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Chapter 14
“So, you have actually come to speak with me,” the viscount said, folding his hands over his desk.
“I want a sensible conversation,” Margaret replied.
“Do you think that you can be sensible? If so, you must listen to reason.”
“There is no reason in what you do. I am here to calmly ask that you free me from Lord Darkmoor. There is a different path that I wish to take, and I would like to receive your blessing to do so.”
“Ha! My blessing to send me to debtor’s prison? Is that what you are after? Daughter, if I am sent to prison, then you have nothing. You are utterly bereft. We shall lose Pelham Downs and all the rich history that resides here. Is that what you truly want?”
Margaret felt her emotions rise in her chest. Her father was threatening her again, and she wanted nothing to do with it. She would rather have her happiness than Pelham Downs, and what’s more, she would not be upset if her father was sent to prison. That was perhaps where he deserved to be.
“I am asking for a calm conversation,” Margaret went on. “And already, you are becoming belligerent.”
“Nonsense.”
“Father, may I ask an important question?”
“I cannot prevent you.”
“Was mother forced into the marriage with you? Was she given no choice?”
The viscount became pensive. He appeared hurt by the question. “No, she chose my love.”
“So, mother married for love, and now you will not let your own daughter do the same?”
“Quiet yourself! Your mother was penniless. She was fortunate to marry me.”
“If only she could see you now.”
With that, a horrible silence followed. Her father appeared more incensed than ever. He slowly rose from his seat, his gaze fixed upon her. “Your mother would understand that I must do what is necessary.”
“She would weep for the fact that her daughter is being forced to marry a terrible man. How can you not see that? How can you be so blind? Oh, I have wept enough tears over this matter, and I shall not weep anymore. But it utterly breaks my heart to think that you have no care or consideration for me in the slightest. I am nothing to you, and you seek to ruin my entire life because of your blindness.”
Margaret’s voice exhibited very little emotion, despite her strong words. She was more determined than ever to remain grounded and steady in her convictions. Even if her father were blind, he would not blind her, as well. Margaret would be strong… for John’s sake.
Just as soon as he came to mind, it was as though Margaret was instantly transported. The evening before had been pure bliss, and it pained her to have to ask him to depart. But it was sound judgement, because he needed to leave before her father returned. Oh, but how horrible it was to watch him go!
“Daughter, where has your mind wandered to?”
“I was… distracted.” Margaret turned her face away from his. There wasn’t any sense in explaining to him, and she certainly could not tell her father about John. Even though she longed for him to know all, she feared for John’s safety if she were to tell her father the truth.
“You are always distracted. You always have your head in the clouds.” The viscount shook his head ferociously. “When you are married to Darkmoor, I know that your character shall be amended. He will tame you, daughter. This I know.”
Margaret spoke through her teeth. “I do not wish to be tamed. My spirit is my own, and I will let it be.”
The viscount laughed to himself. “We shall see about that. Exit this study at once.”
“There is more that I need to say.”
“Then have out with it because there are other things that I wish to do.”
Margaret’s shoulders slumped. Was she saying all of this in vain? No, there would never be any getting through to her father, and she might as well do as he asked. “Very well. I shall leave.”
“Darkmoor will be coming in one day’s time. See that you take pains to pick the appropriate gown.”
“And why is it so important that I make a good impression on him now? I have been given away to him. What is done is done.” Margaret crossed her arms in front of her chest.
