Page 41 of Regency in Color

“Please come in and get out of the cold,” Mrs. Yarnsby waved for them to enter. Once in the house, they went to the parlor, where his parents were shocked at being asked to sit and rest. His mother gave him a quizzical look but after a few moments began to tell the others about their travel and to his horror began sharing stories of his childhood.

It was obvious by the way Mary pressed her lips together, that she did so to keep from smiling, her gaze moving from his mother to him.

Thankfully, when his father’s head bobbed, he and Thomas’ mother were ushered into the kitchen for a quick meal before heading to bed to rest.

“Has Mr. Yarnsby always been so kind to his staff?” Thomas asked Moira when he caught her alone in the kitchen. “I cannot believe my parents are here.”

Moira nodded. “Yes, he has always ensured to take care of us. Mr. Yarnsby didn’t have a close-knit family. It’s evident he treasures families. I can’t wait for them to have their own children. This will be a house filled with love.”

Before going to his bedroom, Thomas stopped at the door where his parents were invited to stay. It was a guest room, not as grand as the ones on the second floor, but much nicer than staff was used to. Even the rooms where he, Moira, Lottie and Harold slept in were well appointed with quality furniture.

“I am so happy to be here,” his mother said hurrying to him and tugging him into the room. “Please sit with me for a moment. Your father is already half asleep,” she said motioning to the bed.

When Thomas sat, his mother met his gaze squarely. “Thomas, there is something you must know. It is about the girl, Catherine, who drowned.”

His stomach sank at hearing the words. “What is it?”

“Bernard Anderson killed her.”

“What?”

“It so happens that some boys were at the river fishing. When Bernard and Catherine came to view. The boys hid, thinking to spy on lovers. The couple argued upon her telling him she was with child. He threw her to the ground and held her head under water until she died.”

“Why did they not say anything right away?”

“I was told one of the boys did, but because Bernard is a good friend of the Constable, his parents told him to stay quiet.”

Thomas sat back exhaling. “How did it all come to light?”

“The boys finally spoke out, together. At hearing about it, Bernard’s wife admitted to knowing about Catherine and him. Before anyone could approach Bernard, he hung himself in the barn.”

“I suppose her brothers were never told?”

“They must have known, because they burned down the Anderson’s house and barn. Poor Mrs. Anderson moved away to live with her parents. I believe her brothers wanted to take their ire out on you as well. And now they will hang for it.”

“They won’t hang. I asked for clemency. They will be jailed for years, but won’t die by my hand,” Thomas informed her. “It is time the healing begin.”

His mother looked to her husband. “We are so very proud of you Thomas.”