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John smiled at her. “That is quite an invitation, but it might be too difficult.”
Margaret brought a hand to her warm cheek. He was implying yet again that it would be difficult to see her wed. Although this notion filled her with sadness, it also filled her with hope, for it showed that John cared for her.
“I know that Jane wants you to stay.”
“I must be honest, that I often do not know what Jane thinks of me. I mean, she is my sister, but she can be so overbearing.”
“I can corroborate that!” Margaret replied humorously. “But I think it is because she is protective and prudent. I admire these qualities in her.”
“I suppose that I do.” John pulled a hand through his blond hair, which shined in the light of the sun. “But I wish that she would enjoy life more. I was rather excited to come and see her, even though we are not the most perfect siblings. But I always wish that she would be more forgiving, in many respects.”
“But she loves you!” Margaret protested.
“Love is not scolding. Love is not judging.”
“Then what do you believe love to be?” Jane asked, breathless in expectation.
John turned a noble gaze upon her. “Love is caring and giving as much as one can.”
Margaret was struck dumb. Was John even real? Sometimes it seemed as though he were too perfect, but at the same time, he was so humble and honest. She thought that was the most perfect statement about love that she had ever heard.
“You are such a good man, John.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I do not know. It is just… the way that you make me feel and the things that you say. I think that it’s all marvelous.”
John stopped and turned towards her, his expression grave. “Margaret, there is something that I wish to do, but I must refrain.”
“What is it?”
John paused for several moments before shaking his head and continuing their walk. “I should not have mentioned it.”
“You can always be honest with me,” Margaret assured him.
“Very well.” He stopped once more. “Every ounce of my being desires to reach out and hold you. And… I dare say I want to kiss you. More than I’ve ever wanted to kiss anyone before.”
Margaret’s mouth fell open at his bold statement. Her knees shook, and Margaret feared that she might swoon. John could see that she was struggling, so when Margaret reached out to hold his shoulder, he bolstered her with both arms.
“Are you all right, Margaret?” he asked, deeply concerned.
“Yes, I merely became unsteady for a moment.”
“Come, let us find you a place to sit.”
“No.” Margaret waved her hand in the air. “That won’t be necessary. I just require a moment to breathe.”
John stood with her silently, waiting for her recovery. Once she was sure that the fit had passed, Margaret removed her grasp of him, but he did not release his grasp of her. He finally said, “I have said too much.”
“It is not that.” Margaret shook her head. “I merely… have never felt this way about a man before.”
Responding to her words, John came in close, very slowly, and took Margaret into his arms, bolstering her even further. Whilst she rested her chin upon his shoulder, Margaret shut her eyes and felt a tear form. Why was she on the verge of crying? Margaret sensed that it was because she was wonderfully happy in John’s presence, and what’s more, she knew that it could never be.
“Your arms feel… remarkable,” Margaret said, already ashamed that she had uttered it.
“I can keep them around you for as long as you like.”
Margaret released a little laugh. “Then, perhaps, forever?”
