by Lynda Hurst
Just from Faith’s description alone, Margaret’s heart leaped. Once, not all that long ago, she had viewed an artifact made of the same odd mix of materials: the relief of Artemis and Orion that Abraham had shown them that day in the museum! Surely it wasn’t just a coincidence that Abraham’s name was connected to Faith’s statuette of her childhood and to the Artemis clue relief!
Not until Margaret had caught Faith’s odd look directed at her did she realize that her emotions must have been primarily arrayed upon her face. Faith questioned, “Are you all right? One minute you had a look of utter astonishment, and in the next, you looked like you just received an epiphany from heaven. What is it that has your mind racing so?”
Smiling broadly, Margaret grasped Faith by the shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. “I think that the very statuette your father had sold all those years ago may be the very Artemis clue item we have been searching for! It astounds me that Abraham has had it in his possession all of this time and only thought to show it to Jackson and me that day we met him at the museum. If we had looked in your father’s account books sooner, we might have arrived at a quicker resolution for the Artemis clue puzzle that’s boggled our minds for two whole years!”
Faith’s reply was contemplative in its tone, “If you are correct and the statuette is indeed what the Artemis clue is referring to, I’m not entirely sure it will help locate any such treasure. From memory, that statuette had nothing to recommend it’s worth as it was just a lump of stone and clay. The monks who fashioned the clue must have had a strange love of riddles, and they must all be laughing down at us for not solving it as quickly.”
“Or rolling in their graves, most likely,” Margaret added, dryly. “Presuming your statuette and the artifact I had viewed at the museum are one and the same, I had written Abraham to request another visit with him and the artifact for the chance of a closer inspection. Unfortunately, I hadn’t received a reply before we left London, and therefore, there was no opportunity to revisit the issue.”
“That is a pity,” sympathized Faith. “I would have so loved to tidily wrap up the Artemis matter once and for all.”
“Yes, as would I,” agreed Margaret. “I fear I just might continue going on unfulfilled where the Artemis clue is concerned.”
“Speaking of fulfillment, have you given your answer to Jeffrey’s proposal the serious thought it requires?” Faith wondered aloud.
Pleased that she finally had arrived at a conclusion and could voice her intentions to her sister-in-law, Margaret said, “Why, yes, I have, as a matter of fact. You will be pleased to know that I will be accepting his proposal.”
With raised brows in incredulity, Faith asked, “Truly? This is what you truly want?”
Unsure by what the tone in Faith’s voice was suggesting, Margaret said carefully, “Yes. I had dedicated much time and intense consideration towards the thought of marrying Jeffrey. He is my best hope for everything I want in a marriage.”
“And what, if you don’t mind my asking, are those things you do want in a marriage?” Faith asked.
“Well, to begin with, I can count on Jeffrey to be my counterpart in our partnership. Our fondness for each other has already been proven, so companionship is another requirement. We get along well enough, oh, and of course we both want children, and are wanting at least two or three.”
With a sad smile, Faith murmured quietly, “I noticed you did not mention the word ‘love’. Isn’t that something you would wish for yourself for a lifetime with the person you are promised to?”
Unsteadily, her voice wavering a little, Margaret replied just as quietly, “I had hoped for it once, but I know that love isn’t the reason why Jeffrey wants to marry me. Neither of us considered love as a factor in our decision to build our future together. Who knows? Maybe love can grow between us if we are already greatly fond of each other.”
Apologetically, Faith replied, “I’m sorry, Margaret. I don’t mean to cause you any anxiety over one of the most important decisions of your life. It’s only that I hoped you would come to find someone you could love and who would love you just as much in return, someone you could marry.”
Sadly, Margaret said, “As lovely as that sounds, I, however, have found that I must be practical and view marriage the way the ton does. Your marriage to Devlin is one of the rare love matches among our set, and the both of you have been extremely fortunate to have found such bliss. Look at me, Faith! As a bookish almost-spinster, I am just about on the shelf, and am fortunate to have Jeffrey’s sights set on me at all.”
“You do yourself a disservice by discrediting yourself so,” Faith chastised. “But I will leave off the topic for now. It’s just that I thought you and Jackson had, no, never mind. It’s best I not say any more.”
Her curiosity piqued now, Margaret urged, “No, I’d like to know what you were about to say. Please, Faith, what did you think about Jackson and me?”
Sighing, Faith said, “Well, I thought that you might be in love with Jackson. Especially now that he is clearly in love with you. According to Mary, Lady Celia is no longer in the running for his choice of a bride. Instead, he has been currently obsessed with—how did you put it—a bookish almost-spinster who thinks herself ready for the proverbial shelf.”
Initially elated to hear confirmation of Jackson’s feelings, she just as quickly succumbed to the doubts she harbored, doubt that his feelings for her were anything close to being genuine. For Margaret, the safest course for her heart was to shy away from love altogether, guarding it from another round of heartbreak from the very man who had already broken it once before.
