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“Is that so?” John asked, imbued with concern.
“Oh, John. It will be so wretched to be married to him, but my father is more determined than ever.”
“Is the marriage imminent?” John asked, his breast filling with fear.
Finally, a little smile came to Margaret’s lips. “The only good thing that happened last night was that Lord Darkmoor stated that he does not want this business to proceed with haste. I shall dine with him again in a fortnight, and I imagine he will continue to test me before he is sure. For me, this is marvelous news because it means that I can employ the plan that you shared.”
“Which plan?” John had countless of them kicking around in his brain.
“To not show myself to Lord Darkmoor in the best light. Oh, it will cause my father to lose his wits, but I see no other way. I will paint a picture of myself that is not entirely savory,” Margaret said mischievously.
Now, John was the one to smile broadly. “I like the way you think.”
“It was your idea! And I considered it a great deal last night. Yes, Lord Darkmoor has a keen eye and specific tastes. If he does not find me suitable because of poor conduct, then I am free!”
“Until your father chooses another that you should marry,” John said darkly. He watched as Margaret’s face fell. “But I did not mean to overburden your plight, which is already trying.”
Margaret shook her head mournfully. “It is all right. I know that this is just one challenge in what could potentially be many challenges. But still, anyone in the world would be better than Lord Darkmoor.”
John considered that anyone in the world would be better, but not ideal. He would be ideal. He was sure of it. What’s more, he carried a secret that Margaret did not know. Yes, he worked at the dock in Cornwall, but he had also received a hidden and unexpected inheritance from his late parents. This, combined with his savings, made John a financially comfortable man.
But none of this could be spoken of now.
“Come, let us continue our walk. It would not be favorable to be discovered by your father whilst standing in a secluded alleyway.”
Margaret laughed at this. “No, it would not be favorable.”
“Where do you suppose he has gone?” John asked whilst they continued their walk.
“Perhaps a bit of gambling in the afternoon. Or maybe he desperately needed a pint.” Margaret shrugged. “It is so hard to tell as he never conveys anything to me. I am always left in the dark, for that is how he prefers it.”
John grit his teeth. If Margaret were his, she would never be in the dark. She would know everything that there was to know, and what’s more, she would be placed in the sunshine as often as possible.
“Do you know how long you wish to stay in Farthington?” Margaret asked casually.
“I must admit that the inn is very charming and cozy, as I expressed to you yesterday.”
“Then you should stay! Your presence is such a comfort.” Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.
John had to turn away for fear that she might see him blush. “I like that I am a source of comfort for you. But I have to admit that watching your predicament is… something of a challenge.”
“You need not say it.”
“But I shall. For if I remained in Farthington for some time, I might potentially have to watch you marry Lord Darkmoor.”
Margaret stopped and inspected him as though what he had said had revealed much. So be it. If Margaret discovered his fondness for her—which he already expressed in so many words—then that would be suitable. In fact, it might be favorable.
“It would pain me more than it would pain you,” she assured him.
Oh, but John wished to pull her into an alleyway once more and bring his lips to hers! Then he would take her by the hand, and they would flee Farthington just as fast as they could. This kind of impulse was becoming all too familiar, and John said, “Let us keep walking.”
“Do you wish to see the park?” Margaret asked. “It has the loveliest garden. Jane never lets me tarry there for long.”
“Why is that?” John asked, not liking that his sister was so controlling.
“I suppose that there is always a limit on the amount of time we’re allowed to spend in town. If we stay for too long, Father becomes suspicious.”
“And yet, he abandoned you in front of a butcher shop.”
“You make a sound point,” Margaret replied, constricting her brow.
“I would love to see this park, and we can tarry as long as we please,” John said affably.
“Oh, good! But not too long, for I fear that this fine meat might spoil.”
John had already forgotten about the cuts of meat. “We shall sit in the shade.”
Once they reached the park, which was surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, they stepped inside, and John was delighted by what he beheld. The garden was brimming with shrubs and flowers, and everything had an air of wonder. This was the ideal location to sit and enjoy Margaret’s company.
