Page 14 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
“Ah, you are correct. I thought perhaps I should take it upon myself to visit you all while I am still in town.” He smiled again.
Margaret found herself not disappointed at the lack of Charles. It was an odd feeling but not unpleasant. It was freeing.
“What a wonderful idea. Do come in. Shall we take tea?” She motioned to the corridor behind her.
“That would be very pleasant. But first—”
Margaret turned as Philip pulled a parcel out from behind his back. She had seen him clutching something in brown paper when his back was turned.
“I have something for you, a small gift. I saw it on my way here and thought that you might like it.”
He smiled as he held it out to her. Margaret took it, amazed to have been so thought of. The look in his green eyes was expectant.
“Mr. Winston, you should not have. It is not my birthday.”
Laughing, he replied, “Well, what a sorry world it would be if we were only allowed to receive gifts on our birthdays.”
She tore open the brown paper and saw that it was a book. Excitedly, she flipped it open, and inside were some of the most beautiful lithographs she had ever seen.
Forgetting that servants were still about, she breathed, “Philip, these are incredibly beautiful. So delicate.”
Her hand caressed each page, her face lighting up as she took in the beautiful artwork. She glanced back at him.
“I feel unworthy of such a beautiful gift. Thank you very much.”
Across from her, Philip was grinning, and she noticed he moved a little closer to glance at the pages that were open.
“It is nothing, my Lady. Only a small token. I—”
“Philip! What are you doing here?”
Both Margaret and Philip turned to see Charles in the doorway, handing his coat and hat to the waiting footman. Margaret’s heart fluttered wildly in her chest at the sight of him again. She had not prepared, and in her fright, she dropped Philip’s gift to the floor.
* * *
Philip tensed at the sight of his merry friend, hopeful that he would not see the book and make a comment on it.
“I was in the area and thought that I would stop by. My time is limited in town, and I wanted to spend time with the Whitfield family before I had to leave.”
Charles smirked. “I see. Good day to you, Lady Margaret.”
He bowed low to Margaret who curtsied fumblingly. Philip could see the book on the floor, having been dropped open.
“Good day, Lord Durby. Will you take tea?”
Charles nodded curtly. “I shall, but first I would like to speak to your brother. Is he about?”
Charles began to look beyond the pair of them as if he had no further interest whatsoever in their presence. He seemed impatient with the tapping of his foot.
“Yes, he is in his study. A servant will take you there directly.”
“Good.” He turned to Philip, “Philip, I will not be but a moment. I would not wish to interrupt your visit. May I ask why that book is on the floor?” He pointed downward, and Margaret hastily scooped it up.
“Oh, it is nothing.”
Philip felt like he’d been punched in the gut. Nothing? She thought his gift was nothing? Charles snorted.
“Well, I shall see you both later. Philip will make fine entertainment for you, Lady Margaret, until I return.” He winked again before leaving the room, and Philip scowled at his friend.