Her mind’s logic argued that if Jackson hadn’t found anything about her to like the first time, what would prevent him from leaving her devastated if he discovered something new about her to dislike? She knew she would not survive a second time, being shattered completely by another such rejection. To her, it seemed a relationship that was doomed to fail, and it hadn’t even had a chance to begin. No, it would be better to leave Jackson to Lady Celia and to leave her heart out of the equation altogether.
“No, even with that knowledge, I will stay my course, and still choose Jeffrey,” Margaret stated.
20
Two Days Later
Prestonridge Manor was soon bursting at the seams with a house full of guests, to the point that Devlin complained to his wife, “How soon until we have our house to ourselves once again?” Both Faith and Margaret reminded him that the party’s sole purpose was for Lord Jeffrey Collingwood to be properly introduced to the family before an “all-important announcement” was to be made. Outnumbered, Devlin dutifully said no more in complaint and stood at the entry to their home to receive their guests.
Faith had invited not only Jeffrey and his father, the current Duke of Collingwood, but Lady Celia Harcourt and her parents as well, at Jackson’s previous behest at the beginning of the season. Frederick was also invited last minute to attend, but would not be available until later that evening. The rest of the company present were mostly made up of a few close friends belonging in Devlin and Faith’s circles, which naturally also included the Ellesmere twins. As the host, Devlin customarily greeted each of their guests upon their arrival with Faith and Margaret flanking him. Jeffrey and his father were among the first to arrive, and Margaret was happy to welcome them to their country estate, assuring both men of their comfort during their week-long stay.
As for the Ellesmeres’ arrival, Margaret steeled herself to put up a brave front in her greeting to Jackson, treating him to a cursory nod and hello, and summarily avoided meeting his gaze afterward. Disappointed at the lackluster greeting, Jackson promised himself to catch her during a moment alone to properly speak with her. He knew that with Lady Celia’s impending arrival, he would fall further out of favor in Margaret’s eyes, and that just wouldn’t do for his own purposes.
For the remainder of the season, he had deliberately made himself scarce, using the excuse that he was busy with r
unning estate business in his father’s stead. He also believed that Margaret needed the space to come to terms with the change in their relationship and did his best to stay away. Not that there was an official one between them to begin with, but having known her for most of their lives, their paths have been definitely intertwined in numerous ways, and an official courtship between them almost seemed redundant. Now that he knew what it was he felt for the woman, he was doubly sure that it was marriage with her that he sought.
Falling in love with Margaret had been an organic, natural occurrence, one that had caught him unawares. Thinking back, she had always been a constant in his life; whether it was as a child following him about the countryside or as a young woman who had graciously accepted one of his dearest friends in Faith into her life. Even her previous incarnation as a devious, catty young woman could not deter his feelings for her, now that he understood it was her way of lashing out at a world that stole her father from her.
He couldn’t pinpoint when it was he had first begun loving her; he only knew that his heart was now solely hers to do with as she wished and that all that mattered was that she accept she still loved him, too. He just had to convince her, and his goal for the end of the week was to show her that he could fill her future with all the love she required and more. When she didn’t meet his eyes after his answering greeting, she missed the look he gave her, one that held all of the love he had for her, shining there in a single glance.
Not yet ready to leave her, Jackson was about to inquire after her welfare when he saw her suitor approaching. “Margaret,” called Jeffrey as he closed the distance, and stopped at Margaret’s side. Jackson noticed that Margaret greeted the other man with one of her winning smiles, one she had not afforded him.
Disgusted with his sudden uncharitable feelings towards the other man, Jackson excused himself to enter the house and find his room. Jealousy, being an ugly emotion, had filled him, and he didn’t want Margaret seeing him in a state so unlike his usual self. It wouldn’t help his suit to present himself in a manner that made him less of a gentleman, and he needed to call upon all of his resources to help win her to his side.
Margaret watched him go, and her heart plummeted at the loss. She hadn’t seen Jackson in over a fortnight, and she discovered she missed his presence. Not even his brief visits to their townhouse over business with Devlin allowed her more than a passing glance shared between them, and it saddened her that after a few shared kisses, their former camaraderie was no longer there.
Remembering the man at her side, she cast off all thoughts of Jackson, and determinedly concentrated on Jeffrey next to her. Then a sudden thought occurred to her; why wait until the end of the week to speak with Jeffrey? By giving him her answer tonight, they could have the rest of the week to enjoy as an affianced couple. While she had his attention, she smiled up at him and motioned for him to lean down so she could whisper in his ear, “May we speak in private later tonight? After supper, we can meet on the terrace overlooking the gardens.”
Smiling just as broadly, Jeffrey whispered in answer, “Of course. I would be happy to.”
Satisfied with herself, and at the happy look Jeffrey now sported, Margaret returned to her task of greeting the next guest to arrive, triumphant that all thought of Jackson had been effectively driven out under her own volition.
