Page 54 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
As Margaret entered, he stood up and bowed his head in greeting. “Margaret. Good morning to you.”
Without allowing her face to flush too much, even though she felt its threatening heat on her skin, she curtsied. “Charles, how soon you have returned to us.”
“Yes, how soon,” Juliet added, and Margaret was grateful for the slightly icy tone that Juliet laced through her voice.
Charles did not seem to notice. He sat back down, and still grinning strangely, said, “Yes, I thought I would like to visit again, and this way the whole day can be spent in one another’s company.”
Margaret almost groaned aloud at the thought. She had writing and painting to do. She glanced at Juliet, and she tried to send a message with her eyes. She needed to find a way to avoid him once more.
“I see.” Margaret looked at Leonard who was watching Charles with curiosity. “Brother, have you no business to attend to today?”
“No, not very much. Things seem to be running smoothly.” Margaret flashed her eyes at him. He grinned. “Ah, yes, but I am certain there is something we could work on.” He looked at Charles with a serious expression. “The matter of having more customers purchase their wine through us. We could discuss that, among other things.”
Charles looked ever-so-slightly disappointed, and Margaret felt triumphant. She knew it was wicked of her, but it was high time that Charles felt the same struggles that she had felt all those years when she was pining after him. If he was pining after her now for whatever reason, she would do her best to make sure that his desire was not fulfilled.
Juliet added, “And Margaret and I will entertain ourselves in the drawing room. I have a book I would like to read, and I know that Margaret needs to work on both her painting and her novel. She has to send it into the publisher soon.”
Margaret wanted to hug her sister-in-law. Instead, she daintily lifted her teacup to her lips, feeling like she had made an easy escape. Charles lifted an eyebrow in her direction.
“A publisher? You have completed a full novel and wish to send it in?” Charles looked back at a smiling Leonard, and Margaret burned with fury, knowing that inwardly, he was asking Leonard how he could ever allow his sister to do such a thing.
“Yes. It may sound strange, but I know a few people who find it both bold and refreshing.” Margaret had lifted her shoulders higher, and she could sense the condescension in her voice.
Clearing his throat, Charles’ doubtful expression turned back to his former grinning one. “As do I. Both bold and refreshing. How have you come across this publisher, if I may ask? I do know a few and could perhaps assist you?”
The way Charles offered his help felt wrong, like he was bargaining for something in return.
Margaret was about to respond when Juliet did instead. “Philip has given her a few contacts, and one of them is waiting on her manuscript to see if it will work for publishing. He has been most kind and attentive.”
“I see.” Charles’ eyebrows furrowed, and his voice held a light irritation. “How good of him. So he has been here visiting instead of going for his commission?”
Margaret frowned. “No, he is gone now. He has been gone these two weeks in training.”
Charles nodded. “Excellent. I am glad that he finally went. He has been looking forward to the Navy for many years.”
“But he should be back soon.” She froze, afraid that she had given too much away. “Or so I have been told.”
“Good. I have had a letter from him but he did not discuss his adventures. I look forward to his return.”
Leonard lifted a glass. “Here, here, old friend. As do I. We shall all have to have a drink together and hear of Philip’s tales.”
Margaret thought,Not until I have seen him and spoken to him first.
Juliet stood, and the two gentlemen did the same. “Well, I think we shall leave you gentlemen to your important business. Since both Margaret and I are finished our breakfast, I think we will send for little George and spend the next few hours in the drawing room. As I said before, there is work for her to do.”
Margaret, feeling satisfied that she had an excuse to leave, left the room with Juliet, suddenly desperate to find a moment alone with her. Juliet sent a maid to fetch George from the nursery, and the two women silently entered the drawing room, and Juliet shut the door behind her.
Margaret hastily turned around to face her. “Juliet, I have been practically craving to speak to you.”
Juliet chuckled, pushing off from the doorway and pulling Margaret’s hand to sit in the chairs by the window. “It appears we have a new Charles among us. One I can barely recognize.”
“I know! It is all so strange. I cannot understand any of it! And I went to bed feeling frenzied last evening. It is you I need to help me clear my thoughts.”
Juliet grinned widely and folded her hands on her lap. “Just let me savor those words for a moment. You know how much I wanted to hear them when I was first with Leonard. We have come so far, you and I.”
Margaret blushed. “I was so cruel back then, and you have been so kind to me. Always kind. I hope you have forgiven me.”
“Of course! You have asked for it long ago, and now that we are as sisters, there is nothing to forgive.”
