21. Chapter Twenty-One #2
Margaret wanted to stay in place and reject Eugene’s invitation, but she kept thinking of poor Roger, locked away in a dark room. She had Eugene dangling on her hook, and only so much time was left before Roger would resume his place of darkness, never for him to recover.
“I would love to.”
Margaret took hold of Eugene’s arm, and he escorted her along the stone path.
The sunlight reflected over the James River, offering a glistening effect.
Despite Margaret’s pain, the reminder of nature’s beauty and how it would never fail her gave her comfort.
The flowers may fade, but they’d bloom again come spring.
That was the type of healing Margaret longed for, and that spring would be Eugene taking her as his wife, and the blossoming of Roger’s freedom.
Being Eugene’s wife wouldn’t be a life of love, but it would be a life full of potential—if Roger was saved in the process.
Eugene led Margaret to the port where they had spent a morning together weeks ago.
He had asked to pursue her there, and she had accepted.
Except it hardly felt like pursuit anymore, just business.
Yet, to Eugene, this so-called courtship was something far more personal.
He had made that much clear at the shooting party, openly referring to her as a potential wife.
Eugene leaned over the railing, letting out a sigh. “Remember the last time we were here together?”
Margaret faked a smile and stood next to him. “You asked me about the theater.”
Eugene grinned. “Ah, that was indeed a lovely day, an even better night, too.”
Margaret blushed, thinking about the lights going out and how close she had been to Eugene—his arm around her waist and his kiss against her cheek.
But that was far different than the night at the ball when they had shared a real kiss.
A naive girl she was weeks ago, consumed by the fantasy of romance novels. If only she knew what was to come.
Eugene turned away from the river, his back against the railing. He folded his arms over his chest and smiled. “I’d like to take you to more theatrical performances.”
“Oh? Which ones will be performed here?”
Eugene’s lips curved. “I’d like to take you to some places in London.”
“London?” Margaret’s chest closed, delaying a breath. It had tightened so much that she could hardly breathe, thinking about the reality of the situation. She drew her bouquet close, increasing her grip.
“I’d like you to go with me.”
“I-I I don’t understand.”
She did understand. She only wanted to test the waters to see if this was real.
Was Eugene suggesting marriage or perhaps something else?
She hoped it was marriage. She’d rather be married to him than a stranger her grandmama would arrange.
Margaret took a deep breath. For Roger. For your family’s name.
“As my wife.” Eugene dug into his waistcoat pocket, pulling out a small velvet box, almost like the one he brought out that contained diamond earrings.
However, this time, the box was smaller.
He opened it, revealing a large, sparkling diamond sitting on top of a shiny gold band.
A halo of small diamonds surrounded the solitaire, making it shine even more.
The reflection from the sunshine created beautiful prisms, and she could hardly make out the ring anymore.
A pulse in Margaret’s head throbbed, and heat crawled up her neck as Eugene kneeled on one knee. She tried her best to smile at him, but her lips were frozen like her body. She was speechless, and her legs began to shake. Don’t faint. Don’t faint.
“Margaret Nicholson, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
This is what you were born for. You were born to take back the family fortune. Say yes. Say yes to your duty. Say yes to saving Roger. He needs you. Margaret inhaled a deep breath and nodded.
Eugene smirked. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes,” Margaret breathed, handing him her quivering hand. Eugene slid the ring onto her petite finger. It fit just perfectly, as though her destiny had been confirmed.
Eugene stood, her hand still in his. “My dear, your hand is shaking. Did I frighten you?” He wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her closer. Now, Margaret felt like she was going to faint. It was true. She was marrying the wrong man. It should be Roger, but she had to set him free this way.
“Y-You took me by surprise.”
Eugene chuckled, planting a kiss on Margaret’s cheek. “I am so honored that you’re going be my bride.”
Margaret took a closer look at her ring. The diamond was so heavy.
“Should we tell your family?”
Margaret nodded. “Yes.”
Except she didn’t want to. Yes, this was for Roger, but how could she live without him?
How could she move on so quickly? The truth was, she wasn’t moving on.
Roger would always have her heart, but it was time for her to accept her destiny.
This wasn’t only for him—it was for her family name too. For Grandmama’s security.
“There is one matter I must discuss with you.” Eugene’s tone turned more serious. “This sounds rather odd, but you being an American and I a marquess . . . there is a more complicated matter.”
“What is that?” Margaret asked.
“You’ll have to sign a contract . . . a contract that will grant me a part in your inheritance.”
“Like a dowry?”
Eugene nodded slowly. “Something like that but . . .” He paused in his path, taking Margaret’s left hand in his. He delicately rubbed her knuckles with his thumbs. “You won’t only be marrying me; you’ll be marrying into my way of life. You’ll be a marchioness, my dear.”
Margaret nodded. “I understand.” The decision was one that could affect her life, but she was ready to make the sacrifice. She’d be the best marchioness as possible for this man. He’d be her husband, despite it only being for leverage. He deserved to have a supportive wife as he believed she’d be.
“Are you ready for this?”
Margaret forced a smile. “I’m ready for anything . . . as long as it's with you by my side.” She clenched her teeth. She was disgusted with the person she was becoming. Her true self would be eliminated and replaced with becoming an aristocrat’s wife.
Eugene wore a bright grin. He leaned downward, laying a soft kiss on her lips. It was so sudden that Margaret had forgotten to close her eyes. Weeks ago, she had savored his kiss and the taste of his lips, but now the taste was bland. No spark existed, as she had claimed to have felt before.
“Let’s share our news! I can hardly contain myself!”
Margaret’s legs wobbled as she walked with Eugene into the house. When they arrived in the parlor, her family was visiting with Mr. Baldwin.
Mr. Baldwin arose from his seat. “Ah, there you two are. We were about to begin dinner without you.”
Margaret’s father arose from his seat. Her heart dropped at the sight of him. He’d be so disappointed that she was sacrificing her life to marry someone she didn’t love. It was a life her parents didn’t want for her or her sisters, ever. However, it wasn’t their choice. It was Margaret’s.
“Lord Burton, Margaret, have a seat,” Mama said.
Margaret took a step in her sisters’ direction, but Eugene’s voice stopped her. “Before we do so, I believe it is wonderful and perfect timing that all of us are together. Miss Nicholson and I must make an announcement.”