Page 49 of Regency in Color

Mary’s entire being seemed to explode, while Thomas continued driving in and out of her, his movements becoming more and more frantic. She’d given up on keeping her gaze on him, losing all focus as she floated into the air.

“Mary,” Thomas called out, his body shaking with his release just as he suddenly pulled out of her and spilled onto the blanket. “I love you,” he managed to say before collapsing over her.

It was a while before Thomas walked her back to the carriage. He kissed her soundly on the lips. “I will remain at the Humphries estate until I hear from you. Then I must come and speak to your father. We must marry soon.”

Mary blushed. “Have I been to brazen?”

To her delight, Thomas smiled brightly. “I would have it no other way. I wish you to be brazen, carefree and explore love in every single way with me.”

* * *

“Honestly darling,there was no need for your father to insist that you come see about me,” her mother insisted. “I am much better now.”

Mary gave her an indulgent look. “Can I then presume you are not happy to see my mother?”

Having to use a cane for balance, her mother hobbled to a chair in the parlor. “On the contrary, I am beyond delighted. Now that you’ve moved outside of London, I will treasure your visits.”

After being there a week, her mother left the bed and was now planning to entertain. She’d invited several ladies over for tea. “You are to be my surprise guest today. The ladies will be delighted.”

“And I to see them and answer all their questions about the Humphries sisters.”

The real reason for teas was to exchange news and to Mary it was always interesting to hear what happened in other households. Despite it being perhaps wicked of her, she did enjoy a bit of gossip.

Her father entered the parlor and immediately his face lit up at seeing her mother. There’s was a love match and a somewhat perplexing one. The austere Frederick Asher, an archeologist who visited Jamaica as part of an expedition falling for Amancia Brown, a young outgoing Jamaican woman.

Now with silver-streaked sideburns, dressed head to toe in dark colors, her father continued to be the picture of austerity. “My two beautiful women. It does my heart and soul good to see you.” He walked to them and placed a kiss first on his wife’s lips and then on Mary’s brow.

“I see there’s activity. Am I to presume there will be visitors?”

Her mother chuckled. “Yes, so go ahead and plan your hiding strategy dear.”

When her father walked away, probably to the kitchen to secure food and a beverage to assist in his seclusion in the study, her mother gave Mary a pointed look. “Who is the young man who has you blushing constantly?”

“I am not blushing mother,” Mary said but her face burned, so she knew it turned red.

Her mother lifted a brow. “You have never lied to me, do not start now.”

“I had planned to tell you about him. His name is Thomas, he is a coachman.” Mary braced for what was sure to be a negative reaction. Her mother, however, waited for her to continue with an unreadable expression.

“He is a good man, a hardworking man. Mr. Yarnsby and Vivian consider him of good character. I know he is but a coachman, but...” She blew out a breath. “Mother say something.”

Finally, her mother’s lips curved. “How does he treat you?”

Thoughts of what had occurred on the roadside made Mary sigh, but she could never tell her mother about it. “He is kind, respectful.”

“Has the young man declared his intentions?”

“He has asked to me to marry him” Mary met her mother’s eyes to see tears brimming. Her own stung with unshed tears. “I love him so mother.”

“Why did he not come here to speak to your father?”

Mary cleared her throat. “I told him to wait. He is at the Humphries home. Will come when I send word. Of course.”

“Then send word, make haste, we must meet him immediately.”

Her mother opened her arms and Mary fell against the warm familiar embrace. “I am so happy for you darling girl.”

“I am as well,” Mary replied with a sniff.