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Chapter 20
Margaret sat patiently in the inn, Jane holding her hand all the while. Her father had left that morning to speak with the accountants and informed Margaret that she was to stay in her room. This was just another indication that her father would never allow her freedom, and once this business was done, she could finally live the life that she desired with John.
She released Jane’s hand, walking over to the window and gazing at the London skyline. “Such splendor,” Margaret said.
Jane joined her by her side. “I should like to live here one day. Find another employer.”
Margaret turned towards her in shock. “Truly? You do not wish to come with us?”
Jane shook her head. “It is not my business to be with you now if everything goes to plan. You have your whole life ahead of you, Margaret, and I have mine.” Jane became dreamy. “How wonderful it would be to work in a townhome in London. To go to the market each day and traverse the bustling streets. That is the life that I want.”
“I am confident that you can accomplish that and so much more, Jane. You will find what you desire in life.”
Jane placed a hand upon her shoulder. “Just as you shall.”
“I already have.”
The two girls smiled at one another, then Margaret returned her attention to the window, feeling hope flood her. “This could all be done with today. My, what a journey this has been. I never once thought when John came riding through that field on his horse that he would change the course of my life.”
“I knew it.”
Margaret turned to Jane in shock. “You did?”
“Indeed. I just sensed something. I could not tell at the time what it was, but I had a feeling that John was here to stay… in more ways than one.”
Margaret brought her hands to her cheeks. “How odd life is. I did know when I first looked into his eyes that there was something remarkable there, but never did I think that that would change everything.”
“Oh, it’s abominable having this conversation about my brother!” Jane exclaimed. “But I do understand what you two share.”
Margaret could not help but laugh. “Yes, I feel dreadful having to tell you all of these things, but you are my only support. All these years, you have been there for me unconditionally, Jane. You do not know how much that has meant to me.”
They embraced, and Margaret felt tears well in her eyes. Jane said, “You have been my support, as well. You have been my whole life, Margaret. Nothing shall change that. Even as we part ways.”
Although Margaret’s heart was breaking at the notion that she and Jane would part, she knew that it would not be the last time she would see her maid. Margaret would not have it so, and neither would John. They would see one another again. Margaret was sure of it.
Just then, there was a commotion at the door, and Margaret’s heart quickened. Surely, that was her father returning. She raced to the door, and when it was opened, her father stood there, his hat in his hand.
“Be seated, Margaret,” the viscount said.
From his blank expression, Margaret feared that perhaps her hopes would be dashed upon the rocks.
“What has happened?” Margaret asked, flooded with anticipation.
“I have spoken with the gentlemen that John suggested. As it turns out,” he said with a sigh, “John was speaking the truth. The men admitted to Darkmoor’s financial trouble, as well as John’s financial soundness.”
After such delightful news, Margaret could not tell why her father had tears in his eyes. “I knew that he was telling the truth. But Father, why are you crying?”
He seated himself, his hat still in his hands. “Because I was a fool. I see that now, Daughter. I was a fool to have trusted Darkmoor, and also, I’m a fool for having squandered all of my money and for having sold you to the highest bidder.”
Margaret stood and walked over to her father, taking him by the hand. “We all make mistakes.”
“This was more than a mistake. This was a catastrophe. I was so blind because Darkmoor told me that my debtors were going to take my life. I lost you in that game of cards, and I should have seen my folly sooner. Understand, Daughter, I am a broken man. Everything has gone to ruin.”
“Not any longer,” Margaret said, crouching before him. “Everything has been amended. John has amended it. He is the only man that I have ever loved, and I shall love him for the rest of my days.”
The viscount brought a hand to her cheek. “That makes me truly happy. Some time ago, I knew what true love was, and it was taken from me. Now, I have the assurance that you will taste real love, and I sincerely hope that it shall not leave you with heartbreak.”
Margaret cocked her head to the side and smiled. “I sense that it shall never leave me. Already, our love is eternal. Nothing shall change that.”
