AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 3
That evening, Margaret lay in bed with a pleasant smile upon her lips. They had gotten John into Pelham Downs successfully, and now he was sleeping under her roof. Oh, but he was so handsome! His charming face was all that Margaret could think about and his athletic build.
As they were seated under the tree earlier that afternoon, Margaret tried to look away as much as possible for fear that she might be caught staring. But she did wish to inspect him more and delight in his appeal.
Gazing up at the ceiling in her darkroom, Margaret considered the timing of things and what John had said about her impending marriage. He seemed rather concerned by the notion of it, and although this sentiment was abrupt in him, for some reason, it made Margaret feel good, knowing that he instantly cared. In fact, John seemed even more concerned than Jane! Yes, there was something so different about him.
It was not only his appearance that changed, but John also had those qualities which Margaret could only describe as noble. He was a man now, both in appearance and spirit. There was something solid and grounded about him, and this was also appealing because Margaret feared that she might float away at any moment.
Margaret crinkled her nose as she thought of all of this. She didn’t use to be so vulnerable, as though a large wind could knock her over. She used to be grounded and strong—sure of who she was and what she wanted from life.
But after the loss of her mother and her father’s change in character, Margaret feared that she didn’t know who she was any longer. She often felt nervous, and was unsure about the future. This was not like herself in the slightest. Margaret longed for those halcyon days when she felt the ground beneath her feet.
Turning onto her side, Margaret gazed out the window and smiled to herself once more as she thought of John. Was he sleeping in that very moment? Perhaps he was awake, just as she was, gazing out his own window. How remarkable it would be to meet him in the hall and converse. She wished to know about him so much more, but asking Jane would be out of the question. It would perhaps give away Margaret’s fascination.
Closing her eyes, Margaret thought of John’s face once more before gently falling asleep, and when she awoke the following day, she recalled that they were to have their picnic, and she was filled with delight! Margaret would inform the cook that morning that they would need sandwiches for the event, but of course, she would not inform the cook that it would be a picnic for three, lest this information be shared with Margaret’s father.
It came as a shock when Margaret went down to the breakfast room and saw her father scowling. Was there a chance that he discovered John in Pelham Down? That would be the most horrible occurrence! No, there was no way that he knew. John said that he would sneak out quite early in the morning. Margaret desperately hoped that everything had gone to plan.
“Be seated, Daughter,” the viscount said.
“I trust that you slept well.”
“It was a late night.”
Yes, the viscount looked a little worse for wear. “Perhaps you should banish such late nights… considering everything that has become of it.”
Margaret instantly knew that she had said too much. It was not like her to be so bold with her father, and the expression upon his face told her that she had indeed stepped over the line.
“I do not think that any of that requires your comments.”
“You are right, Father.”
But this matter very much did require her comments! Because of her father’s drinking and gambling, Margaret’s fate was no longer her own! How was it that he could not see that? Truly, she could not get through to him, and so yet again, Margaret held her tongue.
“Who was the young man outside?”
Margaret froze. She felt the blood drain from her cheeks. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t pretend as though you don’t know what I’m asking. A young man was walking with you and Jane. I request to know who it was.”
At the very least, it didn't seem as though the viscount knew that the same man had slept under his roof. “That is Jane’s sister, John Harrington. He is visiting from Cornwall and is a most kind man.”
“Why did you not ask permission?”
“He came upon us suddenly. It was even a surprise to Jane.” Now was the time to come out with a bit more of the truth, lest her father spy upon her again. “He is joining us again outside… if you’re amenable to that.”
The viscount paused, his expression frigid. “Why should I agree to that?”
“Because Jane is my best friend, and this is her brother. It’s perfectly harmless, Father.”
To Margaret’s surprise, it seemed as though her father was actually considering her words. “I shall allow it this one time. But you will keep me abreast of such encounters for the foreseeable future.”
“Yes, Father.” Margaret bowed her head and did her best to conceal the little smile that threatened to come to her lips. Her father had actually agreed! Now, Margaret could tell the cook to prepare a picnic for three, and there was no need to sneak around. Oh, but John would be so delighted to know that their plan had gone to perfection, and the viscount had not discovered him the night before or that morning.
The rest of the day was spent in anticipation of the picnic. Jane dressed her in a fine paisley gown, and Margaret wore her best bonnet. Once everything was complete, the two girls made their way into the field, and to Margaret’s delight, John was already seated under the tree.
***
