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Chapter 19
As John watched the Bolton carriage depart, he felt vindication already. Everything had come together according to plan, and now, the viscount would learn the truth and Margaret would finally be his wife. Still, through it all, John could not help but feel guilty that he had not informed Margaret earlier of the truth and the investigation he’d undertook.
Examining the truth behind Darkmoor’s character did not take long. John had always been good with such matters, and finally, his skill came to fruition and would win him the only woman that had ever captured his heart. For this reason and so many more, John felt an immense sense of accomplishment and looked forward to forging the rest of his life with Margaret.
It was agreed that John could stay at Pelham Downs whilst the viscount and Margaret were in London. Jane had ventured with them, which left John alone in a large home that had once thrived. He requested that Margaret send word to him once she had arrived in London, and he informed her that she should return just as soon as the business was done.
In the meantime, John could not help but explore Pelham Downs—the home that had once known so much happiness and glory. The walls were dusty, and the floor needed to be swept. It was impossible that Margaret could have gone on living in such an environment. Upon reaching the kitchens, John stepped inside and discovered the cook there—an older woman who was perhaps older than her years suggested, if only from all the work she had to do.
“Good afternoon,” John said.
The cook turned with a start and brought her hand to her chest. “Oh, Sir. I was not expecting you.”
“I shall be staying for a few days whilst the master of the house is in London.”
“He informed me of that,” the cook said with a bow. “Oh, where does my head go these days?” she said, flustered.
“May I ask, what has compelled you to stay on at Pelham Downs after everything that has happened?”
The cook shrugged. “You know, I ask myself that very same question quite often. I suppose that it’s nostalgia.” She looked dreamily up towards the heavens. “I miss Lady Bolton so. My, what a marvelous woman she was. She had a great fondness for this home, and that sentiment remains in my heart. And over the years, I could not bear to see the master fall asunder in the manner that he did. I imagined that if I left here… I would feel guilty in some way.”
John felt deeply for this woman. She was clearly a woman of honor and duty, and if she had not been there all these years, what would have become of Pelham Downs? John imagined that it might have fallen apart completely.
“Is there anything, in particular, you’d like for supper?” the cook asked.
“Whatever is convenient,” John replied with a smile.
Upon excusing himself and leaving the kitchens, John heard a knock upon the door. Knowing that there were no footmen present, he proceeded to answer it, opening the door to discover none other than Darkmoor.
“I suppose that you’re the master of the house,” Darkmoor said.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to speak with the viscount. Is he at home?”
John could not help but smile. This was the very man that he had sent with his tail between his legs. Was he coming for another challenge? If that was what he wanted, then John would give it to him.
“He has ventured to London to meet with my accountant… and yours.”
“I see.” Darkmoor lifted his brow. “May I come in?”
“Are you armed?”
“I am not.”
“Then you may.”
John led Darkmoor inside just as the cook was coming down the hall with a tea tray in her hands. Her mouth dropped open in shock. “Tea for two,” John instructed her before leading Darkmoor into the parlor.
“I’m partially surprised that you did not invite me into the study so that you could sit behind the viscount’s desk,” Darkmoor said humorously.
“Because I shall never pretend to be the owner of Pelham Downs. This home is cursed, in some respect.”
“Tell me something,” Darkmoor went on, seating himself on a sofa. “Do you really think that this will work with Margaret?”
“I know that it will work. She is the woman that I love.”
“What about her do you love?” Darkmoor asked in curiosity.
