Viscount Delbert had threatened Eliza a few months ago in an attempt to force his cousin, the duke, to pay his gaming debts. Trentworth and Delbert had managed to overcome many of their differences but still had a rather uneasy relationship.
“Delbert is trying to become a better man,” Eliza said. “I rather admire him for it, but his interest in Lady Jane is...concerning.”
“I would watch her like a hawk even if her sister, Lady Lucinda, will be attending the next league meeting,” Phoebe said. “I’m still not sure if I trust either one of them.”
“I intend to,” Eliza agreed then glanced around. “Where is Rebecca this evening?”
Frances gasped. She hadn’t noted her absence with everything that was going on.
“I don’t know. She said she’d be here.” Phoebe frowned. “I hope all is well.”
“She’s a private person who tends to avoid sharing details about her personal life,” Eliza murmured as she continued to watch the pair on the dance floor.
“I would hazard a guess that she’s been hurt more than once based on what little she has said.” Frances was certain of it.
“Then we shall take extra care to make certain she knows we support her,” Phoebe said.
Frances smiled as did Eliza. “I do like how you think, Phoebe.”
Eliza nodded in agreement. “Finding the league is one of the best things that has happened to me.”
“You mean other than becoming betrothed to a duke.” Phoebe nudged her, causing Eliza to laugh.
“Yes. Other than that.” She sighed, her gaze catching on someone across the room. “The fact that he is a duke has nothing to do with how I feel.”
Frances followed her gaze to see that it was Trentworth who held her attention. It came as no surprise that he stared at Eliza with the same expression. A pang of envy struck her at the obvious love the two shared.
“The wedding won’t be here soon enough, eh?” Phoebe suggested with a teasing note in her voice.
“No, it won’t.” Eliza cleared her throat. “If you two will excuse me, I do believe we are going to share another dance.”
Frances watched her go before her gaze shifted to the entrance once more. She didn’t know why she continued to watch for Thomas when it was nearly midnight.
Suddenly, the man who consumed her thoughts stood in the entrance, his attire dusty, one cheek smudged with dirt, and his cravat askew. He searched the ballroom until he found her. Then he grinned and strode forward.
Her heart somersaulted in her chest and then danced in delight. He might as well have shouted his intention to the entire crowd by the way he had eyes only for her.
“Well then,” Phoebe murmured. “I think we know how Mr. Sinclair feels about you.”
“Oh.” Frances had no words as a breathless feeling took hold. She felt Phoebe move away, leaving her standing alone as she watched Thomas approach.
The light of a chandelier shone on his face as he passed under it, and the beginning of a bruise was visible on his jaw.
“Thomas, what’s happened?” she asked when he drew near, trying to remember they were in a ballroom with far too many others watching them.
“We caught him,” Thomas declared his blue eyes shining. “The man responsible for shipping Peter to America, along with other children. The ones he intended to sell this evening have been safely returned to the workhouse.”
“That’s wonderful.” She was thrilled at the news, but even more thrilled by how pleased Thomas was about it. “Tell me everything.”
“I will.” His expression sobered. “But there’s something I want to say first.” He reached for her gloved hands, his gaze taking in her appearance. “Frances, you look so beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She stiffened, uncertain how to react to the sudden change in topic.
“I’m sorry I’m so late.”
“You had a far more important task than attending a ball. I’m just pleased you’re here now.”
“As am I. I want you to know that your dowry has nothing to do with how I feel about you. It doesn’t matter at all.” The sincerity in his tone and the intent look in his eyes eased the knot in her chest.
