The Journey Home

Chapter 30 - A Proposal

Edith was the best of all hostesses. Enchanting because her dance partners always believed that they had her undivided attention as they twirled and spun about the dance floor. However, Edith and her mythical smile were only half listening to what the gentleman in question was saying. It was far more important that she take note and mentally check off the faces of those that were in attendance at her party. One guest in particular perplexed her. He was hard to miss because he stood a head above most other guests. Dark and pleasant looking in an ordinary sort of way, Edith felt she had seen the gentleman before, but could not quite place his face. She made a mental note to ask Sholto about him during refreshments.

While they danced, Margaret felt the dry heat of his bare hand on the back of her waist and her own gloved hand disappeared within his grasp. His shoes scandalously disappeared beneath the sweep of her gown and his thigh would occasionally touch her own as he ever so gently drew her closer. She could not direct her attention any where other than looking into his lovely eyes. A kindly smile drew up the corners of his mouth - oh, how she adored his perfect lips! She was thrilled that they were no longer hidden by a beard and admired all his features that were now visible, the curl of his bottom lip, the nook between his lip and chin, two smooth smile lines that had been etched on the sides of his mouth and the mysterious thin scar just on the underside of his chin, never visible unless the viewer had the advantage of looking up from a position of being in his arms.

"I can hardly believe that you are here, John. How did you ever manage?" As she spoke he leaned forward to better hear her, so much so that his lips were dangerously close to her own.
"I am fortune that the guest of honor, my reason for attending the dinner, was partial to the motto 'early to bed, early to rise'. I came as quickly as I could." His closeness allowed him to take in her lavender scent of crisp clean spring air.
"Did you win their support? Will there be help for the workers?" Margaret asked excitedly, and losing focus, she tangled her own feet between his. John's quick response was to effortlessly lift her off her feet on the turn so that she could adjust her footing.
"I am so sorry. I am afraid it has been a very long time since I was permitted to waltz." Margaret deeply blushed with embarrassment. John thought her awkward steps were absolutely endearing.
"Well, Miss Hale, if you would allow me to teach you, then." He whispered the count into her ear "one, two, three, one two three..."
"I know it sounds silly, but we were not allowed to dance like this in Spain. It was thought to be improper by the church, and not allowed at the assemblies."
"Unfortunately, my shoes will suffer for need of a shoe shine thanks to the Roman Catholics." He said mockingly and was rewarded with another of Margaret's unrestrained smiles and the dimples that he cherished appeared. "You must tell me. John. Did you meet with Gladstone? Will they provide funds for the workers?"

"Aye, Margaret, there will be time for talks of money and politics. Please, let me enjoy the pleasures of having you in my arms."

"But you shall explain it to me? I want to understand how it all will work. Please, John, I want to be of use to you when we..." she hesitated, "return to Milton." Margaret's heart froze with embarrassment. She had nearly said aloud what she hoped to be their future, when they were married.

John was so filled with love for this beautiful creature in his arms, was so moved that she wanted to say what he had yet to ask of her, that he needed to be alone with her - at once. "Is there a place where we could be alone?" he asked.

"Yes," she quickly replied, "The back drawing room. We could slip away while the refreshments are being served. We would not be missed!" she suggested with an excitement that, upon reflection, caused her some embarrassment. "Oh, dear. Forgive me. I should not be speaking to you this way. It's not proper, and I am, oh! I am not thinking clearly." John slowed his lead and being near the exist to the main house, he took Margaret by the hand. "Come, " he said, while the music continued to play and he lead her away.