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Father and daughter stared into one another’s eyes for some time, and behind her, Margaret heard Jane’s sniffles. She must be crying from witnessing the scene before her. There was so much joy in the air now. Everything had been resolved, and the only thing that remained was to throw herself into John’s arms just as soon as they returned. This was redemption of the highest order, and Margaret was sincerely grateful for it.
The viscount stood, and they embraced. Margaret could feel her father’s penitence, and it coursed through her like a healing balm, extinguishing all past wrongs. “You have time and space now to make amends with yourself,” Margaret said softly. “There is still time to change.”
The viscount took a flask from his coat and threw it across the room. “That is exactly what I intend to do. This habit has plagued me for too long, and now it’s time to be the father that you always needed.”
Margaret felt forceful tears come to her eyes. Yes, she entirely believed that her father would do just that, and somewhere in heaven, their mother was looking down upon them and smiling.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in gaiety. There was no time to write to John, for they would be leaving that very day, and she would taste the sweetness of his kisses soon. How remarkable the rest of her life was to be, and how stunning that she would finally be the free woman that she always felt like inside.
The viscount allowed the two girls to explore London whilst he finished his preparations to leave. Jane and Margaret walked hand in hand, delighting in all the wonderful sights that surrounded them. Margaret could not temper her joy, and she felt like she was practically skipping along with Jane by her side.
They found a charming tea shop that Margaret entered, purchasing a tin of black tea to remember the journey. As she handed over her coins, the clerk said, “You look like a very happy young lady.”
Margaret nodded. “That I most certainly am.”
As she took her tea and exited into the street, Jane said, “I think that I shall stay.”
“What?” Margaret turned to her in shock. “How will you get on? Where will you stay?”
“In a private conference with my brother, he remarked that he would support me in whatever endeavors I choose. I shall send him a letter, telling him of the inn where I remain, and I shall take this time to search for employment.”
Margaret could not believe her ears. She was happy for Jane and so sad at the same time. “What shall I do without you?” Margaret asked softly.
“You will be truly happy,” Jane brought a hand to Margaret’s cheek. “For once, you will be truly happy.”
“But what of the wedding? What of saying goodbye to John one more time?”
“He will understand. I must discover my own future, Margaret, now that you have discovered your own. It is the only way.”
As they returned to the inn, Margaret was still in shock from Jane’s decision. Perhaps it was for the best, but there was so much pain when Margaret considered that she would not see Jane for some time. She really was forging ahead with her life, just as Margaret was. How marvelous to think that both of them secured their own happiness.
Upon returning to the inn, Jane relayed her plans to the viscount, and he wished her well, offering whatever money he had to help Jane get along. Once they went down to their coach, Margaret and Jane embraced one last time. “We shall see one another again,” Jane assured her.
“I have no doubt,” Margaret replied with tears in her eyes.
“And the next time, you shall be a married woman! Perhaps, one day, I shall be the same.”
The goodbye was bitter-sweet.
On the journey home, Margaret smiled the whole way. Her father was reformed, she was in love, and she could not wait to have John hold her again. Oh, her mind ventured to other things that she wished to do with him, but those things would have to wait! Margaret needed to steady herself when she thought of what a husband and wife might be allowed to do once they were wed. Margaret craved these things when it came to John. Never had a man made her crave such things before!
Upon reaching Pelham Downs, her father helped her down, and Margaret practically ran to the front door, discovering John standing there with open arms. She catapulted herself into his arms, feeling as he held her tight. “It has all worked out,” Margaret said with a smile.
“Did you ever doubt me?”
She shook her head. “How could I have doubted you? I trust you completely, and now, you are to be my husband.”
“I shall be your husband for eternity, and you will be my only concern in life.”
Margaret pulled her head away from his chest and asked, “Where shall we live?”
“Wherever you choose.”
“I want a simple life and nothing more. I want to be near you, cook your meals, see your face every morning when I wake.”
John smiled. “You shall have that and so much more.”
John leaned in, bringing his lips to Margaret’s. She felt every muscle in her body relax. Yes, Margaret felt entirely safe, but then she heard her father clear his throat and pulled back with a start.
