Page 47 of Regency in Color

When Thomas looked to her, he must have read something in her expression, because he hurried to her. “Is something wrong?”

She led him away from the front of the house. “My mother is not well. She fell. I must go to London immediately.”

“I can take you,” he said taking her hands. “Don’t worry. I will speak to Mr. Yarnsby and I am sure he will agree to it.”

“You drove us here. I fear you are too exhausted to make the long ride to London.”

He took her face in both hands and kissed her lips. “I’ll be fine.”

“I will speak to Miss Vivian.” She let out a long sigh. “I would prefer to leave within a couple of hours so we can arrive in London before dark.”

“I will alert Mr. Yarnsby.”

They went inside, Thomas to find Mr. Yarnsby and she to find Vivian.

Upon entering the parlor, it was obvious Molly had already told the others what occurred because Vivian came to her. “You must go immediately.”

Clara came up beside her sister. “If Thomas is too tired to take you, our driver can take you.”

“He wishes to take me,” Mary replied, not sure why, but began to cry. “She is not so ill that I have to worry. However, father wishes for me to come for her birthday.”

Vivian hugged her. “I think it is a marvelous idea.”

“Are you sure it’s prudent for you to travel alone with Thomas?” Clara asked with a gleam in her eye. “That is a long time to be unchaperoned.”

Mary couldn’t help but allow the moment of levity to entice a smile. “I will be the picture of utter decorum.”

“I wouldn’t be,” Clara admitted. “I bet Vivian would.”

Vivian laughed. “Don’t be so sure, sister.”

She was grateful for the banter as it gave her an opportunity to gather her wits. “Thankfully I am already packed. Which carriage can we take?”

“Ours,” Vivian said. “I can return to Woodhall with Alexander in one of the Torrington carriages.”

“Thank you,” Mary hugged Vivian and then accepted hugs from Clara and Molly. “I plan to remain just a few days.”

Vivian hugged her. “You can return with Penelope. She plans to come for the gathering in a couple weeks.”

Together they went to find the men and shortly thereafter, Mary found herself on the road again, this time alone.

* * *

It wasthe first time she’d traveled so far alone. Although Thomas was with her, he drove the closed carriage, so it was impossible to hold a conversation with him. If she knocked on the side of it, for him to stop, it would only be for a good reason.

Her mind kept going to her mother. It wasn't like the forever cheery woman to be forlorn for any reason. Always, keeping busy, visiting people and attending to the needs of the elderly in her neighborhood her mother was quite active. It was probably having to remain in bed for an extended time that brought her to be sad.

The letter had been written a week earlier. Hopefully by the time she arrived, her mother would be in better spirits and it would be a wonderful visit.

Mary peered out the window at the passing landscape. They were about halfway to London, soon the outskirts of the huge city would come into view.

They came to a stop and she was glad for it. No doubt Thomas had to relieve himself. Her lips curved as an idea came to mind. This would be a perfect time for privacy and time together. As much as she’d grown to enjoy their little escapades for a kiss here and there, the prospect of not having to worry about someone happening upon them, was enticing.

“Would you like to come out and stretch your legs,” Thomas asked when he opened the door.

“Yes, go see about your needs,” Mary replied. “Perhaps we can chat when you return.”

He hurried to a cusp of trees and Mary sprang into action, grabbing the thick blankets she’d brought to keep warm on the trip. She went just short distance from where the carriage was and spread the blankets, then hurried back for the pillows.