Page 65 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
“Yes. Well, many things really. I cannot help but still feel angry at him for what he did to you and what he nearly did to us both, but there is something more pressing at hand, especially now that we have returned to ourselves.”
Margaret swallowed. “I think I know what it is you speak of.”
“Oh?” Philip felt tense, and this time, it was not in a good way.
She nodded. “I know about Charles’ debts.”
Philip froze, grasping her arms. “You do? How much do you know?”
“Here. Let us sit down.” They moved to the chaise lounge on the side of the room under the window. Margaret looked out of it for a moment and then turned back to Phillip. “I do not know the amount, but I know he is in trouble.”
Philip scowled. “Leonard told you this?”
“Do not blame him. Juliet and I saw you and Leonard outside of the club a few weeks ago. You appeared to be in fevered discussion, and I saw something terrible in your expression, something that I had never seen before. We were merciless and we questioned Leonard. He told us only that bit and nothing more.”
Philip sighed. “I suppose it does not matter any longer anyway. That is why I came. To speak to Leonard and Felix on the matter. He is in danger, and there could be more in danger too.” He glanced at Margaret’s face, and he was tempted to tell her he feared it was her as well, but he held back. He didn’t want to frighten her.
“Well, then, do not let me stop you.”
Philip smiled, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips. “Believe me, My Love, I would much rather sit here with you doing all sorts of enjoyable activities that make me think of our wedding night. But I know that this must be dealt with. The sooner the better.”
Margaret blushed once more, and it took a lot of self-control for Philip to stand up from the couch and walk to the door. “Philip,” Margaret called, and he turned around.
“I thought you should know something else. When Charles returned from France, he was disappointed by his success there, but in generally he did not seem to be bothered in anyway. He was rather quite cheerful.”
Philip frowned. “Thank you, Margaret. I will return to you as soon as possible.” He left the room and found his way to Felix’s study, where both Leonard and Felix turned to face him.
Leonard stood. “Well? Has it all being sorted with Margaret?”
Felix grinned. “Yes, Philip, do tell us.”
Philip rubbed the back of his neck and smiled, letting out a nervous laugh. “Yes, it is settled. I wish to post the banns, today if I can, but I know that there is a much more urgent matter to sort out.”
Leonard clapped Philip on the shoulder and sighed. “I know it. It is too bad that we do not yet have time to celebrate, friend. But we will. Soon enough.”
Philip nodded. “I know that you have received my letter, but there is more. Much more.” Felix and Leonard leaned back as Philip told them everything. About the man following him in the night as well as the threatening letter about the woman Charles loved. They watched him with confused, worried expressions.
When they were finished, Leonard leaned forward nervously. He looked between Philip and Felix. “Who is this woman, do you think?”
Philip’s jaw clenched. “I fear that the letter means Margaret.”
Leonard nodded. “I suppose, but that still does not add up. Not after all the years he ignored her.”
Felix nodded in agreement, but Philip waved it away. “There is no time to discover what exactly the meaning is, but I think we should find him and figure out the situation, so that we can protect all of us. We are all people that Charles cares about, and any one of us could be in danger at any moment.”
Felix folded his hands on his lap. “What do we do then?”
Philip took a breath. “We go to the gaming hell. I went to one a few weeks back that both Charles and I have frequented but no luck. He had no debts there. There is another we will have to try. I know just where to go, if you can trust me.
“Let us go. We can go now, but we have to tell the ladies.”
“Must we?” Leonard groaned. “I know that Juliet will practically want to join us, and Margaret may as well. I would feel much better if they stayed here out of harm’s way.”
“Agreed,” Philip said, “but we must tell them. Meet me by the carriage in the front. Felix, perhaps bring your pistol.”
Felix saluted him, and the three men went their separate ways. Philip felt his heart beat wildly against his chest. Could this be the end? Collingsworth had told him the story. Could he be walking into a dangerous place and potentially not make it back? He turned the corner back to the room where Margaret was sitting, and she was talking excitedly with Juliet and Sarah.
But when Philip entered, Juliet and Sarah stood. “Dear Mr. Winston,” Juliet said with a smile. “How happy we are to see you again.”
