Page 21 of Surrendering to a Lady's Touch

“Brother, don’t pretend that you know of such things. I was telling Margaret this very morning that this match, although not ideal, is still favorable. Can you imagine what the living conditions at Pelham Downs might be like in one year’s time if she remains? No, no, this situation with Lord Darkmoor must be embraced.”

“Nonsense, Sister.” John leaned his back against the trunk of the tree. “I cannot speak for Margaret, of course, but a forced marriage is a forced marriage.”

Margaret said softly, “I see it that way, as well.”

“I knew that we shared this view.” John’s voice was warm and grave. “Therefore, I suggest that you do nothing with your hair and don’t even bother to change your gown.”

Now, Margaret laughed heartily.

“Brother, I am tired of this nonsense. It is as though you do not respect my job in the slightest,” Jane admonished.

Margaret dropped her smile, and although she found it vexing, she considered that Jane was like something of a mother figure to her, so she allowed it to pass.

Just then, the cook called out from Pelham Downs. “Jane! His lordship is summoning you!”

Jane looked perplexed, as though she never expected such a summons. “I’ll be there, ma'am!”

“How very odd,” Margaret remarked.

“Well, I can’t leave you here with him,” Jane said, getting up and placing her hands upon her hips.

“I will return with you,” Margaret replied, although the notion of it struck her heart.

“Nonsense. Tell the viscount that I have departed.”

“John, he will never believe such a thing.”

“Trust me. He will.”

“And why do you say that?” Jane asked, cocking her head.

“Because he is perhaps on his first drink, and the first drink is always the most deceptive.”

Margaret eyed John suspiciously. “It sounds like you know about this well.”

“I used to have trouble with the substance, myself,” he admitted plainly.

This struck Margaret. Yes, John Harrington was a very honest and nobleman, and he was wise.

Jane sighed and slumped her shoulders. “I suppose that we shall see. I’ll return as soon as I’m able.”

With that, Jane fled, and Margaret felt her heart dance in her chest. “You are very kind,” Margaret said to John. “I want to be in the fresh air, and I do delight in your company.”

“I delight in yours, as well.”

They gazed at one another in silence, but Margaret’s heart continued to race in her chest. She brought a hand to it, wishing to steady herself. “Pardon me.”

“Are you all right?” There was genuine concern in his eyes.

“Yes, I… I fear that I’m a little nervous.”

John smiled affably. “There is no reason. Although, I’ll say, I’m a little nervous myself.”

“Is that so?”

“Indeed. Margaret, don’t be offended if I mention that I thought of you much last night. About your plight and the terrible situation that you find yourself in.”

Margaret was absolutely delighted. “I thought of you, too! Well, I even wanted to go and find you at the inn so that we might flee to France at once.” This admission was playful, but Margaret saw the surprise and delight in John’s expression about admitting to this.

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