Page 25 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
Philip laughed. “Leonard, I would never have found you so commending in your speech. What a compliment!” Even if he was joking, Philip felt the words deeply.
Leonard watched him. “I think that finally, Margaret has let go of Charles. Normally, I would not discuss the intimate feelings of my own sister but seeing as you are interested in asking for her hand, I thought you should know.”
Philip could feel that former spark of hope in his heart burst into flame. “Is that so?”
Leonard nodded. “But I must warn you, she has proclaimed to be a bit of a bluestocking.”
Philip smiled widely. That was the Margaret he had fallen in love with. That was the woman he wanted with all his heart. “Truly? I would be interested to see that.”
“And see it you will, if you will accept our invitation to our anniversary ball. But if you ask Felix and Sarah, the ball is more about celebrating a bit of a turnaround for our dear Margaret.” Leonard rolled his eyes, but Philip could see the smile on his face.
“Of course I will come to the ball.”
There was a moment of silence. Philip knew that his question had gone unanswered, and he was anxious to hear the reply. Could his heart’s desire be fulfilled?
Leonard leaned across and offered his hand to be shook. Philip took it heartily. “You are most welcome to ask my sister for her hand. I know that you would be a kind and generous husband. And I can see there is an affinity between you two. Margaret enjoyed your gift.”
Philip was smiling, and he tried to stop, but his joy was overwhelming him. “Thank you, my friend, I think I will ask her then at the ball. I want to ask before I go to the Navy. I could not in good faith leave for the Navy without asking her.”
Leonard leaned in a little closer, gripping his wineglass. “I do not think you will fail, my friend. I do wish you luck. It would be rather nice to have you as a brother-in-law.”
Philip smiled. “The same to you.”
They sat back in their chairs and finished their wine, moving onto other topics. Even though he was laughing and joking with his old friend, comforted by stories of the past, his mind was whirring with just what he would say to Margaret to confess the feelings he had kept inside him for so long.
When they left an hour later, they were feeling merry and ready to return home. Leonard had taken a carriage to the club and called it forth as he waited outside, putting his gloves on. “Do you wish to accompany me back to Bartley? You could ask her then, you know.”
Philip laughed. “No, thank you. I have a bit of business to attend to this afternoon.”
“Well, best of luck with it, my friend.” They watched as Leonard’s carriage approached and moved in front of them at the entrance to the club. Leonard bade Philip goodbye and was about to enter the carriage, when Philip called out.
“Look there! What is that upon the carriage door?”
The two of them looked to the note. It was a torn sheet of paper nailed into the black chestnut of the fine carriage wood, and it read:
Your friend, Lord Charles Durby has acquired great debts. He must pay them, as he knows, or else he and everyone he cares about is in danger. Be warned.
Philip pulled the note from the door and looked up at Leonard, who had suddenly paled. “Who is this who continues to plague us with their misery? You remember the notes both I and Felix have received in the past? Who continues this even now after we found and stamped out the culprit?
Philip swallowed, unsure if he should share Charles’ secret, but he thought it best to at least share some.
“Well, perhaps this is a different sender. It appears they need Charles to pay back money that he owes and that is all.”
“All? The writer has threatened to hurt all those in connection with our friend. And what money? I thought the Durby Estate was well entailed upon him.”
“As my mother says, Charles is a gaming man. Perhaps there are greater debts than we realize.” Philip felt guilty, but he could not fully give away the fact that he knew Charles’ secret when Leonard did not.
“Perhaps.” Leonard took the note from Philip and crumpled it in his fist. “We cannot let anyone else know of this. Is there a way we can assist our friend? Do you think that is perhaps why he left in such a rush? Happy to escape to France?”
“I think it very possible. But he will make money in France, no?” Philips was echoing Charles’ statements before he left on his trip.
Leonard nodded. “If all goes well, then there is lots of money to be made. Perhaps that could be enough to pay back at least some of his debts?”
Philip patted Leonard on the shoulder. “I do hope so, friend. There could still be hope.”
“And what of it in the meantime?”
“When does he return?”
