Page 27 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
The older woman kept her eyes down or flicked them to Juliet when she asked questions. Juliet was trying to stifle a giggle as well. “We would like a dress for my dear sister-in-law, something light, ethereal. There is a large ball to attend.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” The woman held out a length of pale cream muslin, speckled with a light silver, and it reminded Margaret of a starry sky.
“This is lovely,” she breathed, reaching out a gloved hand to move the fabric under the light. She turned to Juliet who nodded in agreement.
“I shall take this.”
“Excellent choice, My Lady. I shall measure you directly.”
Juliet chatted on amiably while in the back room of the shop, Margaret allowed herself to be measured. It was a wise choice, for she had grown rather thin in the months after her father’s death, and when she was busy pining after Charles.
Margaret loved the time with her sister-in-law, but as she looked at her new hair in the mirror and thought about the new dress that was to be made, she couldn’t help but let her mind wander to Philip. What would he think? What would he say? She knew it was silly, but she hoped that he would approve and not be as horrified as her own brother had been. She imagined entering the ball and seeing that same stare of admiration that Philip had been so wont to give her.
In a little, the dressmaker was finished, and Juliet and Margaret were back on the street again, arm in arm, under Juliet’s parasol. “Let us go to the tea room, Margaret. There are so many people you have not seen in a long time.”
Margaret grimaced, and Juliet looked at her with her eyes wide. Margaret laughed, “Oh, I am sorry, Juliet, it is not that I disagree with your idea. I should love to go to the tea room, but do you think others are ready to see my new hairstyle? I would be the talk of London. People may not even wish to come to your ball after they see what a hellion Lady Margaret has become.”
“Oh, tosh! If they have a problem with such a thing, then who needs them in attendance? They are the ones who stick to the edge of the ballroom and twitter on about everything and everyone and have the sourest expressions of all. Besides, I thought you wished to be the talk of London.”
“Not quite, but I suppose this is a fine time as any to introduce others to the new changes.”
“Well, we do not even have to remove our bonnets, My Dear. Let them think as they will.”
Suddenly, Margaret’s heart did a flip, and she pulled back against the side wall of the haberdashery, pulling a surprised Juliet with her. “Margaret, are you all right? What is it?”
Margaret’s eyes were wide and pointed in the direction of the gentleman’s club where they saw Philip and Leonard in conversation outside the carriage.
“Ah, Mr. Winston!” Juliet pulled on Margaret’s arm. “Come, let us say hello!”
Margaret pulled away, suddenly nervous. “No, Juliet. I think I would rather not see him at the moment.”
Juliet frowned. “Are you afraid?”
“I just do not wish him to see me just yet, until the look is complete.”
“Margaret Whitfield. Suddenly afraid of a man’s opinion. I thought a new woman was bursting forth. Hmm…I have a few theories as to why Mr. Winston’s opinion has suddenly taken on so much importance.”
Margaret scoffed at her. “It is not that. I, well I cannot explain it, but do not accuse me of something so trifling.” She looked back in the men’s direction. Philip was as handsome as ever, and in the bright sun of the afternoon, he looked happy and smiling. But then, his expression changed and he and Leonard began to engage in worried conversation.
“Look at that, Juliet. What do you think could be the matter?”
Juliet looked their way. “Perhaps there are some difficult business matters to discuss?”
Margaret shook her head. “Philip has no business with Leonard. Oh, I hope that all is well.” But something in her heart told her that something was wrong. To see Leonard scowl was one thing, but to see joking, smiling Philip scowl, and a line of concern form on his forehead was another. It made her queasy. What sort of news could have affected Philip so? Pulling Juliet, Margaret walked in the other direction, knowing she needed to speak to Leonard when she got the chance.
Chapter Twelve
Philip walked the streets of London for an hour after Leonard left him, thinking about the note. He hadn’t want to overly concern Leonard, but now, Philip was worried that perhaps something bad had even happened to Charles in France by then.
He hoped that they were not also in danger. His mind flashed to Margaret. She did not realize it, but she was lucky that Charles cared nothing for her, so that Philip knew she’d be safe, and that was a heavy load off his mind. As he wandered, he tried to put aside thoughts of Charles and focus on his next steps.
After the conversation with his family that morning, he was decided. He would present himself at the naval office to purchase his commission, and then he could create his future, asking Margaret to marry him at the ball in a few days.
The naval office was not far from where he stood, and even though his heart fluttered with a little apprehension at the loss of his old way of life, he entered through its doors, ready to find his new life.
A few hours later, he had his commission in hand. He was to be a naval officer, set to leave in a couple of weeks. Even though he hated the thought of leaving Margaret, whether she said yes or not to his proposal, he was thrilled at the prospect of being out on the open sea, to serve Prince and country.
His mind was so occupied that he nearly bumped into a gentleman walking past. When he looked up, he saw his older brother Edward, grinning widely. “Well, well, well, Brother. I see you have come from the naval office way.” Edward pointed with the walking stick in his hand.
