Page 33 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
Juliet took Margaret’s hands and lifted them outward so that she could see her pale-pink dress more fully.
“I do. You are absolutely lovely. Even with your long locks so haphazardly cut away, as Leonard would say, I think you are even more becoming than you were before. And the dress suits you.”
Margaret beamed. “Thank you, Juliet. You are lovely as well. A vision in cream. The perfect dress to celebrate an anniversary.”
“Well, let us hope that little George will not deign to spit up on my dress when I see him before I go downstairs. How trying children can be at times!” Juliet was laughing.
“They simply do not understand the importance of keeping one’s gown clean.” Margaret shook her head in joking commiseration.
“Certainly, not. Now, Margaret,” Juliet moved her arm into hers. “I must go downstairs to begin to greet our guests. Come when you are ready.” She looked into Margaret’s blue eyes. “Are you quite ready?”
Margaret nodded. “I am. I feel like my old self again, Juliet. The thought of socializing no longer makes me ill. I feel as if I am set free.”
Juliet kissed her on the cheek. “And you will be happy to know that our dear Mr. Winston will be in attendance. Let us hope he does not have the face of concern we saw him sporting a few days before.”
“Yes, I hope not. It was very strange.”
“But, My Dear, I would not speak to him of what you have seen. I know that Leonard would be embarrassed in having broken down and telling us of it.”
“I see,” Margaret said, chuckling. “Men do enjoy keeping their reputations, do they not?” Juliet nodded. “But, Juliet, there is something else that I fear, and I hope you will not think me silly for it, despite my statements to the contrary.”
“What is it?” Even though her sister-in-law’s face bore signs of concern, there also seemed to be a smile lurking at the corners of her mouth.
Margaret sighed. She had to tell Juliet, or else the feelings might simply burst out of her at the wrong time, and she wouldn’t know where to place them. Juliet might at least help her to organize them, to tame them, or keep them hidden. She wasn’t sure which she needed to do.
“I am the slightest bit nervous to see Mr. Winston again.”
“Oh?” Juliet’s voice was entertained, but she said nothing else.
“Yes. I have been thinking of him of late, that is, he has been on my mind in the past few days. I do not know, I mean—”
Juliet burst into delighted laughter. “Come now, Margaret. You are the most articulate person that I know. It is strange to see you struggle so.”
“But none the less entertaining for you, I imagine.”
Juliet kept laughing. “You know me too well. But tell me. What is it that plagues you? Do you fear you have feelings for our dear friend?”
Margaret nodded. “And it is most inconvenient! I have sworn to a life change, a perspective shift, and now this! How could life be so cruel?”
Margaret sat back down by her vanity, her gloved hands upturned in her lap. Juliet knelt before her.
“Margaret, what do you mean? This is a wonderful, beautiful thing! I say, do not stuff it away. You may wish to keep it hidden until you are certain of your own feelings, or until you are certain of his, but do not see it as evil. Philip is a good and kind man. It is obvious to anyone that he has an affection for you.”
“But what of my plans? What of my dreams to write and to paint and to make an impact in the world? Does that end when you marry? Must I be forced only into a life of wifehood and motherhood?” She glanced at Juliet, and then regretted her words at the expression on her sister-in-law’s face.
“Oh, Juliet, forgive me. I do not wish to disparage the choices that you have made or that many women of my acquaintance have made.”
“Of course not, Margaret. I married a man that I love. Now I am the happiest woman in the world. I did not have large dreams, but you do. If your husband loves you dearly, then he will wish for you to have your happiness. He will not stop you.”
Margaret nodded, trying to envision that happening. Juliet continued, standing up. “Besides, Philip has proven that to you already. He has encouraged you heartily in your pursuits. He seems to enjoy your talents and intelligence. I cannot imagine him trying to contain you at home. But, think not of marriage at the moment. Think of having a wonderful time this evening. In my mind, it is you who are the focus.”
She patted Margaret on the hand. “But I must go. What will the ton say if the hostess is not in residence to greet the onslaught of guests!”
Juliet’s fearful face made Margaret laugh as Juliet shut the door behind her. Margaret turned to face herself in the looking glass. She took a breath. “A man who truly loves me will not wish to stop me. He could not. I would not let him.”
* * *
Philip Winston was no stranger to balls, but this one was going to be special. He patted the ring that he was keeping away in his waistcoat pocket. He had a good feeling about it all. He felt ready, confident. Even if Margaret said no, he still had his whole life to live. He was about to embark on the greatest adventure of his life in the Navy, and it was something he had wanted for so long, that the excitement for it would not be quelled, even by rejection.
