Page 79 of Surrendering to a Lady's Touch

The journey to London did not take long, and all that Margaret could think of was John. Quite unexpectedly, he seemed to have saved her not only using force but also cunning. John was every bit the man she wanted in life, and she could not wait to see him again, and one day, to be his.

The viscount remained silent during the trip, and Jane dutifully held Margaret’s hand, allowing the physical contact to convey that everything would be all right. During this time, Margaret considered that she should feel some fear, but not once of fear filled her breast. John had already won the day, and now it was just a matter of time.

Finally, the viscount spoke. “Margaret, I find myself incredibly weary.”

Margaret reached out her hand to take her father’s, remembering the tenderness he had shown earlier. “The journey is almost over, and then, both of us shall be set free.”

“How did I not see it with my own two eyes?”

Margaret wished to convey that he could barely see anything with his two eyes, what with his drunkenness… and his sadness.

“Father, I could not see it either. Darkmoor was duplicitous, and also… John kept some things about himself secret, most likely to protect me.”

Margaret turned to Jane and noted that her maid had fallen silent. Still, there was strength and encouragement in her gaze, signifying that she approved of her brother’s heroics.

“He is an impressive man,” the viscount went on, turning to Jane. “I did not know that your brother had such character.”

Finally, Jane was able to utter, “I did not know either. I fear that I had a false impression of my brother for some time. Now, I know the truth.” Jane turned to Margaret and smiled warmly.

Margaret’s heart was dancing with this admission. Yes, there were things that Jane could never see. Margaret recalled how, not too long ago, Jane had conveyed that her brother could not be trusted and that she disapproved of the match. Now, the tables had turned, and Jane could clearly see the amazing man that her brother truly was.

She had not yet mentioned to Jane that John had offered that she might come with them, wherever they reside. This was not mentioned because there simply was no time. And what’s more, Margaret still was under the assumption that Jane would wish for the couple to have their privacy.

Oh, that only reminded Margaret that one day they would be a couple! There was so much happiness on the horizon for the taking!

It was not long before their carriage swayed down the London streets, and all three of them looked out the window in awe, marveling at how bustlingtownwas this time of year. Now, it was time for the truth to be revealed, but there was still a horrifying chance that the viscount would not accept this truth. If that were to happen, Margaret did not know what to do.

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