Freedom's Horizon (WLW) (Full Trilogy - Ongoing/Editing)

Book Three: Part Five: Chapter Four

York, England, October, 1928, In the Gardens of the Lavari Estate

Margaret found herself smitten and despite her typical reticence, or the consternation of her family's current predicament and wanting to see them, she couldn't fight the urge to glance over at Lavari's youngest. She was gorgeous and not in the same sense as usual. No, Gabriella was quite different to all of the many women she'd met over her centuries of existence. She bore long, black locks that curled perfectly around her face that was even more attractive than Margaret would ever be able to put into words. Perhaps it was why she never came around her father's warehouse. Maybe she was accosted by many-a-suitor and had absolutely no inclination to be courted, or her Leo Lavari may have kept her tucked away in fear she may drift off with some ruffian. Not that Margaret didn't fit that bill as well.

She picked at her food and glanced up at the empty chair that once held that very person of such great fascination. Before she'd even realized it, Margaret was standing and several of the men around the table followed suit. She blinked in astonishment a handful of times, then shifted her eyes toward Ricky as he stood with bewilderment rushing across his face.

"Is something the matter, Mrs. McCutchen?" Lavari inquired as he also stood and wiped his face with his napkin.

"I...find botany quite interesting." Realization dawned across Leo's face and he nodded several times as he retook his perch. "Might it be possible for me to join your daughter on her traipse?"

"I see no issues with that. Perhaps you can help her to come out of her shell a bit. As kind hearted and lovely as she is, Gabby has no other friends outside of the estate and would do well to make one." Margaret nodded and peeked down at Ricky who bore a smirk she knew all too well, then looked back up toward their boss as he added, "You might even find a few things in common between you both and I'm sure she would greatly appreciate letters sent to her while you visit your friends."

"If that is something you wish, I would not mind." Margaret slightly bowed her head toward those around the table and they did the same as she made her way toward the archway leading in the same direction in which Gabriella walked. "How might I get to the garden?"

"Just walk the length of that hall, then through the backyard until you see a greenhouse. There you will find Gabby most likely listening to some music and tending to her collection, as she calls it. Good luck."

With one last nod, Margaret walked into the outer hallway and could hear Ricky explaining that she'd always been a very curious person, but she paid it no mind. Not when this would most definitely be her one and only chance to speak to such a beauty. Wishing for the freedom being at sea offered, Margaret thought of how much easier it would be to court her there on her family's ship. They wouldn't judge, obviously, and by the look in Gabriella's eyes when she peeked over at her every now and again in the dining hall, Margaret was nearly certain she felt something as well. Years living on this earth gave her plenty of time to learn all about body language and with the way Gabriella's cheeks flushed each time their eyes met, she just couldn't leave well enough alone.

If Margaret was thinking clearly, if she had the right idea in mind, she'd turn around and walk back to the dining room. She'd continue her facade of a married life until she and Ricky left to reunite with their family at least for the next few days, or perhaps a week. Ultimately, they would come back to York, but it would only be until they were discovered. Once that happened, all bets were off and they would be forced to leave yet another home. This was their life. This was the life forced upon herself and her family by Francisco, the bastard himself, and if she was thinking clearly, Margaret would turn around.

However, she was so lonely.

Over the centuries, Margaret had lain with many women, but none carried that eternal flame for which she yearned. None were the mate with whom she desired to spend all the remainder of her days. The others on the crew were so lucky that it panged her heart. One may consider her agony a sort of jealousy, yet she knew differently. She knew it was for the lack of having that person with whom she might share literally everything. All the thoughts in her mind. All the touches that went beyond one or two night trysts. All the love for which she'd sought after for so long.