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Chapter 5
The following morning, Margaret knew that her father was a little worse for wear. He consistently nodded off to sleep whilst sitting in the breakfast room, and this made Margaret frown to herself, for she knew what all of this meant.
“Did you have a pleasant evening, Father?” Margaret asked, already knowing the answer.
“Most pleasant,” he mumbled.
“It was rather quiet here. I went to sleep early and woke up refreshed.” This small talk belied what Margaret was really feeling, which was the consistent tidal wave of nerves that would not cease each time that she thought of Lord Darkmoor.
“He is coming tonight, Child.”
“I beg your pardon?”
The viscount looked at her under veiled lids. “Lord Darkmoor. He wishes to see you.”
This was Margaret’s biggest fear. Why was he coming so soon? Oh, she guessed that it made perfect sense, seeing as her father wished to marry her off with haste.
“I see,” was all that Margaret could reply.
“Cheer up. This is cause for celebration.”
Margaret could not respond to this. She stared down at her eggs and couldn’t manage to take another bite. Then, shaking her head in disbelief, Margaret shifted her thoughts to John. Would he be returning that day? If so, she would have to find a way to conceal him from her father so that he would not become upset yet again.
She knew that this was deceit, but Margaret cared not. Her freedom was being taken from her, and so she would enjoy the last bit of freedom that she could cling to.
“If you don’t mind, Father, I shall return to my room now. I must select a proper gown for this evening.”
“Yes, that is a sound choice. Go.”
With that, Margaret rose from the table and left the breakfast room, feeling a persistent knot in her stomach. She clutched herself, wondering if she’d ever feel good again. In fact, she was rather convinced that only John could make her feel good. But she had known him for such a short amount of time! What was it about this fervor? Perhaps, considering the amount of stress that had been placed upon her shoulders, it only enhanced the sweetness of other things in contrast to it.
Entering her room, Jane patiently waited, a cup of tea by her side. “Lord Darkmoor is coming this very evening,” Margaret shared mournfully.
“Is it true?”
“Indeed.”
“Well, no need to fret. We will ensure that you look marvelous.”
“Oh, Jane. I cannot imagine how it is that you are being so strong in the face of this!”
Jane sighed, walking over to the wardrobe to select a gown. “In the face of challenge, one must always remain strong. Oh, Margaret, he is a wealthy man, and you will not worry about anything for the rest of your days. Can’t you see? Here, at Pelham Downs, everything is falling apart because your father has no funds. Now, you shall have all the gowns that you desire, all the fine meals, and all the luxuries that come from having a full staff of servants.”
Margaret fell silent.
Sadly, Jane did make a sound point. The living conditions at Pelham Downs were consistently dwindling, and Lord Darkmoor could provide her with a better life, but at what consequence? “I do not care for those things, Jane. Don’t you see? Yes, I want a safe and secure home, but I also want love and affection.”
“How do you know that Lord Darkmoor cannot give you that? I fear that you are making assumptions, Margaret. Perhaps, everything won’t be as terrible as you think.”
Margaret sighed and gazed out the window. It was considerably difficult to get Jane to see where she was coming from, and Margaret surmised that there was no sense in trying. Jane’s mind was set for reasons that Margaret could not understand, and therefore, so be it. But Margaret would still find a way to get out of this mess. There had to be a way!
Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Jane went to answer it. “Yes?” she asked the cook.
Margaret winced, thinking it horrible that the cook had to perform so many duties. In this instance, she was acting as a footman!
“Ma’am, there’s a man here to see you.”
“Is it my brother?” Jane asked.
