Page 15 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
Once he was gone, Margaret was visibly flustered. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly, which unfortunately brought his attention to its loveliness. He had to strain to keep his eyes away.
“Shall we take tea, Mr. Winston?” she repeated. She was avoiding his eyes now, and he worried it was because his gift had embarrassed her in front of Charles.
“Yes, of course. I am at your disposal, My Lady.” As he followed her to the tea room, he could feel his resolve building and changing. He would get Margaret smiling again that day. It was his utmost goal.
Margaret seemed to brighten a little when they arrived in the drawing room and sat at the center table. Margaret laid the book calmly next to her.
“It really is lovely. How did you know I enjoyed lithographs of nature?” Philip chuckled.
“I had no idea! But I thought perhaps, as a painter, you would enjoy any sort of designed work. It came highly recommended by the owner of the bookshop, and so I thought it might do well.”
“Thank you. You are most kind. Now tell me, since you know my interest in art, tell me what interests you?”
Philip felt like Margaret switched between halves of herself. With Charles, she was mumbling and blushing, but with him, her statements were strong, confident, and direct. She seemed unafraid to express her feelings as was evidenced by yesterday’s fit of tears right in front of him.
“Well, as you know, I enjoy fencing, but I do rather like to swim when I get the chance. And you can often find me reading as well. The bookshop I went to today is one I often frequent.”
Margaret smiled, and Philip’s heart pattered excitedly at the sight. His goal was achieved for the day.
“Swimming? What a lovely pursuit. I have never learned, but I have heard of beachside resorts that take ladies out in swimming carriages into the sea. It sounds wonderful.”
As she spoke, he could hear the thrill in her voice. He leaned in a little, his excitement growing. “Do you think you would ever like to visit the ocean?”
Margaret flushed with happiness. “Oh, I do. It is often a subject of my paintings, if you can believe it. It is something that fills my dreams. I imagine it to be like a cold gripping blanket, dangerous yet protective.”
Philip watched the lovely, bright expression on her face as she spoke. Margaret shook her head. “Forgive me. You must think me mad with my ravings!”
“Not at all, Lady Margaret. I often have such “ravings” myself. Perhaps you would enjoy learning to swim at some point? There is a rather large lake at your country estate, if I am not mistaken.”
Margaret nodded slowly. “You are correct. You know I have never really thought of that as an option before. I only considered the ocean, but a lake might have to do. I will think about it.”
A servant arrived with the tea tray and carefully laid out the tea things. Margaret watched the process carefully, and so Philip had the chance to watch her. She seemed better today somehow, more rested, more colorful. The old Margaret was slowly coming forth, the one that had occupied his mind and heart for these past years.
Once the servant left, Philip lifted the teacup to his lips. Margaret was tapping her fingers lightly on the table.
“Now that I know your interests, Philip, I believe I can make a proper gift back to you.”
“A gift back?”
“In return for your kindness both today and…yesterday.”
Her earlier confidence was beginning to falter a little. Philip thought he would attempt to lighten the mood. “No need! I was merely there to assist you through your difficult time. But I suppose you could do something for me.”
“What is that?” Margaret asked. Philip leaned forward, feeling the great desire to take her hand in his again. In fact, his hands itched to do so. Margaret’s lovely cool, blue eyes were open wide with interest. In his mind he said,
Love me in return.
The words were stated so clearly in his mind that he almost thought he’d said them aloud, but there was no reaction on Margaret’s face.
Instead he said boldly, “That you paint again.” Margaret’s blue eyes lifted to his, and he feared that they would fill with tears.
Chapter Seven
He watched her carefully, hopeful that he had said the words kindly enough that they did not sound as a command but more as a hope. Margaret sighed, nodding in agreement. “Juliet said the very same thing. She wishes very much for me to climb out of my hole of despair.”
To his surprise, Margaret chuckled. “I suppose I have been rather dismal of late.”
“It is understandably so.” He wished to reach across to touch her hand again.
