another gentleman asked her to dance. But even as they circled the dance floor, she watched the entrance at every opportunity. She knew her friends were worried as well. That didn’t make waiting any easier.
She was between dances when Phoebe joined her again.
“What an interesting evening,” she said with amusement coloring her tone.
“Why do you say that?”
Phoebe tipped her head to the dance floor where Lady Jane Ferrington danced with Viscount Markus Delbert, who was cousin to Eliza’s fiancé, the Duke of Trentworth.
“Oh, my.” Frances watched the lady who’d been a thorn in the side of several of the league members since Phoebe had first suggested the For Better or Worse agenda last spring.
“He’s asked her to dance twice,” Eliza complained as she joined them. “I’m not certain what to make of it.”
“Twice?” Phoebe’s eyes widened. “Forgive me, but I rather think they deserve one another.”
