Page 58 of Regency in Color

“Yes, of course. Also asked for a basket of food to be prepared.”

Within minutes, they hurried out to the top of the stairs, where they stopped and listened. Below, Mr. Yarnsby guided his mother to the small sitting room to give them an opportunity to make it to the kitchen without being seen.

They hurried past the doorway and into the kitchen, where the cook gave them a questioning look.

“There’s ham, bread and...”

“Thank you so much, Mrs. Smith,” Mary interrupted, grabbing the basket. Together she and Vivian went out to find a carriage ready for them. Thomas stood by the door, holding it open with a resigned look.

“Don’t look at us like that,” Vivian said. “Alexander’s mother would have insisted on coming to the estate, which would be disastrous.”

It was obvious he tried to keep from chuckling. “Understood, Ma’am,” he said with a stern expression.

“Are you taking us?” Mary asked. “I didn’t expect you to.”

“No one else is awake,” he answered and took the basket of food. “In you go.”

As the carriage jolted forward and they were on their way, Vivian elbowed Mary. “Where is our breakfast?”

“Thomas took it.”

“I suppose we didn’t give him an opportunity to eat,” Vivian said.

“That does not excuse him taking our food,” Mary complained. “I’m hungry.” She knocked on the roof and stuck her head out the window. “You forgot to give us our basket.”

“I will give it back to you when we stop to rest.”

Mary sat back down. “I think we will have to wait until getting there to eat.”

“No matter,” Vivian answered. “I’d much rather starve, than spend the day keeping my mother-in-law from bragging to the guests, about a son she didn’t have a hand in raising. She’ll also insist on being the center of attention.”

Once again Mary stuck her head out the window. “Mrs. Yarnsby insists you return the basket.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Thomas replied.

Vivian giggled.

“He is being insubordinate. I am so very embarrassed. Please do not fire him.” Mary snapped.

Vivian pulled out a bundle and opened it. In it were ham and bread. “Mrs. Smith gave me this for Thomas. I suppose we will have to share it.”

Mary stuck her head out of the window again. “We are going to eat your breakfast.”

“I am eating yours, which I’m sure is much better,” he called back.

“The nerve of him,” Mary said with a huff.

“He’s the perfect match for you,” Vivian replied. “I like him very much.”

* * *

That night Maryjoined the staff for dinner since the Yarnsby’s had gone to the Torrington’s for a family meal. Mary was glad for the reprieve, but she felt sorry for Vivian, who had to spend the evening and next day with Lady Yarnsby.

“I’m glad to see you enjoyed my stew,” Mrs. Smith said with a bright smile. “Help yourself to a third helping. A woman in your condition should eat well.”

Mary laughed. “Do you mean tired and hungry all day, because her husband ate her breakfast?”

Mrs. Smith gave Thomas a pointed look. “You should ensure Mary eats regularly. You don’t want the child to be compromised in any way.”

“What child?” both Mary and Thomas asked.

“How can you not know?” Mrs. Smith gave Mary an incredulous look. “You are with child. The last weeks, you’ve barely eaten, had an upset stomach all the time, and now you are eating as if famished.”

Mary blinked and looked at Thomas, whose eyes were wide like saucers.

“I have felt rather oddly,” she finally admitted mentally calculating the last time she’d run her courses. “It’s been a long time since...” she left the words hanging, her mouth falling open.

“Oh, my goodness,” Mrs. Smith said with a smile. “You certainly are with child.”

A huge grin split Thomas’ face and he lifted her hand to his lips. “I can’t believe it.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand while Mary was torn between wanting to cry or laugh.

So then, she did both.