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The two of them shared a good laugh, and Margaret was grateful for it. She and Jane had laughed earlier, as well. These precious moments were more important for Margaret than ever before.
Finally, the cook bowed and excused herself, and there was a pleasant atmosphere left in her wake. No, Margaret was not alone. Although there were few people in her life, each of them was warm and kind. If only her father could see that. If only he could see that he had become the villain of Pelham Downs when he had previously not been. Heartbreak could do such wretched things to a person, and Margaret was determined to keep her heart light and dull in the face of everything that challenged her.
Several minutes later, there was another knock at the door, and Margaret desperately hoped that it was not her father. She was most happy when Jane stepped in. “I have good news.”
“What is that?”
“There is a country dance tonight, and I think that we should go!”
“Jane, what has gotten into you?”
“I was leaving from the tavern, where John and I enjoyed some ale.”
“Jane, are you drunk?” Margaret asked humorously.
“Just listen!” Jane went on. “Just as I was leaving the tavern and had already bid my adieus to John, someone hollered out that there was a dance tonight in Farthington. My brother had a very nice discussion over our ale, and he expressed that… I should live a little.”
Margaret smiled warmly. Of course, John gave her that suggestion. All at once, before she could respond to the suggestion of the dance, Margaret blurted out, “What did he think of my letter?”
Jane rolled her eyes. “He blushed from ear to ear. What on earth did you say?”
Margaret brought a hand over her mouth, not being able to explain all. “Some things are best left in private.”
“You are so very wicked, Margaret.”
“Not in the least. I merely… am in love.”
Jane sighed. “I cannot imagine how you could fall in love with someone as wretched as my brother,” she teased. “But I forgive you all the same. And I have come to an important decision.”
“What is that?” Margaret asked.
“I shall fall in love one day too.”
“Oh, Jane. I have no doubt!”
The girls continued to chat, and all the while, Margaret could not help but marvel at the fact that she made John blush! If only he knew how many times he had made her blush. But then again, he had seen it written on her face countless times.
Although Margaret wished to turn down the dance, she could not help but think that perhaps John would be there if someone made the announcement in the tavern. If there were even a slight chance that he would be there, then Margaret would not hesitate. The only problem remained: would her father allow her to go?
“There is no chance that Father will say yes,” Margaret said.
“Then let us sneak out!”
“Jane, what has come over you? It is as though you have changed entirely.”
“Come, it will be good for both of us. And your father shall not expect. There is a very good chance that he is out gambling this very moment.”
Margaret sighed. Yes, there was an almost certain chance of that. Could they get away with it? Come what may, Margaret wished to try. “Let us go, Jane. Pick me out a remarkably simple gown. I want to fit in with all the rest. In fact, do not tell a soul that I am the daughter of Viscount Bolton!”
“I shall not tell a soul!”
With that, the girls jubilantly prepared themselves for the dance. Margaret could not recall the last time that she attended a country dance, but she was always keen on dancing and country dancing in particular. It allowed one to be free and wild. If anything, Margaret wished to be unencumbered.
Once they were ready, the girls crept down the hall quietly. There was perhaps no reason for them to do so, for Pelham Downs was entirely silent. But, as they passed down the main hall, Margaret beheld a light coming from her father’s study, and she froze, placing a hand upon Jane’s shoulder. She nodded in the direction of the study, and her eyes went wide with fear.
Jane nodded her head for them to proceed, but Margaret was in doubt. As they slowly passed the study—the door ajar—Margaret noted that her father was slumped over his desk, an empty bottle of brandy by his side. Her exhale spoke of her disappointment and also her sadness. It was so heartbreaking to see her father in such a state. Despite his terrible behavior, Margaret sincerely pitied the man.
They quietly opened the door and exited, and once outside, Margaret said, “That was much easier than I suspected.”
