AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 11
“What did he say? What was his expression?” Margaret asked desperately, just as soon as Jane entered her room.
“He was naturally upset.”
“But what else did he say? What did he do?” Margaret was in utter need of knowing the answers to these questions and so many more.
“Come and sit down, Margaret,” Jane instructed.
She did so, willing her heart to stop pounding in her chest. “I wish that I could have gone to him myself.”
“That would have been impossible. I tried to impart to my brother the same good sense that I imparted to you, and like you, he would not accept it.”
Margaret wanted to smile from this, but she prevented herself. The situation was far too grave for smiles.
“Did he say that he would come?”
Jane’s voice became hushed. “I warned him that coming too soon would not do anyone any good. He promised that he would hold back today.”
Margaret’s heart sank. She was desperate to see him that very day. “Why would you say such a thing to him?”
“Because your nerves are in knots, and I do not wish for you to get too tangled.”
Margaret sighed. Perhaps that was the best course of action, but Margaret was in a place where she cared not for the best course of action and only wanted relief from the pain and fear that she was feeling.
“Do you think that he will come at all?” Margaret asked faintly.
Jane nodded softly. “He will come, Margaret. There is no keeping him away. At least, not for long.”
But what did it even matter? There was nothing that they could do. Margaret longed to be let out of her cage, but the cage had been locked, and her father held the key.
“I have dreadful news,” Jane went on.
Now Margaret could not help but laugh. “Could there be anything worse?”
“I was told on my way to your room that Lord Darkmoor is coming for supper tomorrow evening.”
There was no sense in pleading or protesting. This was all to be expected, and Margaret was no surprised in the least. “I suppose that it is fitting that he should come and claim his winnings.”
“Do not speak of it in that manner.”
“But it is the truth, Jane. There is no denying it. I am winnings, and nothing more.”
Margaret got up and walked to the window, just as she had done the evening before. The rain was beginning fall, and Margaret found that fitting, as well. She would not be surprised if there were a continuous rain until her wedding day—the heavens reminding her that the rest of her life was to be sadness and regret.
“I know that he will come,” Margaret whispered, gazing at the field and wishing that John was approaching on his horse this very moment.
“I know that he will come, too. But perhaps… making closure would be best.”
Closure? How could Margaret close something so new and fresh? How could she put an end to something that was just beginning? For Margaret, this was the most heartbreaking notion of all. For their love had sprung up so recently and so quickly. Her mind was occupied with the potential of such a thing—the potential happiness that she might feel for the rest of her life if she were to be John Harrington’s wife.
“Come, let us get you dressed for tea,” Jane said, walking over to the wardrobe.
“I denied my father when he asked me to breakfast.”
“I am not surprised.”
“And I have a mind to deny him tea, as well.”
