Page 50 of Regency in Color

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“Whatever is taking so long?”Mary asked as she paced the parlor and once again looked to the doorway. “Father and Thomas have been in his study for almost an hour.”

Her mother didn’t seem as fazed. As a matter of fact, she was much more interested in the tray of sweets, the maid had just placed on a small table in front of her. “They are probably talking of your father’s latest project. You know how he can go on.”

“They are away we are waiting.”

“Come sit,” her mother patted the seat next to her. “Let us discuss your wedding.”

Mary looked to the closed study door once again and crossed the room to where her mother sat. “I would like it to be at the Yarnsby’s estate.”

“What of your dress? Have you any particular styles in mind?”

Just then her father and Thomas, who looked a bit unsteady entered the room.

“Your father and I tasted his brandy collection,” Thomas explained, his face a bit flushed. “It is rather large.”

Her father chuckled. “An Irishman’s constitution may be more amenable to whisky, but you must admit, brandy has its merits.” Frederick Asher hesitated at seeing both Mary and his wife staring at him waiting for what he was to announce.

“Oh, yes well. Mary, I will allow the marriage between you and Mr. Sullivan.”

“Thank you father,” Mary jumped to her feet and rushed to her father. He accepted her hug and kissed her indulgently on the brow. “Now, now go on and visit. I must see about something.” She caught a shiny glance before he turned away.

“I will go with you dear,” her mother said accepting Thomas’ help to stand.

Once alone, Thomas pulled Mary against him. The steady beat of his heart against her ear was reassuring and she wished more than anything time would fly so that she could listen to it every single night.

“I love you,” he murmured.