Mary stopped just inside the photography studio door and remained hidden in the shadows. She wanted to see what kind of fantasy Jennifer and Bruce were acting out before committing herself. Bruce wore a waistcoat, ruffled shirt, and breeches like the first time she participated, and Jennifer wore a blue, colonial gown. A tight bun held her long hair on top of her head, while a few loose wisps framed her oval face.
Mary thought, 'I wonder if Miss Silvia's costume is still in the dressing room?' She slipped back out into the hallway, went around backstage, and there it was, hanging right where she left it. "Perfect!"
Quickly, she removed her 21st century clothes and dressed as Miss Silvia - Jennifer's pretend 18th century governess. Moving to stand next to the stage door, Mary listened for the appropriate moment for her surprise entrance.
"That was a lovely party," said Jennifer in full fantasy mode.
"And you were the belle of the ball, My Dear," said Bruce, followed by the rustling of fabric, and Jennifer laughing.
"What do you think you're doing? You'll ruin my dress."
"If I do, I'll buy you a new one."
More of Jennifer's giggling as the rustle of fabric continued.
Bruce said, "Did you notice how big the governor's wife's belly has gotten? She looked glowing, beautiful in fact. She's been with child six months now."
In an unconvinced tone, Jennifer said, "Beautiful? You think so?"
"I do."
Bruce must've removed enough of Jennifer's clothes to reach skin, because she groaned with pleasure and the camera flashes came in a bunch.
Regaining some composure, she said, "But after the child is born she'll be fat and ugly."
Bruce responded, "You wouldn't be. You'd be more beautiful than ever with my child suckling at your breast ... like this."
Jennifer giggled. "Not quite like that."
What was Bruce doing? Was he using their fantasy to convince Jennifer to have a child in reality?
"I'd be a terrible mother."
"No. You'd be a wonderful mother. And I'd be a doting husband and father. We'd make a loving family."
There were more camera flashes, as Jennifer's moans increased.
"Make me a proud father, Jenny."
Jennifer laughed, and said, "I don't know. I can't think. You're distracting me."
This sounded like the perfect opportunity for Miss Silvia to appear. Maybe she could keep Daniel's affection and help Bruce convince his wife to get pregnant, all at the same time. She walked through the door, saying, "Jennifer, did I just hear you're having a baby?"
All eyes fell on Mary. First she smiled at Daniel, who looked over the top of his camera, stunned. Then she turned her gaze to Jennifer and Bruce on the bed, both naked from the waist up.
Jennifer appeared excited to see her, and spoke first. "Miss Silvia! Don't you knock before entering a bedroom?"
Staying in character, Mary turned away embarrassed, and said, "I'm so sorry! I heard Bruce say 'proud father' and forgot my manners."
"We are discussing the possibility of starting a family." said Bruce. "But Jenny has some reservations."
Feeling bold, Mary said, "It looked like you were doing more than talking about it."
Jennifer slid from the center of the bed, and sat on the edge, patting the mattress next to her. "We were about to practice our baby making technique. But since you interrupted, you can sit here and answer some questions."
Mary sat down, choosing this time to remove the bonnet and expose her face to the camera. "Okay, ask me anything."
"You had a child, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"But you raised him alone. What happened to the father?"
This was something Mary hadn't foreseen. It became personal. "Well, we were young, and not really in love. He didn't want to settle down."
Bruce sat on the other side of Mary, and said, "But I do, Jenny."
Jennifer slid closer to Mary, until their legs touched. She stroked Mary's cheek with the back of her fingers, and said, "You're a beautiful woman, Miss Silvia. Didn't anyone else want you after you had your baby?"