***
Seated at the supper table, Jackson couldn’t avoid glancing across his plate towards where Margaret sat, who was sharing a laugh with Collingwood. Neither could he avoid noticing that she looked beautiful in candlelight. The pretty picture she made drew his eyes to her so much so, that Faith had to kick him gently under the table to draw his attention. Looking at Faith askance, she whispered, “You’re staring. And at a woman who is just as good as married to the man next to her.”
Frozen at her words, Jackson whispered back once he collected himself, “What do you mean?”
Leaning closer, Faith replied, “A few days ago, Margaret revealed her intention to accept Collingwood’s proposal. And earlier today, I overheard her asking to speak to him privately after supper is over.”
His heart stopped, knowing what Faith’s words portended. He was losing her, and he couldn’t bear it. But there was still time to convince her, if he could just prevent the two seated across the table from meeting. There was every urgency now to rush his plans before Collingwood could snatch her from his grasp forever.
“Did she mention where they were to meet?”
“If I heard correctly, I believe they mean to meet at the terrace on the east side of the house. Once the men dispense with their cigars and port, he will join her there.”
Not if Jackson arrived there first. His future was at stake here, and he was ready to do battle for her heart. To Faith, he said, “Thank you for telling me, but I must know, why did you tell me all of this?”
“Because both you and Margaret are stubborn mules and you deserve the chance at love. She loves you, you know.”
Humbled, he said, “I do know. And now she needs to know how much I love her before she jumps into marriage with Collingwood.”
“Good, then we’re agreed that you will be joining our family presently,” Faith said agreeably.
Shaking his head at her cheeky remark, he got up from his seat, intent on fashioning a plan on the spot to stop Margaret from rushing headlong into a loveless marriage with Collingwood.
“Where are you going? We haven’t yet had dessert,” Faith said. Margaret looked up at this and gave him a curious look.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have an urgent matter to attend to,” he said, and rushed out of the dining room full of guests, after first making his excuses to Devlin. Without his having to say so, Faith knew he was heading straight for the terrace that led to the gardens that bordered the thick grove of trees on its far side.
At his exit, Margaret gave Faith a questioning look to which she said, “I believe it has to do with something his father needed.”
Believing the lie, Margaret nodded and settled back into her conversation with Jeffrey. The wine they were served with the evening meal mellowed her nerves enough for her to actually look forward to her meeting with Jeffrey. Once the men and women went their separate ways after dinner, she planned to wait ten minutes before making her way towards their meeting place, and she instructed Jeffrey to do the same.
Without Jackson’s unsettling presence at the dinner table, Margaret was able to stick with her resolve to see her impromptu plan through to its end result: an impending marriage with Jeffrey. Having Jackson seated across from her had almost shaken that resolve, but she reminded herself that she was a woman who prided herself in her decisiveness. She had decided Jeffrey would be her future, and she would place all of her energies behind her decision. That was all there was to it.
***
Excusing herself from the group of ladies after the requisite ten minutes, Margaret quickly made her escape from the parlor and dashed towards the east side of the house. Thankful that there was no one about the hallways to intercept her, she hurried on slippered feet, eager to get the ordeal over with before she lost her nerve.
A few feet from the double doors that led onto the east terrace, Margaret stopped and inhaled a deep breath in an effort to shore up the courage she needed. Exhaling heavily, she shook herself and moved to push open the double doors.
With the sun already set, the terrace was mostly in shadow, except for the small splash of light coming from the house’s interior and a full moon currently peeking through a few clouds. At the far edge of the terrace, she spotted his figure standing at the railing, facing away from her as he surveyed the gardens below. She was a little surprised that he arrived first, knowing that Devlin’s study was much further than the parlor she had just left. Inwardly shrugging, she assumed he must have left the men to their port earlier than they had agreed.
Although her approach was silent, he must have instinctively known she was near as he slowly turned to face her. The smil
e she held affixed to her face morphed into an “oh” of horror as she beheld Jackson Ellesmere standing there before her, and not Jeffrey.
Perplexed, she asked, “Jackson? What are you doing here? Where is Jeffrey?”
“I haven’t a clue where Collingwood is,” he admitted, “but I had to speak with you first.”
Crossing her arms against a sudden breeze, she looked the picture of impatience as she said, “Well, at least make it quick, Jeffrey is expected to arrive here any minute.”
Stepping closer so he could look into her eyes, he hoped she would be able to see everything he felt for her in that one look. Nervous that he would say something to bungle his confession, he stammered, “I was hoping—no, I needed you to know something important. You can’t—I mean, you have—”
“I what, Jackson?” she prodded.
On impulse, he burst out, “You can’t marry Collingwood.”
“Oh?” she scoffed, a sardonic brow raised. “And whyever not? Don’t tell me that it’s because I don’t love him nor does he love me. I already know all of that.”