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“He sure looks like your brother.”
All at once, Margaret thought that she might leap from her seat in happiness! Thoughts of Lord Darkmoor disappeared, and she was happy again.
“Tell him to meet me in the field,” Jane advised.
“Very well.”
The cook departed, and Margaret prevented herself from clapping her hands together in joy. Oh, but there were the words that her father had shared with her, including his distrust of John.
“Are you coming, Margaret?” Jane asked, preparing to go and meet John.
“I fear… I fear that my father might lock me in my room once more if I do.”
Jane frowned. “Perhaps, it’s for the best, considering that I know your true feelings about him.” She elevated her brow in accusation.
“I crave his friendship, Jane. Nothing more.”
Oh, what a horrible little fib.
“I’ll be going.”
“Wait!” Margaret called out. “Tell John… that I shall try my best to come out.”
Jane shook her head. “Whatever you say, Margaret.”
With that, Jane departed, and Margaret paced about the room, trying to think of what she might do next. She could always try to sneak out, but getting caught would put her in more trouble than ever. No, if she were going to join them, she would have to undertake it properly, which meant convincing her father.
Going down the stairs to his study, Margaret said a little prayer that he wasn’t already in his cups. To her delight, he was seated at his desk with a cup of tea.
“Father, might I share a word with you?”
“Have you selected a gown with Jane?”
“Not yet.”
“Then what do you wish to speak of?”
Margaret cleared her throat. “Jane is to spend the afternoon with her brother, and I’d like to ask if I may join them formally?”
The viscount looked up at her and knit his brow. “Why?”
“Because I would like to take the fresh air, Father. Oh, it will be harmless! We will merely walk in the field, as Jane and I are wont to do, and I will come right back to prepare for this evening.”
Margaret gazed at her father with expectation in her eyes. He seemed to consider her words, for he scratched his chin and mused over something. “I suppose… I suppose it’s not a bad idea to have a wee bit of freedom.”
Margaret was in utter shock. What caused such a reversal? “Truly?”
“I should be sure to tell Lord Darkmoor this evening that you enjoyed a stroll in the field with a fellow.”
Margaret cocked her head to the side, not quite comprehending. “Why should we tell him that?”
“A friend of mine once said there is nothing wrong with a bit of competition now and again.”
Now Margaret was painfully confused. A bit of competition? What was her father referring to? “Why did your friend remark upon that, Father?”
“Well, you see, Lord Darkmoor must understand the kind of attention that you provoke in men. It is akin to sales, Daughter. If one sees that an item is in high demand, they seek to snatch it more quickly.”
Oh, this comment made Margaret feel positively sick to her stomach! Yes, her father viewed her as nothing more than a commodity. That was made plain and clear. Still, Margaret would banish this disgusting realization and focus on the happiness that was provoked in her upon hearing that she could join Jane and John in the field!
