Reuniting Lady Marguerite by Lydia Pembroke

Author:Lydia Pembroke [Pembroke, Lydia]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2019-10-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Margaret gathered her courage as she walked towards Drake’s caravan, wearing the violet gown that he had purchased for her. She still did not care for it, but she knew it might make him more amenable to her request. She had returned from Lower Nettlefold half an hour earlier and taken the time to prepare herself. For, in truth, she was dreading the encounter. She knocked nervously on the door of his caravan and waited for his reply.

“Come in,” he said.

Taking a shaky breath, she entered. “Mr. Edgbaston, might I speak with you a moment?”

“Certainly.” He gestured to a chair, where she duly sat. “What may I help you with, Miss Loxley?”

“It is a somewhat delicate matter, but I hope you will not be too cross.”

“Why should I have reason to be cross with you?” His eyes glinted darkly, unnerving her.

“Well… do you recall a gentleman by the name of Mr. Fox, who came to my aid when my horse bolted?”

He nodded slowly. “What of him?”

“He has asked for my hand in marriage, and I have agreed to remain here with him.” She paused. “He has promised me a comfortable life, and I adore him very much. You have been nothing but kind to me, Mr. Edgbaston, and I thank you for taking care of me whilst I have been part of the Halcyon Players. However, I believe it is time that my life took a different path. I cannot remain upon the road for the rest of my days, and I am certain that this is the right choice for me.”

“Do you love this man?”

“I do, Mr. Edgbaston.”

He chuckled. “You are young. What do you know of love? This gentleman is as likely to abandon you as that last fellow. Or have you forgotten?”

“I have not, but I know that Mr. Fox is not of the same character. He is different. He loves me, and he wishes me to be his wife, and I should like nothing more.” She held her ground, feeling chastened by his curt remark about her past romantic endeavours.

“I cannot allow it.”

She stared at him, wide-eyed. “You cannot prevent me.”

“Is that so?”

“I am not your possession, Mr. Edgbaston. I may live my life as I see fit. I came here as a courtesy to you, for your generosity over this past six years. And I am sorry that I have disappointed you, but this is my decision and you will not change my mind.” She thought of Leopold and Felicity, and let it bring her courage.

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

He smiled. “I said no. You are too valuable to me. I will not allow you to remain here, no matter how desperately you wish to marry this fellow. I am sorry, Miss Loxley, but it is simply not going to happen.”

She rose sharply. “You have no say in the matter.”

“Oh, but I do.” He also stood, towering over her. “Do you think me a fool? Do you think I did not already know of this plan of yours, before you came here tonight?

Margaret stared at him, wild eyed.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.