Mary had thought dinner would be interminable, but she actually enjoyed herself. She and Tom talked as they usually did about anything and everything, from work to George and Sybbie's latest antics to Rose's Russians.

While she was constantly aware that time was moving on towards the main event, Mary found herself living in the moment, enjoying Tom's company as she always did. Perhaps, she mused, taking a lover was different if you already knew him well and didn't have to work to make conversation. Of course, she'd known Matthew before they went to bed together, but that had been an altogether different arrangement, sanctioned by the formality of marriage. With Tom, she was discovering, it was another affair entirely.

Because dinner was just the two of them, Mary had instructed Carson to let the staff finish early for the evening. By the time it came to after dinner drinks in the library, there was only the butler himself left waiting on her and Tom.

'Carson, I think it's safe to leave us to our own devices now. You should take the rest of the evening for yourself.'

'Are you sure, milady? I do not mind waiting until you and Mr Branson retire for the evening.'

'I'm quite sure. Mr Branson and I can refresh our own drinks. If you would be so good as to lock up for the night, you may leave us.'

'Very well. Goodnight, milady, Mr Branson.'

'Goodnight, Carson,' they chorused, neither one of them looking at the other.

Once the butler had departed, Tom raised his glass to Mary. 'Nicely done.'

'Better to let him go now than worry about where he is later. We'll have to give him half an hour or so to potter around checking doors and windows and the like. I've also given Anna the evening off. I told her I wouldn't need her assistance tonight, so she and Bates should enjoy the evening.'

'So, the coast will be clear.'

'Yes, completely clear.'

Tom glanced at his watch. 'Quarter to ten. Maybe we should give it until 10.30 to be on the safe side.'

'All right… but let's not leave it too much longer.'

Tom grinned lasciviously at her. 'That itch getting worse, is it?'

Mary pursed her lips, trying not to smile. 'It's almost intolerable.'

Tom gazed back at her, that heat surfacing in his eyes again. 'Mine too.'

Mary took a swift sip of her drink, her mouth suddenly dry. 'I know you said you'd pictured me in your bed, but would you mind awfully if you came to me? I just think I might feel more comfortable in my own surroundings.'

'That's fine by me. We could do it on the dining room table for all that I mind.'

Mary choked a little on her drink, feeling heat rise in her cheeks. 'Heavens. That's a little daring even for me. I'm quite sure I wouldn't be able to eat breakfast with Papa at that table after that.'

Tom chuckled. 'No, perhaps not. Anyway, our first time should be somewhere you feel comfortable. We can leave other locations for another time.'

Mary couldn't help herself. 'Another time, eh? You're quite confident this will happen more than once then?'

'I'm hoping it will happen more than once tonight,' Tom said in a low, playful voice that went straight to Mary's loins.

'Golly,' she murmured. 'It appears I'm in for quite the night then.'

'Let's hope so.'

'I have to say, Tom, you're raising my expectations by the minute.'

'Then I'd better hope I don't turn out to be as disappointing as Tony.'

Mary snorted a little at that. 'Well, all you'd have to do is turn up, last two minutes then snore loudly for several hours. I really hope that's not your plan.'

'No, that is most definitely not my plan,' Tom promised with a gleam in his eye.

The butterflies that had been Mary's regular companions over the last few days stirred to life. Slouching on the sofa in his black tie in a way he would never do with the rest of the family present, his features shadowed by the soft light of the fire, Tom looked more desirable than she'd ever thought possible. She wanted to go over there and rumple him. It was no good; she couldn't wait much longer. She might die of anticipation before she could get her itch scratched.

'I'm going up,' she said, rising to her feet. She didn't miss Tom's eyes travelling up her body as she stood. Her butterflies took off in delight. He wanted this as much as she did, she was sure.

'It's not been long enough yet. For Carson to do his thing, I mean.'

'You stay here a while longer then. Finish your drink. It's better if we don't go up together anyway. Give me 15 minutes or so. Knock three times, so I can be sure it's you.'

Tom smiled at her reassuringly. 'Don't worry, Mary. I'll be discreet.'

She bent down to kiss his cheek like she would any other night, except this time she also whispered in his ear. 'I'm not worried, Tom. But I am impatient. Don't keep me waiting too long.'