Page 10 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
Philip seemed to perk up a little. He glanced in Margaret’s direction, and Margaret blushed a little and looked away. In her earlier closeness to him, she could tell that Philip was no stranger to physical pursuits. His body was strong and well formed, almost too much so. Charles was also well formed and handsome, but it was different somehow.
“Yes, I have kept at it most regularly. The gentleman’s club has many members that enjoy daily fencing. If you would come more regularly, you would know, Leonard. You could even get involved, yourself.”
Charles laughed. “I think Leonard prefers the world of desks and account books to swinging a stick about. Although we did use to pretend with sticks or with no weapon at all out in the back garden.”
Margaret froze. She closed her eyes in prayer. She prayed fervently that no one would bring up that day. She remembered it like it was yesterday. She could almost feel Charles’ eyes slide to her, as if ready to savor the past where she had played an utter fool, showcasing her affection for him so openly and obviously.
Suddenly, Philip burst out with a new subject. “So, are your business matters settled then?”
Margaret nearly swayed with relief. She looked at Philip, who stared at her for a quick moment and then back to Leonard and Charles.
“Yes, they will soon be fully in order, I think,” Leonard replied. Margaret sipped her tea quietly while the men explained their business to Juliet and Margaret. She said a few words but nothing much. Her mind was full of Philip and what he had just done for her. He must have known; he must have seen just how uncomfortable she was in that moment and had come to her rescue.
If you need anything Margaret...his words echoed in her head.
After a half an hour or so, Charles stood and looked at Philip.
“I am afraid we must be off. I have a few new errands to run in town, and I am certain that Philip has his own business to attend to.”
Margaret felt both glad and happy that they would both be gone. She could be rid of them for the rest of the day at least, and she would not have to feel her heart keep fluttering in uncomfortable ways.
Philip stood. “Thank you, Leonard and Juliet, Your Graces.”
He bowed to them both and then bowed to Margaret without lowering his green eyes. She kept his strong gaze and felt her breath catch in her chest.
He said, “Thank you, my Lady. What a lovely afternoon.”
She found her words came easily. “Thank you, Mr. Winston. It was a pleasure.”
Juliet said brightly, “Do come visit us again, Philip, if you are not too busy.”
Philip grinned. “Not at all, Your Grace. It is some time yet until I must leave. I shall visit you again soon.”
Charles said, “Thank you to all. You know that you will soon see me again.”
He laughed and turned to Margaret to wink. She felt that old familiar tingle as he did so and tried her best to smile in response. And then they were gone from the room, and it was just she, her brother, and her sister-in-law left, sipping from their tea cups. Margaret wasn’t sure what to say or to think. She was certain her expression showed her utter confusion, but she tried to school it. The men were gone, and now she was left with a slight feeling of sadness at not just Charles’ departure but Philip’s as well. What on earth did it mean?
Chapter Four
Back in the carriage, Charles looked a little strained. Lines appeared near his eyes, and his face had paled a little.
“Not enough sleep last night, old friend?” Philip teased.
Charles shook his head. “’Tis more than that. But first, you shall tell me of your time with the ladies. You saw Margaret. She can barely speak any time I get near her. Do you think she is ill perhaps?”
Philip wondered if that was part of what strained Charles. Did his friend wish to express his care for Margaret after all? Deep down, he hoped not.
“She misses her father greatly, I believe. But it will heal in time. You know that she cares for you greatly, my friend.”
Charles sighed. “What am I to do? I had hoped she would find someone else, for I do not endeavor to encourage her. I am only there to talk business with Leonard.”
Philip wanted Charles to know just how lucky he was to have the love of a woman like Margaret, but clearly, the man did not understand.
Instead he said, “What ails you then? What troubles you so?”
Charles looked outside the window. “I do not think we should visit the gaming halls for a while, Philip. I had some trouble there yesterday.”
Philip knit his brows together. “By God, but you kept that quiet all day. I did not see anything. What happened?”
