"Mary" she said .her tone polite but firm " I hope I'm not interrupting. "
Mary straightened immediately " not at all ma'am please come..in."
Mrs Carter close the door behind her. Something she rarely do. That alone made Mary's heart beat quick. She clasped her hands in front of her apron waiting.
Mrs Carter looked around the room - small, neat, humble. Before setting her gaze on Mary.
" I want to speak with you privately " she began. " it'sconcerns Daniel."
Mary's stomach tightened.
Mrs Carter sighed the kind of sight only a wealthy woman burdened by family expectation could give.
"He'sat the age where he must starting thinking serious about his future, his career, his marriage." she said the last word slowly watching Mary carefully.
Mary lowered her eyes forcing her expression to remain calm even her pulse hammered in her ears.
Mrs Carter stepped closer
" you've been in this house a longtime, Mary you know him better than most of us.
Her tone softened slightly " Daniel respect you he listensto you most."
Mary force a small smile."He's a good boy ma'am he always been."
Mrs Carter brows lifted slightly " A good manmary and one who needs guidance. The right guidance. "
Another pause
" one that leads him toward a proper future with suitable wife."
Mary felt her throat tighten " i understand ma'am"
Mrs Carter eyes lingered on her longer than usual, as if searching for something.
" good " she finally said " because I want to make sure he isn't..... distracted by anyone or anything. "
Her gaze sharpened
" you know what I mean don't you? "
Mary swallowed. " yes ma'am. "
Mrs Carter nodded satisfied. " I knew you would, you've always been loyal to this family."
She turned towards the door the conversation clearly over in her mind.
But just as she reached for the handle. she spoke again. This time without looking back.
"Daniel must marry a woman of status. I won't allow anything less."
A razor thin pause
" i trust you won't... complicate things."
The door clicked shut behind her.
Mary stood froze her hands trembling.
Mrs Carter didn't know the truth not yet. But she already suspecting something.
And if she ever learned about the pregnancy....
Mary pressed a hands against her stomach breath trembling
" please... not now." She whispered to herself.
The moment the door close behind Mrs Carter. Silence swallowed the room.
Mary stood there, her breath shallow her hand still resting protectively over her stomach as if Mrs Carter's words had left a physical mark.
" I trust you won't complicate things."
Mary shut her eyes of only things ut were that simple.
She turned toward her bed trying to steady her breathing . When knock
A different knock this time.
Faster, firmer and familiar.
Mary's heart dropped.