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“The viscount is entirely three sheets to the wind,” Jane said mournfully.
“And should we even be surprised? Oh, Jane. He just gets worse and worse.” They strolled along, making their way to Farthington by foot. “Do you think that his condition will improve if I marry Darkmoor? To my mind, nothing will change my father, whether he has money or not.”
“I agree with you,” Jane replied sadly. “I do not imagine that anything shall change him. Even when you are gone—no matter who you marry—I do not foresee Pelham Downs having a resurrection of any kind.”
It was all too sad to think of. Margaret banished this conversation with a wave of the hand. “Let us not speak of these matters any further. We shall have fun tonight.” She encircled her arm through Jane’s. “We shall forget all of our worries and cares and enjoy the adventure that lies ahead. That is the very best that we can do.”
“You have said that right, Margaret.”
As they continued their walk, Margaret was struck by the beauty of the night. The stars shone brightly overhead, and all the clouds had parted, allowing the bright light of the moon to cascade down upon them. It was so freeing, being clothed in night, and it made Margaret think of the delicious time that she and John were in the field in such darkness. Nothing could touch them then. Oh, there were so many wonderful memories to cherish, even in such a short while.
The walk finally concluded at the main road of Farthington. Off in the distance, there was the sound of music and laughing. That must be where the country dance was being held. There was an excited energy in the air as they approached, and for a moment, Margaret even felt nervous. When was the last time that she allowed herself to have fun and not worry about her circumstances?
Margaret froze once they reached the entrance door and said, “Are you sure that this is a good idea?”
Jane cocked her head to the side in frustration. “Margaret, moments ago, you were speaking of your excitement. Of course, it is a good idea!” Jane took her by the hand and led her inside, and once within, Margaret’s mouth dropped open as she beheld all the jubilance and excitement that awaited them within.
But what really made her heart dance was seeing John standing there as though waiting for their arrival. “He is here,” Margaret said breathlessly.
“Who is here?”
“John.”
Finally, Jane spotted her brother. “Oh, yes, he is. I was wondering if he heard the news. Come, let us join him.”
For Margaret, it was a dream. In fact, each time that she beheld John, it was something of a dream. If they could truly live the rest of their lives together, was that what it would be like? Would it be endless happiness and effortlessness? Margaret certainly assumed so.
As they approached, a broad smile appeared on John’s lips. “This is something of a surprise.”
“Brother, I was not sure if you heard the announcement in the tavern.”
John quipped, “Didn’t everyone?”
Margaret laughed, and when John’s eyes turned upon her, it was as though meeting him for the first time. “We snuck away,” Margaret explained.
“I am most happy that you did.”
“I was not aware that you like to dance,” Margaret remarked.
“I enjoy it from time to time, though I rarely partake.”
As Margaret and John stood staring at one another, Jane rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Come, you two. Let us get refreshments.”
In the corner, a table was set with various cakes and sandwiches. There was a punch bowl, and after John poured Margaret some of the pink liquid, she noted that there was something strong inside!
“What is in here?”
“Some sort of liqueur,” John said.
“Heavens, perhaps we are in for a long evening.”
Margaret rarely did partake of strong drinks, but considering that she was in John’s company, she knew that she had nothing to fear. They sipped and chatted, and Margaret had to look away from John several times due to the butterflies in her stomach. Oh, would she ever banish those excited nerves when in his company?
Just then, a man approached Margaret from behind and said, “May I have the next dance?”
Margaret was dumbfounded. But then she remembered just how loose and free country dances were, and she turned towards John to see if he approved. He seemed amused by this, for John smiled and nodded his head.
After being escorted to the dance floor, the music began, and so did the dance. There were perhaps twenty in formation, and as Margaret and her mystery partner danced about, Margaret kept looking to where John stood, seeing the amusement upon his face. Margaret was glad for it, and she did her very best to execute her moves so that she might see his fascination grow.
