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Chapter 9
The following day, John could not stand it any longer. He knew that he promised to return to Pelham Downs, but it was in the early morning, and he already wished to go, no longer tarrying. This was the magnetic pull that Margaret had upon him. Would she think that he had lost his wits for visiting so frequently? John sincerely hoped not, for more than anything else, he wished for Margaret to trust him.
John also wished to look the part of someone that could woo her. He dressed below his means, for he did not see any reason ever to wear anything distinguished, but keen on making a good impression, John ventured into Farthington to buy a new coat and hat.
All the while, John found all of this to be rather amusing. It was so unlike him to take such pains to alter his appearance, but for Margaret, he wanted her to know that he was not some passing fancy—not some wayward vagabond that could not take care of her in some way. On the contrary, John wished to be viewed as someone substantial and someone who had the power to free her from her situation.
Entering a shop for gentlemen’s apparel, John perused the various items on offer. These coats were to be purchased and then fit to order. But John was lucky enough to find a very distinguished green coat that fit him perfectly. A rather tall hat accompanied this, and all in all, John felt as though he looked the part of someone deserving of Margaret.
As he peered into the mirror, the shop proprietor came in behind John and said, “It was as though it were made for you.”
“I was thinking the very same thing.”
“Is there anything else that you’re looking to purchase? We have a whole new selection of breeches if you are interested.”
“I think that this shall suffice,” John said with a pleasant smile.
As he went to the counter to pay for his goods, he noted the surprise on the proprietor’s face when John pulled out a hefty sum of bills. He intended to carry these bills around instead of leaving them in the inn, for there was no safe in which to store them.
“Thank you,” the proprietor said, receiving the bills from John. “I cannot tell a lie, but I did not think that you would be able to afford such high quality.”
John lifted his brow. “Then perhaps you should not judge a book by its cover.”
The proprietor laughed. “Sound advice. I shall remember that.”
John, still appareled in the green coat, fled the shop and placed the hat upon his head. Once on the street, he noticed immediately how he was treated differently by passersby. Several gentlemen tipped their hats, and John felt a wave of self-satisfaction come over him.
Just then, on the other side of the street, John spotted the viscount, and he narrowed his eyes in disapproval. If only that horrible man understood all the harm that he had caused. John would put a stop to it. He had no idea how he would accomplish that, but John would find a way.
Seeing that he had a remarkable opportunity now, John proceeded to Pelham Downs with haste, hoping to catch a moment alone with Margaret before her father returned. Since it would take longer on foot, John summoned a hackney-coach and ordered the driver to speed away. Once Pelham Downs loomed in the distance, an excited smile came to his lips.
At the front door, no one was there to greet him on that morning, which delighted John much, for it was Margaret that opened the door. As soon as she did so, her cheek flushed.
“You have come so early.”
“I wished to see you… and Jane.”
Margaret’s eyes went wide. “I fear that Jane is not here. I am told that she was sent to the local dairy farm to procure some cheese.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed.”
John wished to smile in satisfaction yet again, but he knew that this would be giving himself away. Margaret brought a hand to her cheek and remarked, “Oh, John, you look like a nobleman.”
“I bought this this morning.” He brought his hands to his lapel. “Do you like it?”
Margaret nodded. “It is splendid. Had I known that you would be wearing such finery, I would have taken pains to put on my afternoon gown.”
“Nonsense. You look ravishing.”
It was the truth. Margaret looked positively delectable in her morning gown of soft muslin. The dress was almost transparent, causing John to avert his gaze. “Why don’t you come in,” Margaret suggested, opening the door wide.
“May I?”
“Of course. There is barely anyone here.”
The speed of John’s heart accelerated. It would perhaps be a tad dangerous if they were to be alone in that house, for John was uncertain of how much control he would be able to muster. Still, he entered and followed Margaret as she led him to the parlor.
