Chapter 13 - An Understanding

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Note for the reviewer who was not a fan of Chapter 11 and asked me to repent . If you do not like my story, do not read it. Pretty simple.

Margaret was pleasantly surprised at John's response. She had half expected things to escalate into another fight, yet here he was, seemingly willing to listen. She tried to ignore the flash of 'sad puppy dog eyes' across his face and continued (despite wanting to do something else entirely).

"I would have us come to a clear understanding" Margaret said with a reassuring smile trying to convey her sincerity. She earnestly looked into John's blue eyes seeking his response.

"Very well then" John responded despondently, still hurt from Margaret trivialising his words to her last night. His eyes dropped to his lap momentarily, and he took a deep breath, gathering himself together, before gradually allowing them to rise and meet Margaret's.

"I am listening" he said softly.

"Firstly you need to know that Maria is a good girl with strong morals. She is intelligent, she is talented, she is ever so kind… but she can be headstrong".

John couldn't help but smile to himself. It was as if Margaret was describing herself as a young lady. "I cannot imagine where she got those traits from" John replied in a soft but sarcastic manner, now openly smirking with a faint twinkle in his eye.

Margaret again did her best to ignore how her pulse had just risen and the feeling of heat on her cheeks. Hold it together Margaret she thought to herself as she found herself having vivid flashbacks from her dream.

"You should also know that Maria has never shown any interest in young men before meeting Robert…I worry for her because she is still so young, not even 17. She is too young too….." Margaret twitched her nose and drifted off not sure how to finish her sentence.

"To form any serious attachment" John finished her sentence with a small smile and understanding soft eyes.

Margaret nodded, relieved that he seemed to understand her perspective.

"You must know that I do not object to Robert in principle, he seems like a fine young man. You and Fanny have done a great job raising him. I just feel that Maria is too young".

John simply nodded in agreement

"However I also do not wish to dictate to her on matters of the heart, I would rather provide subtle guidance and let her make decisions for herself".

John looked upon Margaret and in that moment saw the differences between them. Margaret wanted to guide her daughter whereas he had no issue in dictating to his nephew.

John cleared his throat before speaking.

"I have no objection to Maria. Despite what she may have overheard last night, I see her as a fine young lady. My concern rests with my nephew. I may have gotten carried away and used strong language last night to try and get my point across to Robert".

John sighed and his rubbed the bridge of his nose before continuing.

"He is strong willed and passionate….I have watched him work incredibly hard with his studies to gain acceptance to medical school".

"A work ethic not unlike someone else I know" Margaret responded with the hint of affection.

John smiled, almost embarrassed at the underhanded compliment before continuing.

"I do not want him to throw it all his hard work away or see his marks suffer because of a new found passion that may or may not last. He too is young".

Margaret nodded. She completely appreciated where he was coming from.

John continued "I have spoken to Robert and I have tried to forbid this attachment, however I am not at all convinced that Robert will adhere to my wishes. In fact, if I know my nephew he will do the direct opposite".

The pair sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, for the first time understanding that they were not in opposition.

Margaret suddenly rose to her feet. "What if we come to a compromise?" she said as she started to pace back and forth.

"What do you mean?" John responded with a puzzled look on his face.

"Well my issue is that Maria is too young to form an attachment, and you do not want Robert to get distracted in his studies, correct?".

John merely nodded.

"Well what if we put a time frame in place?".

John cocked his head to the side not quite understanding where Margaret was going with this idea.

"You see, I propose that we do not actively oppose their attachment, but ask that they wait until Maria is 18?".

John narrowed his eyes and thought this idea through. That would give the two youngsters over a year to consider their priorities. Robert would be a more than a year further into his studies and nearing completion of the academic part of the course. If affection remained after that time, then perhaps it wasn't a passing lust.

John looked up to see Margaret standing right in front of him, arms crossed, slightly raised eyebrows, waiting almost impatiently for his response.

John stood up, completely aware of Margaret's close proximity which made all his senses come alive. He noted that she did not step backwards either.

"I think we have come to an understanding Mrs Carlyle" he said in a velvety smooth voice.

Margaret couldn't help but look up and give him one of her biggest smiles. Partly out of relief that they had come to an agreeable resolution, but deep down it was proof that they were capable of talking issues through without it turning into an argument.

"I am glad" Margaret responded softly, suddenly finding herself blushing and not knowing where to look. She could feel John's intense gaze upon her person.

John reached out and lifted Margaret's chin with his index finger so she was looking directly at him, gently brushing her cheek with his thumb.

Margaret momentarily closed her eyes relishing in his soft touch.

"Margaret?" John spoke in the most delicious whisper.

Margaret opened her eyes, gazing up at him, not sure what to say. She was too distracted by the internal fireworks that were going off just from his light caress of her face.

John leant in towards Margaret and spoke so softly and so closely to her ear that his warm breath could be felt radiating down her neck, causing a shiver to go down her spine and the hairs on her neck to stand on end.

"Why did you run away from me last night?".

Margaret didn't move as she felt her breath hitch. She closed her eyes and responded honestly "I was overwhelmed".

John was still standing at a close proximity and was doing everything in his power to maintain his self-control. He was so close that he could smell her intoxicating perfume, hear her soft breaths and almost feel her heartbeat. Oh how he wanted to just take her then and there.

They were truly lost in the enchanted moment, neither sure how long they had been standing like that when a sudden noise drew their attention away. For Edith, Fanny and Maria were standing in the doorway, clearly halted from their conversation, each equally stunned at the compromising position they saw before them!