Read Almost Persuaded: Miss Mary King for Free Online Page B

as eager as I
am to clear up this misunderstanding.
    Mary proceeded to her writing desk. Halfway through the
first sentence, she paused. After what happened in the library, who amongst
the servants will see that he receives my missive? I must find
another way. I have no one to rely on save myself.
    I shall set out on my own. She furrowed her brow and threaded her
fingers through her hair. How might I possibly leave undetected? Anticipating the
obstacles and strategizing the means of overcoming them, Mary arose
from her seat and commenced pacing. I shall fashion a rope from my bed cloths,
attach it to the bedpost, and climb down. Then, I shall make way to
the stable and avail myself of one of Papa’s horses. How difficult
can it be to carry out my scheme?
    She dashed to the window, pushed it open, and poked her
head outside. The chilly night air, combined with the prospect of
finding herself entangled in the thorny bushes below, was akin to a
splash of cold water on her face. What on earth am I thinking? As much as I
wish to see Mr. Wickham, fleeing into the night is not the answer.
I dare not compound this evening’s chaos.
    She closed the window, headed towards her bed, and threw
herself on it. Temperance is what is called for, not
recklessness.
    I am on the
verge of marrying the man who satisfies my every desire. Surely
Papa will understand. I rely upon his support. More than that, I
value his good opinion.
    She passed what seemed like hours, sitting in the window
seat and gazing at the bright full moon. Never had she seen her
father in such a violent rage. However did my dear Wickham fare against
Papa’s assault? Is he wounded? I shall never forgive myself should
that be the case.
    It had all been her own doing. Her wanton behaviour would
never be excused, just as the disappointment in her father’s face
would never be erased from her memory. That she had been the means
of such unhappiness and disappointment pained her. What a wretched
situation this is.
    A light rap on
the door summoned Mary to her feet. She wiped a tear from her eye
and hurried to open the door. “Anne?”
    “Mary, you
must go to your father. He wants you in the library.” She was gone
directly.
    Her father was
walking about the room, looking grave and anxious. “Mary, my child,
what has happened to you? Are you out of your senses to allow that
foul man to compromise you in this fashion? What is to become of
you—the prospects for your future—should there be any unintended
consequences pursuant to your recklessness?”
    “You must not
worry, Papa, for nothing happened.”
    “If you
mean to say he did not ruin you in the eyes of your future husband,
then I must thank God for that, but something certainly did happen.
If what took place just hours ago in this very room were known to
Society, then you would be ruined in the eyes of the world in
general. One can only pray that scoundrel has the decency to keep
his mouth shut. It is only for the sake of your reputation I did
not kill him.”
    Her heartbeat
fluttered. “Mr. Wickham would never utter a word of what occurred
between us. He is an officer as well as a gentleman. What is more,
it is a private matter between two people who are committed to each
other.”
    “I must allow
the fact that you believe the gentleman holds you in esteem as an
excuse for your foolishness. However, I will not abide you standing
here and defending him—not when I know the truth. Sit, my child.
You shall hear the truth as well.”
    Mary took a
seat. She cast a cursory glance about the room, waiting for her
father’s retort. All evidence of the earlier chaos was erased.
    “That
reprobate may be an officer, but he is no gentleman. Do you suppose
a true gentleman would have called upon you under the cover of
darkness at a time when he knew you were not chaperoned? Would a
true gentleman have proceeded to seduce you—thinking no one would
be present to stop him?”
    “Papa, why are
you ascribing such nefarious