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“That will be unnecessary, good man. I enjoy the rain.”
The proprietor gave him a curious expression before John departed. Yes, being doused in the rain was the least of John’s concerns. His only fear was that, because of the weather, Margaret would not choose to come outside. But if her feelings were anywhere near as strong as his own, there would be no chance of that.
As he approached Pelham Downs on his horse, John marveled at the estate. At night, the home was illuminated from within, and one would never suspect that it was as ramshackle as it really was. It made John think of what it was like in Pelham Downs’ glory days. He remembers it, even though he only saw it briefly.
Jane took so much pride in the home then, and the staff was ample. No, first encountering Margaret never left his memory, but she was a girl then—tiny and frail. Although she still appeared frail, she was no girl anymore—she was the woman he loved.
He came to the front door yet again, hoping that Jane would be there to greet him. He knocked upon it gently, and within a few moments, it was most certainly Jane that answered, saying in a whisper, “She is in the parlor.”
“Will she come out?”
“It is pouring rain!” Jane protested. “Come inside.”
John’s eyes went wide with shock. “Truly?”
“Yes, truly. Now, be quick about it.”
John could not believe his good fortune. He would thank his sister a thousand times over just as soon as he had the chance. But for now, Margaret was the only thing on his mind.
She was seated in the parlor by the fire, her hands neatly folded in her lap. As soon as she saw John, she jumped up and quickly ran into his arms. John held her tight, never wishing to let go. Once he pulled away, he saw that Jane had fled without saying a word.
“How is this possible?” John asked, gazing into Margaret’s eyes.
“My father is out gambling.”
“Will he never learn?”
“I fear that he will not. There is no changing him. All that I wish to do is change my own circumstances.”
“And so you shall,” John said, bringing a hand to Margaret’s cheek. She closed her eyes as he did so, and John considered that he might be the happiest man in the world for winning Margaret’s love.
“Come, let us be seated,” Margaret said, taking John by the hand. They sat on the ground in front of the fire so that they might be as close as possible.
Before being able to speak, John watched as the firelight danced upon Margaret’s face. The sound of rain was all that was heard, as well as the crackling of the fire. Finally, John broke this silence by saying, “You are the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Margaret replied humorously, “I do not feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, only the most vexed.”
“You are not vexed. Not when I am within your presence.”
Margaret smiled warmly. “I was about to express the same sentiment.”
They sat there staring at one another. John desperately wished to lean in and kiss her, but it was too soon. And what’s more, John was rather convinced that he could not control himself in such a setting. Margaret deserved to be made love to like a lady, and not ravished on the floor, however much John wished for that.
“Tell me… do you long for children?” Margaret asked.
Although such a question would seem terribly bold from anyone else, it was Margaret that asked the question. “I do if you long for them.”
Margaret laughed to herself. “I never imagined that such a thing would pop into my head. But being with you… makes me long for a family.”
John’s heart was positively exploding. Yes, he longed to have a family with Margaret, as well. In fact, he longed for anything that she longed for. But mostly, he just longed to be in her presence.
They sat there for some time, holding hands and looking into the fire, both with smiles upon their lips. Margaret would blush from time to time, which John delighted in. All in all, he was so completely content that he would not have to say a word.
“I love you, John,” Margaret finally said.
The moment was now ripe. John leaned in, ever so slowly, and claimed Margaret’s lips. The kiss was soft, intimate, and gentle, and when it was done, John immediately initiated a second.
