Page 27 of Her Summer Duke

She took the candle from the bedside table and went to her escritoire to sit and read it. Phoebe and Lucy kept their eyes on her back.

Margaret unfolded the letter slowly. Even if Saltonbury demanded that she leave at once, she would have great difficulty in doing so, given that Lady Phoebe and Lucy were watching her every movement. She read in haste:

My dearest, if I may address you as such, Lady Margaret.

Oh, to know that your love for me runs so deeply in your heart that you desire to go to the Americas with me, into exile! That your words at the bridge were true, and that you hold to them still.

Could any man desire more proof of his love’s heart? I am in total agreement with you, my dearest, that we must meet at the church tomorrow. I had not yet sent word, as I have only today managed to acquire the special license. I had but sat down to write to you, when your man arrived with your letter.

It was as if you had known my mind from afar. I have sent a message to the vicar, asking his presence in the morning, so that we may depart England with our vows of love and marriage made.

Now, as to the day and the hour.

Oh, if it could only be this moment as I write this, or the moment that you read this, but alas, that is impossible. Tomorrow must suffice.

Tomorrow morning, prior to the breakfasthour, please meet me at the church. We will be married beneath those stately arches, perhaps not in the grand manner which you deserve, but the ceremony will be none-the-less wonderful, my dearest. You will become my wife at long last.

I have waited eight long years for this moment. I am just saddened that the wedding is under the pressure of my exile, but to know that you love me so deeply that you would consent to this most threadbare of weddings to become my wife consoles me.

I am deeply honoured and eternally grateful for your love. I am the most fortunate of men.

I remain your devoted, loving husband-to-be,

Saltonbury

Margaret turned around to look at Lucy and Lady Phoebe. Her tongue gently wetted her lips before she spoke.

“His Grace of Saltonbury says that he desires to see me tomorrow before breakfast about a matter of sincere importance.” She smiled sweetly at the two women. “I do plan on meeting him. The fact is, it is inevitable that I must.”

Lucy and Lady Phoebe remained as perplexed as ever.

Lucy nodded slowly, then spoke.

“I do not like this, my Lady. Last time you answered such a summons… the result was not good. Please, do nothing foolish. Sleep now, and reconsider in the morning.”