Page 39 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
As they spun into their dance, Edward chuckled. “I do hope my brother is not overly jealous, Lady Whitfield.”
“I should not think so, Lord Winston.” She spied Philip on the edge of the ballroom in conversation with another couple.
“Then, you must have a poor opinion of yourself, My Dear.”
“Philip is not that sort.”
“Philip? How intimate you both are.” His smile seemed a permanent fixture.
Margaret was beginning to get annoyed with him, but her stony expression only seemed to fuel his own mirth.
“Might I tell you something, Lady Whitfield? I do believe that candor is so often forgotten and overlooked.”
“If it is within your liberty to share what you have to say, then you may do so.” She spun at the direction of his gloved hand, wondering why she had agreed to dance with the man in the first place. She thought it best to be kind to Philip’s relatives.
“At my liberty. Perhaps. Well, then I shall share my secret with you.”
“Go on.” This game was growing rather tiresome.
“I thought there was something you ought to know about my brother. Since I care for him so, I need to alert you to a certain detail.”
Margaret frowned. “I see. Is there something that concerns you greatly?”
He nodded. “I do believe so.”
She waited patiently, knowing that he was enjoying the savoring of the moment, but she did not want to let him see her growing frustration.
“Philip has been in love with a dear girl for the past years, and I do believe he wishes to make this woman an offer of marriage. Because I know that his suit is rather hopeless, since the lady is already attached to another gentleman, I do hope this woman will do him the kindness of disappointing his hopes gently.”
Margaret blinked at the man in surprise, nearly interrupting her own steps in the dance. And, then as she watched his confused features, she began to laugh.
Chapter Seventeen
It took Edward a moment to register her reaction. “Ah, I see you mean to be unkind to the man and taunt him with his love for you?”
Margaret could not stop laughing to correct him just then, and to her slight satisfaction, she could see Edward growing in frustration.
Eventually she took a breath and was able to say, “No, it is not that. You are confused. I will be very gentle with him, of course.” The dance ended, and they stood opposite each other and clapped.
Edward then came close to her and said, “Please continue.”
“It is just that you have been misinformed in some senses.” She placed a hand to her forehead. “Do forgive me. I find I am all aflutter. You are correct in that this woman’s affections had been given to another, but let me assure you, they have changed entirely. Your brother will not be injured if that is truly what you fear.”
Edward sighed with relief. “I see.”
Perhaps he is not such a bad man after all, wishing to keep his brother from harm.
“Thank you for this rather interesting information.” He winked at her and left her on the dance floor. Just like that his old, concerned self was gone, replaced with his flirtatious one.
She turned to see Leonard and Juliet finally free from their endless conversations with guests. She began to walk toward them, her heart bursting with her fresh news.
“Margaret! Why, you look rather flushed! I do know these balls can get a bit crowded. Are you having a good time?”
“Yes, Sister, I see that you have danced with both Winston gentlemen. So, which of them do you prefer?” Leonard’s teasing voice was reduced to a whisper, and yet someone had heard them.
“I do hope it is me,” Philip said as he approached their circle. Margaret looked up at his grinning face and felt her heart pound with love. It was all real.
He glanced at her before saying, “I do hope you will congratulate us, Dear Friend, Juliet. Margaret has agreed to a betrothal.”
