Rescuing the Heiress

“Yes, thank you. And in case you were wondering, Michael did a fine job as our chaperone.”

“I didn’t want to ask.”

Tess chuckled. “I could tell. Actually, he ended up scolding me worse than Papa did when I got home.”

“Oh, dear.”

The cook’s concern made Tess laugh more. “Don’t worry. I didn’t take offense.” And he also caught me when I almost fell. It was wonderful, Tess added to herself, lowering her lashes to stare into her coffee cup rather than let her gaze meet Mary’s and perhaps reveal too much.

“Good. I’m sure my son was only thinking of what was best for you.”

“So he said.” Tess felt her cheeks warming so much that she was certain it showed.

“Are you going back again tonight?” Mary asked.

That notion had already occurred to Tess. Her problem was not being able to count on Annie as a companion and proper chaperone. “I don’t think so.”

“’Tis a pity.”

“Why?” Surely, Michael had not expressed any desire to repeat the previous evening, so Tess was at a loss to understand the underlying reason for Mary’s question.

“Because I’d like to see what all the fuss is about,” the cook said with a slight smile. “I wouldn’t want to go alone, of course, but I thought…”

“I’d love to go with you,” Tess said, beaming. “What a wonderful idea.”

“Mister Gerald wouldn’t mind?”

“I’ve already warned him that I might attend again. I know he’ll approve of my choosing a sensible, mature woman like you for a companion.”

“Then it’s settled.” The cook slid Tess’s eggs onto a plate, added a warm biscuit and delivered the meal to the table.

When she paused there, Tess looked up at her with a smile. “Is there a problem?”

“Only with me old coat and hat,” Mary said. “’Tis good enough for church but I don’t want to embarrass you.”

“Anything that’s good enough for the Lord is certainly good enough for me,” Tess said. “If it really bothers you, though, I do have another coat and hat you may wear and then keep, if you like. They belonged to my mother.”

“Oh, I couldn’t.”

“Nonsense. Annie wore them last night and they were too big for her so they should fit you perfectly. They’re still up in my room. I know Mother would want you to have them in any case.”

“It’s a darlin’ girl you are,” Mary said. “Your mama would be very proud.”

“I truly hope so,” she answered wistfully. “I wish she were still here so I could ask for her advice.”