AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jane cleared her throat before proceeding. “Because John said that he encountered them there.”
Margaret was struck dumb. Could it be possible? “How did he know that they were there?”
“That is a very interesting question and one that my brother could not explain. Oh, he is playing with fire, as he always does.”
“Well… what did he say to them? Did my father recognize him?”
“John explained that the viscount has only seen him from a distance. He did not know that it was my brother, and John told them what it means to love.”
Margaret laughed aloud, thinking it so like John Harrington to do such an audacious thing. “And what was their reply to this?”
“Apparently, they took him for a fool that had lost his wits. Oh, Margaret, you see what my brother is capable of? He is going to make a mess of everything. You should tell him to put a stop to this before calamity strikes!”
Margaret considered Jane’s words. No, she would not stop John. She would allow him to do as he pleased, so long as he was the one that held onto her heart so strongly. “Do you not think it is a tad humorous?” Margaret asked, grateful for that bit of levity.
“I suppose… a little bit.” Now, Jane could not help but smile.
As Jane continued to peruse the gowns, Margaret gazed out the window and continued to smile. So, John encountered Lord Darkmoor and gave him a talking to? Maybe he could truly find a way to set her free, after all. Where did John’s boldness come from? This was something that remained a mystery for Margaret.
“I think that the lavender shall do,” Jane said, pulling the dress from the wardrobe and holding it up for Margaret to see.
“No, select something less… beautiful. There is still a chance that Darkmoor was drunk when he agreed to this, and he might refuse me.”
“There is no chance that he will refuse you,” Jane assured her.
“What a terrible thing to say.”
“Margaret, you are beautiful in every way. Of course, he will want to marry you.” Jane approached, draping the gown over Margaret. “I know that my brother provides some allure, but this must be accepted.”
“Jane, can I ask you a serious question?” It was high time that Margaret did.
“Yes?” Jane cocked her head.
“Why do you not wish for my happiness?”
Jane sighed deeply. She walked over and placed the gown upon the bed. Then she seated herself beside it. “My brother’s sense of freedom has always troubled me,” Jane began to explain. “Since he was a young boy, he did not believe in restraint of any kind. I was the opposite, you see. I believed in a life of duty and devotion. I found that here, at Pelham Downs. Although I find many aspects of society unsavory, I do think that the restraints in society are necessary.”
Margaret was crestfallen. These aspects of Jane’s character troubled her. “Why would you not believe in freedom, Jane? It is one of the most important elements of life.”
A tear came to Jane’s eye. “My parents believed in freedom, as well. And it frightened me. There was nothing to depend upon. Nothing to believe in. To me… it felt like chaos.”
Empathy filled Margaret as she listened to Jane’s words. Yes, she could see how it might have been frightening for Jane, being untethered at a young age. And it was certainly within Jane’s character to wish for order. But to think that all of this fear led to her current beliefs was baffling.
“We are different in many respects,” Margaret went on. “And truly, there is nothing amiss with that. But I do hope you understand that I shall endeavor to do what is best for myself, no matter what my father says.”
“Yes, I perceive that you will. I just want you to be safe, Margaret. All that I care for is your safety and the knowledge that you will be taken care of for the rest of your days.”
Margaret felt like she and Jane came to an understanding at that moment. Jane would always be something of a parental figure, as well as a maid and confidant. Margaret would accept her protectiveness, with the full knowledge that she would still do what was best for herself.
But what was best? Margaret thought that fleeing as soon as possible would be best, although this would put her in danger and harm’s way. Still, she trusted that John would protect her throughout all of this. Yes, courage was necessary for moving forward, and Margaret felt her courage mounting each and every day.
That afternoon, Margaret took tea in her room and decided to compose another letter to John. It was unbearable not being able to see him. All that she could think of was that elated feeling of kissing him and the sensation of being in his arms. All of these thoughts and so many more filled her as she composed the letter.
John,
Your words move me to tears each time I read your letter. Lord Darkmoor is coming to dinner this very evening, and I am a mess of nerves. I know that you will be thinking of me, just as I will be thinking of you. Trust that I love you, and with each passing moment that I am not in your presence, this love grows all the more from missing you.
I will send word how the dinner transpires, and I will be saying a prayer that Darkmoor will change his opinion of me in some way. Lend me your courage. I shall need all of it this evening.
You have my heart,
Margaret
