Page 6 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
Margaret finally found her words and said rapidly, “Good morning to you, Lord Charles. Do forgive me,” she laughed nervously. “I fear that my lack of sleep last evening has prevented me from remembering my manners.”
Her voice was tremulous but strong enough to not arouse too much suspicion, or so she hoped. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Philip frowning, but she ignored him, her eyes hungry for Charles’ next expression, her ears awaiting the sound of his voice once more. If only she could feel the touch of his lips again on her skin. Perhaps that would be enough to make her endlessly happy and remove her shroud of grief.
Charles bowed again, and this time he winked. “No trouble, dear Margaret. Now, if you will excuse us.”
Margaret blinked. “Of course.”
Philip bowed quickly and said, “Lovely to see you again, Lady Margaret. I hope to see you again soon.”
She nodded politely and then watched as the two men walked down the hallway to Leonard’s study. Once they were out of earshot, she sighed back against the wall of the corridor and put a hand to her forehead.
“Blast, Margaret, are you a complete and utter fool?”
* * *
Philip couldn’t help but allow the sinking feel of disappointment linger in his stomach. It was quite obvious now. Margaret still had feelings for Charles, and the thought irritated him to no end. Why is it that Charles got things that he did not even want?
Charles whispered to Philip as they approached Leonard’s study.
“See, I told you, Philip, the girl is struggling with her father’s death greatly. It has stolen the sparkle from her eyes. “
Philip was going to disagree, that her eyes were just as lovely as ever, grief or no, but they had just entered the study, and Leonard stood to greet them smilingly.
“Philip!” He drew the man into a hug. “What a surprise!”
Philip smiled back, happy to be back with his old friend again. His irritation was momentarily forgotten.
“Leonard, it is good to see you. Is all well? I have not seen you since the funeral.”
Leonard nodded, and knowing him as he did, Philip could tell that the death of his father affected him greatly, whatever Charles had to say on the matter. One could see it in Leonard’s eyes.
“Yes, all is as well as can be expected. We shall get through it well enough.”
“And how is George? Growing up nicely, I hope?”
Leonard grinned like a proud father. “So he is. If you can stay a bit, you should go and see him and Juliet. But first, you must tell me everything that has been happening with you both. Terrorizing London, I suppose?”
Philip grinned and glanced at a laughing Charles, as he took his seat. “We have our moments, of course.” Charles answered.
Philip added, “We have just spent an evening of immorality in the closest gaming hell.”
Leonard smiled. “I would say that I envy you gentlemen that frenzied night of debauchery, but I am safely ensconced in home life now.”
Leonard leaned back, his hands on the back of his head.
Philip smirked. “Ah, yes, you have somehow found a way to make a woman fall in love with you. I feel sorry for the poor woman. What a smug cad for a husband she has.”
The three of them laughed merrily, and after a few moments, Charles added, “But you have done very well for yourself here, friend. The Duchess is a lovely woman.”
Leonard grinned proudly. He pointed to his two friends. “Surely, I can hear wedding announcements from the two of you in the next few years?”
Philip knew Leonard was joking, but he shifted uncomfortably, hopeful that his deepest desire was not evident on his face. None of his friends had ever known about his love for Margaret, and he especially did not wish her own brother to know. Somehow, it felt pointless to share, since she did not feel the same way.
“You shall sooner hear announcements from the dogs in the street, I should say!” Charles guffawed.
Philip chuckled. “Well, as soon as I hone my powers of persuasion, I will let you know.”
He suddenly had the desire to see Margaret. He did not know how long Leonard planned to stay at the house, and he wanted to make sure he had the chance to see her smile before he was forced to leave. He stood.
