Page 46 of Regency in Color

“We have raised our son to be a good man, I have no doubt he will make you a good husband, young lady,” Mr. Sullivan added, his eyes shiny with emotion.

Mary’s heart leaped with joy and she let out a long breath. “I love him very much. I am very fortunate to have met your son.”

* * *

A couple days later,as she walked through the house, Mary mentally inventoried chores that had to be completed upon her return from Lark’s Song. With only the Yarnsby’s in residence now, the house seemed very empty. Thomas’ parents had left the day before with promises to return for their wedding.

“Miss Vivian and I are going to Lark’s Song and join Mr. Yarnsby. We are to stay for a few days,” Mary announced entering the kitchen. “You will have time to rest, Moira.”

“Nonsense,” Moira replied. “I plan to scrub the entire kitchen and Lottie will take advantage and clean the sitting area.”

Mary laughed. “I hope you will take some time. You deserve it.”

I have been to Lark’s Song, it is quite a beautiful estate,” Moira said ignoring her comment. “Unlike this house, it’s a perfect size.”

“True,” Mary replied. “This house is much too large. Even with a big family and staff, I cannot imagine it ever being filled.”

Alexander Yarnsby was already at Lark’s Song since he worked with William Torrington. Together the men managed their holdings and investments and were rarely apart for more than a couple days.

Thomas drove them to the Torrington estate and was to remain there, so he could drive them back.

When she and Vivian exited from the coach, Clara Torrington and her companion, Molly, rushed to greet them. After living together since very young, it was an adjustment for all of them not to see each other daily.

“I am so happy you will be staying for a few days,” Clara exclaimed, hugging her sister. She then came to Mary and hugged her tightly. “I miss you both and Penelope so much,” she said referring to the third and youngest sister, who remained in London.

As they made their way to the front door, Mary looked over her shoulder to see that Thomas spoke with Mr. Yarnsby. She tried to catch his eye, but she was pulled into the house by Molly.

“A letter came for you yesterday,” Molly said. “I know you’d want to know right away. It’s from your father.”

“Oh?” Mary was confused. “Most of her correspondence was always with her mother. “That’s odd. Can I see it?”

She hurried with Molly to a small sitting room just outside the kitchen. It was where the staff spent their evenings before retiring for the night. Molly went to a drawer and pulled the letter out. “Here you go. I’ll leave you to read.”

At her father’s perfect penmanship her lips curved. She’d always aspired to write like him and had spent hours practicing. Although her handwriting was nice, it was not as beautiful as his.

She opened the letter and lowered to a chair.

Dearest Mary Elisabeth,

I pray this letter finds you in good health and happy. Your mother and I miss you terribly.

I do not wish to worry you but am hopeful that you can travel to London soon. Your mother has taken a fall and is abed. She’s become melancholy since she’s unable to go anywhere at the moment. She would be so delighted to see you.

Her birthday is soon, I ask that you consider gifting her with your presence.

Warmest regards, your loving father.

Her heart sank. She’d hoped to spend her time at Lark’s Song discussing her upcoming wedding as neither she or Thomas wished to wait long.

Now she had to leave immediately so that she’d arrive in time for her mother’s birthday the following day. She leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment before racing from the room and out in hopes of finding Thomas.

“Whatever is the matter?” Molly asked. “Is its bad news?”

Mary stepped outside the front door and looked around, thankfully the carriage remained hitched.

“Somewhat. I must go to London. My mother has taken a fall...” Just then Thomas appeared from the opposite side of the carriage. “Will you excuse me Molly. I must speak to Thomas.”

“Yes of course.”