Page 45 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
But she was unable to focus that day. Perhaps because she was awaiting her first letter from Philip and was anxious to hear from him, even though he had just gone. So, instead of writing in her own journal, she slid a piece of letter paper in front of her and set to writing her letter to him first.
Dear Philip,
I hope that you are well and that the training is not too extensive or too difficult. But perhaps that is a nice change from our languid lives here in London. I find that I can barely focus while you are away. I have written a lot in your absence, but I do confess to feeling a bit of listlessness, and I blame you entirely for your departure! You have left me alone in London with much anticipation in my heart for our future.
Do write to me to let me know all your adventures. I hope to see you sooner rather than later. There is much to discuss.
Love, Margaret
Margaret was very tempted to mention something about Charles and that Felix’s mood had not lightened very much at the music hall the other evening, but she refrained. What a lucky man, Charles was, for having three friends all concerned for his welfare and all attempting to make his situation right.
What a strange thing to do. Margaret’s head was filled with Philip and how happy she was in their engagement, but the situation with Charles was still weighing on her mind. It was humorous, though. Her concern was in no way directed toward Charles. In fact, the feelings for him had completely fled her mind. She was certain that the next time she saw him, she would be able to speak to him indifferently for the first time.
“Margaret?” Juliet had peeked her head into the library. Margaret lifted her gaze to her sister-in-law.
“Yes?”
“Ah, I was searching for you. Little George and I are off to Hyde Park. Would you like to join us? Cook has prepared a picnic as well.” Juliet glanced down at George whose hand she was holding. “There will be bottles and bottles of lemonade! We shall be filled to the brim with it!”
Margaret stood, smiling widely, grateful for the distraction. “Lemonade sounds wonderful, does it not, George?”
He nodded with a smile, and she took his other hand. “Come. I shall simply hand my letter off to the footman, and gather my shawl, and we are gone.”
Juliet winked. “Is this your first letter to dear Philip? Have you told him that you have been pining away after him these last days?”
Laughing, Margaret said, “Hardly, but I added a dose of scolding to let him know that I did not appreciate his having to leave.”
Juliet lifted her brows. Margaret added, “Do not worry, Juliet. He will understand that the tone of the letter is in jest. I miss him, but I am waiting with bated breath to receive his first letter to see all that he has done. Perhaps a little brother for George might one day go off to the Navy as well!”
Juliet clutched at her heart as they paused in the doorway so that Margaret could hand off her letter. “I hope not! I do not think I shall bear it!”
“Your shawl, Miss,” the footman said, and gratefully, Margaret thanked him and took the thin fabric from his gloved hand. The footman also handed Juliet her parasol, and when they walked out, the carriage was ready, and they were helped inside, the picnic basket placed at their feet.
Margaret loved to ride in the barouche, for it was a beautiful day, and she could see all the colors and sights of busy London more easily. While she did wish to ride across the sea to find other adventures, London was an adventure in and of itself. Women in expensive gowns were walking along the streets in pairs, most likely gossiping over the latest news.
She could see peddlers beginning to sell their wares, and doorways to shops of all kinds were open, inviting their customers in. They wound along, the sound of the horses’ hooves clamoring along the cobblestones until they went under the wrought-iron trellis that guarded the entrance to Hyde Park. They soon joined the traffic of the other carriages, phaetons, and barouches, weaving along the flower-lined paths. Margaret heaved George onto her lap.
“Nephew, you must decide where we shall have our picnic. Shall we have it beside the lake, where we can watch the ducks?” She pointed her gloved hand forward. “Or shall we eat beside that grove of lovely tall trees?” She pointed to the left.
George was quiet for a moment before he burst out “Ducks!” and pointed at the lake that was coming closer into view. Margaret laughed and smiled widely at Juliet.
“You see? Even your eldest wishes to be a seaman!”
Juliet grabbed George to move him to her lap. “Oh, say it is not so, George! You have a Dukedom to take over!” She was laughing, and Margaret’s heart felt light as they directed the driver to slow the barouche and park it next to the lake. A footman took their picnic basket, and the small family made their way to the edge while the nanny trailed behind.
“It is a lovely day!” Margaret said, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the view of the ducks gliding over the water.
“Can we have lemonade?” George asked, and as soon as they sat down on their soft blanket, Margaret poured him some. He clutched his glass with both hands.
“Margaret, I know that you have made many changes in your life, but I want to ask you something. What was running through your mind when Philip offered himself to you? Was it an instant yes or were there doubts?” At Margaret’s expression, Juliet said, “I merely ask because I know you were concerned about having the freedom to do what you wanted to do with your life. How do you feel now?”
Margaret leaned back on her arms and savored the feel of the sun’s heat on her skin. Her bonnet kept her eyes shaded, and she could clearly see the sparkling blue water of the lake in front of them. Juliet nodded to the nanny, and once George had drunk his fill, he rushed to the lake with his hand in the nanny’s.
Margaret said, “I have thought about it a lot, Juliet. I promise you. At the moment, when he asked me, my whole heart was screaming yes. So you do not have to worry for me on that score. As I descended the stairs into the ballroom and caught his eyes, I knew then that I loved him, and that I wanted to be with him.”
“Good,” Juliet sighed with relief. “That is how it should be. And what a wonderful man you have chosen.”
“He is. And while I do wish to do what I want to do, I do not think that Philip would ever try to stop me. He has always encouraged me, and he has contacted a publisher for me who is interested in reading my manuscript, once it is complete, of course. I see nothing that would imply that Philip would wish to contain me in any way.”
