Page 43 of Regency in Color

He gave her a surprised look. “Of course, I have. I told them I was courting you for marriage.”

“For marriage?” Mary’s eyebrows lifted as she held back a smile.

At his chagrined expression, she gave him a pointed look.

“I just told them the day before yesterday, when the three of us went to town,” he admitted.

“How did they take it?” Her voice shook just a bit at the realization that if his parents did not accept her, she would not marry Thomas. Her father’s parents had never accepted the fact he’d married a black woman. Holding firm until their death, her father had never seen them again. She’d witnessed first-hand his sadness at their continued refusals to visit and the returned correspondence.

Not meeting her grandparents, herself, was something she would not subject her own children to. Mary braced herself for his reply, her mind awhirl.

It was obvious Thomas cherished his parents and she did not wish him to lose that relationship.

“I’m sorry to have waited so long to speak to them and then not talking to you about it,” Thomas deflected. “I was hoping to get you alone for a few moments. But it’s been so busy...”

Her breath caught. “They are not happy about it then?”

Thomas let out a breath and seemed to steel himself for her reaction. “Mother thinks you are too elevated in status and used to much finer things that I could never provide. Both think very highly of you, but Mother says I am reaching above my social status with you.”

She almost laughed. Thomas’ parents considered that it was he who was not good enough for her. Laughter bubbled. “Oh dear, that is not what I was expecting.”

“What do you mean? Did you expect them to rebuff you because of the color of your skin?”

Mary nodded. “Yes, that is exactly what I expected, and feared actually.”

“My mother is correct,” Thomas said, his tone somber. “I cannot possibly provide you with the life you’ve become accustomed to. You should think about it. With me as your husband, you would give up many things.”

As much as she wanted to think it didn’t matter, Mary had to accept she’d not considered the vast changes to her life if she married Thomas. What if he decided they would leave and take her away from Vivian? Then she’d have to go with him, of course. “I hope that we would remain in the Yarnsby’s service. I do not wish to be away from Vivian.”

“I would not ever take you from here,” Thomas assured her.

Mary relaxed. “Then I see no reason for us to worry about lifestyle. My father provided a comfortable sum for my needs that I have yet to touch. He and mother have a very nice home in London. I confess to being spoiled a bit upon coming to live with the Humphries. However, I have always hoped to one day live in a small cottage that is all my own.”

“A cottage I can provide,” Thomas said with a grin. There was warmth in his expression as he looked at her. “I wish I could hug you right now.”

“Don’t you dare,” Mary said holding her hands out.

Lottie walked in. “What is he threatening to do?” She asked smiling.

“To come closer,” Mary said.

“I don’t blame you for telling him to stay away,” Lottie replied. “Moira is threatening to come after both of you. Her meat pies are cooling.”

Thomas closed the stall door and put the pitchfork against the wall. “I will be there promptly. I have to wash up.”

* * *

Mary and Lottiewalked back to the kitchen. Lottie weaved her arm through hers. “When are you two formally announcing your courtship?”

“You know?” Mary’s cheeks heated.

“Ha,” Lottie laughed. “We’ve all known for a long time. Harold saw you kissing when Thomas was injured.”

Her eyes rounded. “Oh dear. I’m not sure I can face him again.”

“Don’t be silly,” Lottie said. “That was almost two months ago, wasn’t it?”

“Oh dear,” Mary repeated and let out a long sigh. In the kitchen the table set for two along with two goblets and the meat pies.