Relief seeped through her to think she hadn’t imagined what was between them. “I see.”
He glanced around as if suddenly realizing how many were watching them. “Perhaps we should find a more private place to talk.”
“Hmm.” There wasn’t so much as a private corner to hide in. “The dance floor might be our best option.”
“Very well. May I have the honor of this dance?”
She had to smile at the formality of his request. “I’d be delighted.”
He led her to the dance floor, and her heart swelled with love to have him at her side at last. Love. That was the only explanation for how she felt.
Their timing couldn’t have been more perfect as a waltz began.
They moved as one. She didn’t have to think twice about her feet as they seemed to follow his without effort. They glided across the floor, the heat of his hand on her waist helping to guide her.
He held her gaze, seeming to enjoy the moment as much as she was. “Frances?”
“Yes?” The emotion in his eyes filled her heart with hope.
“I love you.” He whispered the words, but she heard them loud and clear. “I want to share a future with you. Your dowry is of no consequence. I will do everything in my power to make you happy.”
“Thomas, I—”
“A moment, if you please,” he requested with a squeeze of his hand on hers. “There’s more I want to say. Much more. You are the reason I left London to seek my fortune in America.” He paused as they turned yet again. “You are the reason I’m determined to be successful in the banking business. But I will find a way to do that in London, so I can be near you. While I can’t yet keep you in the style to which you are accustomed, I promise to continue working until I can.”
“Oh, Thomas.” Emotion welled up inside her, nearly overwhelming her with its intensity. “I love you as well. I don’t care about money. I only want to be with you.”
The music ended, but for a moment, they remained on the dance floor looking at one another. There was so much more she wanted to say. So much more she wanted to hear. But this wasn’t the place.
“We will talk more. Soon,” he whispered as he escorted her off the dance floor.
“Very soon,” she agreed, her gaze holding on him.
“Sinclair.”
Frances caught her breath at the sight of her father waiting at the edge of the dance floor, her mother a few steps behind him. Those nearby drew back as if to give them room. He studied Thomas’s disheveled appearance with a frown then glanced at Frances who shook her head. She would explain everything later.
“Sir.” Thomas nodded, his body tensing. “I would like to clarify our conversation the other day.”
“No need. It seems I misunderstood the situation.” He glanced at Frances who smiled at him with approval. “Your suit would be most welcome.”
The tension in Thomas’s arm eased beneath her hand. “Thank you.”
“And I would like to hear more about your plans for your career. I might have a banking contact or two who could be helpful here in London.”
“I’d be happy to discuss that with you.”
“Good. Good.” Her father nodded. “Perhaps tomorrow?”
“Yes. I look forward to it.”
“As do I.” Her father smiled, his expression tender as he looked at Frances before he turned to join her mother who beamed with delight.
Thomas blew out a breath. “That went better than I expected,” he whispered then looked at Frances. “I would guess that I have you to thank for that.”
She only smiled. “I wonder if you might need a breath of fresh air. It has become rather stuffy in here.”
His eyes darkened. “It has. I would like that very much.”
