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John shook his head. “An estate is not indicative of richness. Experiences are.”
“I wholeheartedly agree,” Margaret said softly, stopping to gaze at John. He seemed surprised that she did so.
“What is wrong?”
Margaret shrugged. “I suppose that it’s a strange feeling… wishing that one walk could go on forever.”
“When you say such things like that, it makes me want to kiss you again.”
Margaret’s heart pounded in her chest. Yes, she longed for that, but considering that so much had already transpired, it would be impossible. “You seek to make our situation even more difficult.”
John smiled broadly. “I am desperate to make our situation more difficult, in the most delicious manner I know how.”
That pesky flush would not leave Margaret’s cheek, and she continued to walk, shaking her head. “No, I must depart from you now. If we approach too closely, I am sure that father will see out the window.”
“That is…if he is home,” John mentioned.
“Indeed. There is a solid chance that he is gambling this very moment.”
Stepping into John, Margaret saw as his arms opened, and she placed herself within him, feeling the warmth of his chest and closing her eyes in pleasure. Not only was John’s presence remarkably comforting, but she also felt entirely safe within the confines of his arms. Oh, if only there were a world where she could escape to those arms whenever she chose! That was the kind of world that Margaret wished to live in.
“I will be going,” she said softly, stepping back.
“If you must.”
“Will you return to Farthington?”
“I shall.”
“You should… come by tomorrow. Perhaps there is a chance that Jane and I can sneak into the field if father seems opposed to you being here.”
“But he mentioned giving you more freedom, did he not?”
Margaret constricted her brow. How did he know that? “Yes, he did.”
“Then perhaps he will let you come.”
Margaret was lost in John’s smile, his shining eyes, and his overall handsomeness. She shook her head in disbelief and turned on her heel, walking towards Pelham Downs. When Margaret turned back, she noted that John was still standing there, gazing at her. She waved her hand, and John simply lifted up his palm.
Oh, but Margaret had to turn away once more because it was unbearable to depart from him so. But she reminded herself that he would return, and she would see him again. Margaret exhaled deeply. Thoughts of Lord Darkmoor returned, and how he was to test her in two weeks’ time to see if she was a suitable companion.
Margaret would do everything in her power to convince him that she was not. But it would be considerably difficult since Margaret did not care for pretending or lies. And John seemed like the sort of man that did not care for these things, either.
Pelham Downs was quickly upon her, and Margaret walked up the stone steps, saying a little prayer that her father was not home. A footman, who only worked two days a week, was the first to encounter her, and Margaret inquired, “Is his lordship at home?”
“He is not, Miss.”
“Very well,” Margaret replied, wringing her hands. Even though it was a relief that he was not at home, he would still be returning at one point. “Is Jane here?”
“She is in the kitchens.”
Margaret made her way there in excitement. She wished to tell Jane so much, but considering all of it pertained to her brother, Margaret was unsure of how much she could say. She straightened her shoulders, hoping not to give away too much of how weak in the knees she still felt after the kiss. Sure enough, Jane was sitting on a stool in the kitchens whilst the cook stirred a large pot.
“Jane,” Margaret said.
“You were gone for so long,” Jane remarked. “Where is the viscount?”
“I fear that I lost him at the butcher shop! We were in the queue, and then he disappeared. It was the strangest thing.”
