The soft whisper of early spring wind drifted through the open window of Williams Manor, carrying the faint scent of budding roses from the garden below. Margaret Williams sat by her writing desk in the drawing room, the morning light spilling gently over her papers and embroidery work. Her year of trial was nearing its end and though she had grown into her duties as the lady and governor of Hampstead with grace and strength, her heart often wandered elsewhere, to London, to Jonathan.
It had been months since she last received a letter from him. The last one, though tender in words, felt distant, as though his heart had not been entirely in it. Yet Margaret clung to hope. She wanted him to see what she had accomplished, how she had learned to manage estates, oversee trade and bring prosperity back to Hampstead. She wanted to show him that she had become a woman worthy of standing by his side.
As she sat reflecting, Mr. Whitby, her trusted butler, entered with a letter sealed in gold. "An important post for you, my lady," he said, placing it gently upon the table before her.
Margaret broke the seal with curiosity. Inside was a formal invitation written on fine vellum. It was from Lady Agatha Pembroke, chairwoman of the London Charitable Society for Orphaned Children. The event, a grand fundraising gala at the Royal Clarendon Hall, sought to raise money for orphanages across the capital. Margaret had been invited as a special guest of honor, recognition for her remarkable efforts in reviving Hampstead, her kindness toward the less fortunate and her contribution to rebuilding the lives of her townspeople.
Her lips curved into a soft, surprised smile. "They wish me to attend," she whispered.
Mr. Whitby bowed slightly. "Your reputation travels faster than even you imagine, my lady. The tourists who frequent our new amusement park have spoken highly of Hampstead's revival and of you."
Margaret's cheeks flushed with modesty. "I only did what was right," she said gently, though her heart swelled with pride.
That evening, as the sun set over the hills, she walked through the garden paths and thought of Jonathan. Perhaps I shall see him in London, she mused. The idea filled her chest with quiet excitement. She wanted to surprise him, to show him that she had become capable, independent and yet still the same woman who loved him.
When Edward Blake heard of her invitation to London, he visited her the next morning, he listened to her, with quiet admiration. His grey-blue eyes, always gentle when resting upon her, held a trace of sadness. "It is a wonderful honor, Lady Margaret," he said. "London will surely be charmed by you as Hampstead is. May I accompany you, perhaps? You should not travel alone."
Margaret smiled warmly but shook her head. "You are kind, Mr. Blake, but I must ask that you remain here. The rebuilding of the chapel still needs more supervision, Mr. Alcott can't do it allow and I trust your skill as a well trained steward with more experience. You will be my eyes and see to it that the masons keep to their plan."
Edward hesitated, then inclined his head with quiet obedience. "As you wish, my lady. I shall remain and ensure all is well in your absence."
Later that day, she summoned Mr. Whitby again to make arrangements for her travel. "I will depart in three days," she said. "See that a carriage is prepared for the journey and that lodgings are arranged at the Pembroke Inn in London."
"Yes, my lady," he replied, bowing.
After he left, Margaret turned to her maid, Ellen, a cheerful young woman with quick hands and a bright spirit. "Ellen," she said thoughtfully, "I wish to bring Jonathan a gift when I see him in London. It has been far too long and I want to remind him that I still think of him."
Ellen's eyes lit up with excitement. "That is a lovely thought, my lady. Gentlemen are often pleased with practical gifts, a fine pocket watch, a silk cravat or perhaps a leather-bound journal. You could also include something personal, a handkerchief with your initials embroidered or a letter sealed with your perfume."
Margaret smiled softly at the suggestion. "Yes, a pocket watch and a handkerchief, then. See to it that they are prepared and packed neatly. You shall accompany me to London."
"As you wish, my lady," Ellen said eagerly.
Two days later, the household stirred with preparation, the servants cleaning and packing, the carriage polished and Margaret's attire chosen with care. But as the third day drew near, an unexpected visitor arrived at the manor.
Mr. Hargrave.
The heavy sound of his boots echoed through the marble-floored entrance as he was announced. His tall frame and stern face carried the same air of command that always unsettled those around him. Margaret received him in the drawing room, standing with composure though her hands trembled slightly beneath her gown.
"Mr. Hargrave," she greeted politely, "to what do I owe your visit?"
He gave a curt nod, his expression sharp. "I have heard," he said without preamble, "that you intend to go to London, to spend money on charity, of all things. For homeless children, I am told."
Margaret held his gaze steadily. "Yes, sir. I was invited by Lady Pembroke herself. It is a noble cause and I intend to contribute."
He scoffed. "Noble cause? Foolishness, I say. You should be using that money for your own town, not squandering it in London. Do you imagine charity feeds loyalty? These city folk will take your coin and laugh behind your back."
Margaret's chest tightened, but she refused to look away. "Sir, Hampstead prospers because we help others. My late parents taught me that kindness never weakens a house, it strengthens it."
Mr. Hargrave frowned deeply, his voice lowering. "And what of Jonathan? He is there in London, training to become an estate steward, trying to make something of himself. You will only distract him with your visits and your emotions. Let him focus on his work."
"I do not intend to interfere with his studies," Margaret replied calmly. "I simply wish to see him, if time allows."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone firm. "You would do better to stay here and wait. But if you insist on going, do not trouble my son with foolish sentiments. His future is not built upon love letters and romantic nonsense."
His words stung, but Margaret managed a small, graceful smile. "You misunderstand me, sir. My future and Jonathan's are bound not by foolishness, but by faith."
Mr. Hargrave's expression softened just slightly. "Well, perhaps you have learned something after all," he said gruffly. "If nothing else, I can see that your year of trial has made you steady, though not wise with your purse." He straightened, adjusting his coat. "Still, I shall not stop the marriage once your year is done. Jonathan will manage your estates as a man should. You have the heart of a lady, but he must bring the mind of a man to the task."
Though his words carried a trace of insult, Margaret's heart fluttered with quiet relief. He has accepted our union, she thought. That alone was enough to soften the pain of his harshness.
"Thank you, sir," she said with poise. "You honor me with your approval."
Mr. Hargrave gave a short nod, his face unreadable. "Do as you please, Lady Margaret. But remember, do not distract my son." With that, he turned and departed, leaving a trail of cold air and unspoken tension in his wake.
When the great door of the manor closed behind him, Margaret let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Though his words still echoed in her mind, she found comfort in the one thing he could not take from her, her determination.
She looked out the tall window toward the golden fields stretching beyond the estate. The air was cool, touched by the early promise of spring. Soon she would be in London, standing once more in the city that held her heart.
And this time, she vowed, Jonathan would see the woman she had become, not just the girl he once knew.
Author's Note:
In this chapter, we see Margaret's quiet strength facing both hope and disapproval. Her invitation to London marks a turning point, not only in her life as the lady of Hampstead but also in her relationship with Jonathan. The next chapter will follow her journey into London, where fate, secrets, and long-awaited reunions begin to intertwine.