AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Will you embrace your brother for me?”
“Certainly.” Jane lifted her brow. “But not in the same manner in which you embrace him.”
Both girls laughed, and then Jane silently left the roof. Margaret wrung her hands together and paced about the room. How would Jane judge her if she happened to read the letter that is in her hand! Oh, it was wretched of Margaret to say so much, yet again. But if anyone was to be open to her candid words, it was John.
Would she one day be Margaret Harrington? She very much liked the sound of it. She shook her head and smiled to herself. How was it possible to feel so much light and joy amidst a terrible situation? She would patiently wait for Jane to return, and then, she would listen to how John responded.
***
John sat at his desk dreamily. He knew that Jane was coming. It was only a matter of time. Just then, there was a knock upon the door, and John rose quickly. “Jane,” he said, pulling open the door. To his surprise, it was the proprietor of the inn that stood there.
“Mr. Harrington,” he said rather officially.
“Yes. How can I help you?”
“I am inquiring after how much longer you wish to remain so that I might inform the maid.”
John massaged the back of his neck. This was a difficult question to answer. “I am still unsure. But I am hoping… I am hoping to be leaving Farthington soon.”
What John could not mention was that he hoped to be leaving with Margaret on his arm.
“Very well. There is no pressure, of course. Your presence here is welcome.”
“And you have a finest establishment. I do thank you for your hospitality.”
“Any time, Mr. Harrington.” With that, the proprietor gave a bow of the head and retreated down the hall. Just as he did so, Jane approached, and John grinned from ear to ear.
“The messenger has arrived,” John said, stepping back into his room and motioning for Jane to do the same.
"She has written you a novel by now,” Jane said humorously.
“She could write me a hundred novels, and they would never be enough.”
In this instance, John did not have the patience to wait. He quickly opened the letter and began to read, his sister's eyes upon him. The very same heat that Margaret described came over him as he read her words, and all at once, John sensed that he was coloring.
“Are you blushing, Brother?” Jane asked.
He cleared his throat. “It is merely… a very beautiful letter.”
Jane rolled her eyes and replied, “Oh, I do not want to know!” She brought her hands over her ears. “This is all becoming too scandalous for words.”
John exhibited a boyish grin. “I am sorry that you have to see this.”
“No, you are not!” Jane protested. “You enjoy mortifying me.”
Jane shook her head feverishly and walked over to the window, clutching herself. “Is something troubling you?” John asked.
Jane sighed deeply. “Tonight, Margaret mentioned that I could go along with you… if I choose.” Jane turned towards her brother expectantly.
“She did?”
“Yes, and I understand that is a very difficult offer.”
To this, John did not know how to respond. He wanted Jane to be free, just as much as Margaret did. But how was he to explain that he wanted Margaret all to himself? “You are more than welcome,” he finally said.
“Really?”
“Of course, Jane. As long as you give us some privacy… from time to time.”
