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“It is so peaceful here when father is out for the morning.”
John did not wish to mention that he had seen her father in town. “Does he go out often?”
“I fear that he goes out early because he knows that once he begins to drink… the day comes to a swift end.” Margaret seated herself on a sofa and motioned for John to join her.
“I am sorry, Margaret.”
“Oh, you know all about it,” Margaret replied, brushing off his comment with a wave of the hand. “It is to be expected.”
“And the list of gentlemen?”
Margaret laughed, bringing a gloved hand in front of her lips. “My father had the audacity to read off each name at supper last night, and he even suggested that he put a wager on who I will marry.”
Although Margaret was trying to make light of this, John thought it disgusting.
“I do not find it humorous in the slightest.”
Margaret sighed. “Well, I know that it is not humorous. It is dreadful. But somehow, making fun of it seems to make me feel better.”
John reached over and placed his hand over Margaret’s, and she gazed into his eyes. “One day, this all might feel as though it is a bad memory and nothing more.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I am more determined than ever to put a stop to this.” There was gravity in John’s voice, and Margaret’s chest heaved.
“Is that why you purchased the coat?”
“No.”
“Then, why did you?” Margaret asked.
Now, John could not help but smile. “I purchased the coat to impress you. And to be worthy of you.”
“Ha! Of course, you impress me each time I see you, with or without a fancy coat.”
The urges that John was feeling at that moment seemed unbearable. He remembered the kiss from the day before and how it was as though his entire body melted when their lips touched. How could he convince Margaret that there was a chance that they could be with one another? To Margaret, her situation seemed impossible, but for John, anything was possible.
“How much time do we have alone?” John asked, not wishing to make a mistake that he might regret.
Margaret gazed out the window. “My father should be home soon, as should Jane.”
“Then I should do this now.” John brought his hand to Margaret’s cheek and pulled her in, delighting in kissing her once more. Margaret moaned, and this only increased John’s ardor. “Should I stop?” he asked.
“No, please do not.”
John came in once more, and this time, the kiss was hungry and pleading. Margaret slid her body closer to his, and John placed a hand upon her hip, holding it firmly as they continued to relish one another’s lips. John could have sat forever in that posture, listening to Margaret moan and feeling his manliness become emboldened.
Finally, Margaret leaned her head back in rapture and said, “This all feels like a dream.”
“I promise you that it is not.”
Her eyes met his. “We could… we could run away, as you suggested.”
John shook his head definitively. “No, no. I want to earn you in the traditional way.”
Margaret uttered softly, “You know that is impossible.”
“Margaret, how many times do I have to inform you that anything is possible?”
