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“If Jane wants to come, she will be invited.”
This last statement pained him, for John wished to have Margaret all to himself. But in all things, he wished to make her happy.
“I doubt that she will comply,” Margaret said faintly. “She will want us to have our privacy. What’s more, she prefers to work.”
“Then, at the very least, we shall get her out of your father’s home.”
Margaret nodded in compliance, and then it was as though she had a sudden realization, for her face went wide. “What if father does not agree.”
“He will not have a choice, Margaret.”
“But you know how my father can be. He must have his way in all things.”
“No longer,” John assured her warmly.
Margaret brought her face very close to his, and John’s body was flooded with heat when he realized that she was about to kiss him. His impatience took over and John brought his lips to hers, pulling her in firmly so that her body was pressed against his. He heard her softly moan, and this only reminded John of all the other moans and sighs he would be privy to for the rest of his married life.
The kiss grew hungrier and hungrier as they stood there. Margaret’s body writhed against his, and this caused John to emit a low growl of pleasure. Having enjoyed this passion for several minutes, John pulled away and said, “I must get this business with your father concluded today. I cannot wait any longer.”
It was the truth. If that kiss taught him anything, it was that his patience had worn thin. He wanted Margaret—all of her. But he must make sure that her honor remained intact, and that required speaking with the viscount.
“Shall we go at once?” Margaret asked.
John replied with a nod of the head and led her back to his horse, who waited calmly. John helped her up onto the horse using little effort, and once she was secure, he hopped on behind her. John did not wish to kick his heels into his horse and ride at the customary pace. It would frighten Margaret.
Instead, they went at a comfortable pace as John enjoyed feeling her back pressed against his chest. He swelled with pride once more, knowing that soon, she would be his. All his.
***
Margaret felt a mixture of excitement, relief, and fear. What would her father say? What’s more, knowing now of John’s financial situation, it was still a mystery as to what else he was hiding. He seemed entirely confident in his ability to win her hand.
“How did you know where I was?” Margaret asked, still pressed against him.
“I did a bit of investigation,” he said into her ear.
“Into Darkmoor?”
“Indeed.”
“And what did you find?”
John fell silent before saying, “I shall wait to reveal all of this once we’re in front of your father.”
Margaret found all of this to be mysterious, but there was nothing else to say. She entirely trusted the man that sat behind her, leading the way to her freedom. As he continued to ride the horse, his arms came around her so that John could clutch the reigns.
This delicious closeness was exactly what Margaret had been craving for some time. As well as the kiss… Oh, there was so much on the horizon that she and John could share! There was so much that she anticipated experiencing with him and Margaret knew that all of this would make her feel joyous and complete.
Although it was horrifying to see the interaction between Darkmoor and John, seeing his heroics only made her love and longing for him increase. John had given everything to help her to escape, and now, all the fears and reservations that she had felt before entirely melted away whilst she rode on that horse in John’s arms.
It was not long before Pelham Downs was before them, and Jane was the first to come out the entrance door. “Margaret!” she called out. “Margaret!”
“Jane!” Margaret rushed to her maid, embracing her tightly and tears forming in her eyes. What a tremendous relief, and also, so much joyous news to express. “John waylaid Darkmoor and me,” Margaret explained. “And after a horrifying scene, Darkmoor agreed to let me go.”
“However could he do such a thing?”
Margaret turned towards John, searching for an explanation. John said, “This must be expressed in good time. I am here to ask the viscount for Margaret’s hand.”
Jane’s face fell open in shock. “You are what?”
