Page 51 of Regency in Color

Chapter Six

Thomas trudged to the kitchen, only to be sent to sit in the adjoining dining room, to await his meal. The preparations for an upcoming family celebration had everyone in the kitchen in a tizzy. Moira, and her new staff of two, hurried to and fro, stirring, chopping and whipping food and themselves into a frenzy.

“Here you go,” Lottie said plopping a plate in front of him. She lowered to a chair and let out a breath. “The new chamber maid won’t last long. The girl is daft and slow.” Lottie met his gaze. “Still looking glum, I see.”

“I am not glum. Just tired.”

Lottie huffed. “You miss Mary. We all do. I keep expecting her to walk in the door at any moment.”

He did as well. However, in her last letter, Mary had informed him that her mother continued in a bad frame of mind. Because of it, Mary extended her stay. She’d not given him a specific time frame and he could not demand it. It was her mother, after-all.

“Good morning.” Mrs. Yarnsby waltzed into the room, a soft smile on her face. “Thomas, I was looking for you. Go to the seamstress at the village and purchase at least two suits on our account. She has some readymade, just ensure they are tailored for you. With your new responsibilities as steward, you must dress the part.”

“Of course, Ma’am.” Thomas wanted to ask if she’d heard from Mary, but felt it was not his place to inquire into his employer’s correspondence.

“I am hopeful Mary will return in time for the festivities. She’s always enjoyed them tremendously.” She waved her hand in the air as if not worried. “My parents and sister will be coming, so I am sure she will return with them.”

He wanted to grin but managed to keep a straight face. “I hope so as well, Ma’am.”

After a soft smile, the woman walked out, seeming to be considering something he was not privy to.

When he took his empty dishes into the kitchen, Moira turned to him and shook her head. “They were supposed to get the dishes,” she gave the new kitchen maids a stern look, which they seemed to not notice.

Moira sighed. “The household is growing, and I am not sure to be prepared for it.” She motioned with her head to two women and shook her head. “Here is the list of things to retrieve from the market, Thomas,” she added, handing him a piece of brown paper.

* * *

It waslate in the day by the time he’d returned to the estate from the village. Thankfully, the seamstress had a suit that fit almost perfectly, the other two had to be adjusted. He hung the suit in his room and then went to the kitchen.

His heart leapt at seeing Mary sitting at the table speaking with Moira. Her cheeks colored upon seeing him, and he had to keep from rushing to her.

“When did you arrive?” He asked.

“Just a few moments ago. I was famished, so I hurried in here,” Mary said giving him a warm smile.

Moira and Lottie pretended to be busy by the stove as he neared and placed a soft kiss to her lips. “I missed you,” he whispered into her ear.

“And I you,” Mary replied her gaze meeting his and lowering to his lips.

Thomas had to swallow to keep from touching her. “How is your mother?”

“She and father are here, they returned to Berkhamsted with me,” Mary informed. “Both are resting now, upstairs.”

“The house is going to be full, tomorrow,” Moira exclaimed.

“Who else is here?” Thomas asked.

“The Humphries, Mr. and Mrs. Humphries and Miss Penelope, as well as her cousin Miss Edna,” Mary informed him.

Then she smiled broadly. “I am so very happy to be back with you,” she met his gaze and then looked to Moira, “You and Lottie as well.”

“Don’t forget Harold,” Moira added, with a chuckle.

“Of course.”

A thought crossed Thomas’ mind. “Mary?”

She turned to him and he lost his ability to think straight. She was so utterly beautiful. How was it possible for her to accept him as husband? “We could get married while everyone is here.”