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“Why did they refer to you as such?” Margaret asked with curiosity written on her face.
“Because I read so many books.”
John met Margaret’s gaze, and he could tell that she was delighted by the notion that he read so often. “I admit to reading frequently, as well,” Margaret went on. “But not as frequently as I once did.”
“Why do you refrain?”
Margaret gazed down at the grass, her visage softening. “I find that things occupy and trouble my mind more and more. Because of this, my concentration is not what it used to be.”
John sighed, not liking the sound of this. “Perhaps reading can be a tool to un-occupy your brain, as it were.”
“Yes, it can be a remarkable escape.”
“That is what I’m suggesting.”
“And what else do you suggest?”
Margaret regarded him as though she was desperate for her answer. Did she trust him after such brief encounters?
“I suggest that you do what your heart is calling out for you to do.” John’s reply was grave, and Margaret cocked her head to the side as though he presented a very novel idea.
“It is not as easy as all that.”
“Why is it not easy?” John countered, although he already felt as though he had the answer to his own question. No, it was not easy, especially for someone in Margaret’s position.
“Because I fear that my heart speaks too loudly, and what it tells me are a lot of impossibilities.”
John fell silent. How was he to answer to that? He liked that Margaret’s heart spoke loudly, for his did as well. But, alas, it was telling him at that moment that he could very much fall for her, and with haste.
“That is the journey of life, is it not?” John went on, noting that his sister remained quiet during this exchange. “We must pursue the things that our hearts long for, and that is never an easy business. It requires great patience and courage.”
Margaret smiled faintly. Breaking the perfect moment, a woman came out the back door of Pelham Downs and called out, “Miss! His lordship has summoned you!”
Margaret jumped up from the ground quickly, fear written upon her face. “I shall be there at once!”
“Shall I go with you?” Jane asked.
“No, no.” Margaret shook her head. “That will be unnecessary. Please, carry on without me.”
Before Margaret fled, she met John’s eyes once more as though she were pleading with him. If he could save her at that moment, he would.
“I’m captivated by her,” John heard himself say, then wished to kick himself for speaking his thoughts aloud.
“John!” Jane protested. “She is my employer, after all.”
“She’s much more than that, Jane. She is your friend.”
“Oh, course, that is true.” Jane fiddled with the grass. “But I cannot have you saying such things. I’m Margaret’s protector.”
John was flummoxed. Did his sister somehow think that he was a threat? Clearly, she did not know him as well as she ought to.
“I merely said that she’s captivating. Her beauty is past question startling.”
“Brother, what are your intentions in this case?” Jane crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Tell me all.”
John had to smile to himself. Yes, Jane truly was Margaret’s protector, and he thought it charming. But he also didn’t wish to give the wrong impression. “I am merely admiring her, Jane. That is all. There’s nothing to fear.”
“I should hope not.” Jane rummaged in the picnic basket for another sandwich. “Do not lead her astray, John. This is serious business with Lord Darkmoor.”
