"You did," Kate sighed.
This was what her mother warned her about many times. Ladies who were so silly to offer themselves too fast, and Mary didn’t have anything to gain from Warren.
"He is my son, so he is very precious to me, but I would never tell any young lady to warm his bed when he has not spoken of love or marriage. Hasn’t your mother thought you better? Or, is this not a talk we have in common homes?" Kate asked, uncertain of how the common folk did it.
Mary could only keep her head bowed. She was certain that Warren loved her.
Mary never heard Warren speak of meeting with other women or seen him with others.
Kate rubbed her temple. "So, your mother failed to offer you words of wisdom, and now I am left to witness your clumsiness. Is it not sense that you should have a man propose to you before you lie with him? Especially in your position?"
Kate was certain that Mary couldn’t take care of herself. What was Mary going to do if Warren had found some other young lady to bring home and then asked for Mary to be fired?
"Are you carrying his child? Is that why you worry?" Kate asked, noticing the placement of Mary’s hand. "It is time that you stop being so embarrassed and answer me. You have already made your bed, so lie in it and answer me."
"I have not bled when I was meant to. I know that I am with child. I am sorry," Mary cried, dropping to her knees. "I meant to wait for his return to ask him what to do. I need this work."
Mary didn’t know what to do at the moment. Once her mother learned that the father was not around, she was not going to be welcomed back to her home.
"If this work meant so much to you, then you shouldn’t have lain with my son. I am angry with him, too, but there is more of a struggle for you. He could easily walk away. Your mother didn’t need to tell you this," said Kate.
Kate thought they were both fools.
Warren for being with someone who worked for his mother, and Mary for trusting so blindly.
It was like Kate’s mother all over again.
"That boy has run off and left me with so much to worry about. Are you certain that it is my son’s child?" Kate asked, needing to be certain. "I will not take in a child you are trying to pass off as my grandchild."
Mary looked up, offended that Kate would think there was another man.
"I do not sleep around with other men. There is only Warren-"
"How am I to know?" Kate interjected. "See, this is why you should have gotten him to prove his love and gotten him to speak of your courtship to me. Now, I cannot trust only your words. Anyone can come crying to me that their bastard child belongs to Warren."
Kate knew this town was full of people who would do anything to make their way to the top. Mary claiming to have a child with Warren would be her way to stop working.
"I have not been with any other man. Warren was my first. I don’t have a ring, but I thought that in time, he would be with me. Should I tell you all the times he sought me out so we could be together? All of what he said to me?" Mary asked, her voice getting louder.
Mary didn’t think highly of herself, but she was proud to be a woman who didn’t sleep with countless men.
"So, he used you as something to pass the time with. You were right there for him to pull you into his bed-"
"Milady!" Mary yelled, heartbroken that Kate would insult her .
"I am being honest with you as his mother. Warren has surprised me as of late, but with the kind of life he chased, he didn’t love you. If he returns home, I know that he will be broken in many ways," Kate said, pained to say this.
"You shouldn’t settle for my son just because he is all you have. I know the townspeople would expect you to be with him because you are now with child, but don’t accept that life. Don’t settle for what other people want," said Kate.
Kate loved Warren, but she knew he wouldn’t make a good husband for Mary.
Warren wanted a life filled with riches, and Mary could not help him get there.
"Go off your feet and rest for a moment. I cannot have you breaking any more of my cups and making a fool of yourself before my guests. Sit, before you not only harm yourself, but your unborn child," Kate instructed Mary.
"But, I am here to help you. Mr. Kennedy said that I am to help you move around the home and stretch your feet. I am fine," Mary said, wiping her tears.
Mary stood up so she wouldn’t look pitiful before Kate.
"No, you are not fine, and you broke something my husband worked hard to buy. This home will be sold in due time, so I cannot have you destroying it before then. Rest your feet and get out of my sight," Kate said, bothered by the sight of Mary.
Mary started to leave, but then something struck her. "You are not going to fire me?"
"I am turning a new leaf to be kind, and that would be ruined if I get rid of you when you claim to be carrying my son’s child. You are to stay here. I will speak to my husband about whether he trusts your word, and then we will go from there," Kate said, flicking her hand to shoo Mary away.
"When it is proven, what will happen then?" Mary asked nervously.
"You would have to stay here. I cannot let you take my grandchild anywhere. Warren must come home to this responsibility he has left here, and you will be cared for. I will change my mind if you stand here and stare at me," Kate said, tempted to send Mary out.
Kate frowned when Mary started to cry and looked like she wanted to hug her.
Mary did as Kate expected and started to walk over to Kate. She was grateful that Kate would be so kind as to offer support.
"Do not touch me. I swear I will have you sent out if you touch me. I told you to sit," Kate said, annoyed that Mary wouldn’t listen.
They were not suddenly family for Mary to hug Kate.
Mary stopped just before she could reach Kate and backed away. "I am sorry. I will rest after I have cleaned up the spilt tea."
Kate shook her head. ’What have you done, Warren?’ She thought.