Read Regency Romance: An Intriguing Invitation (Historical Billionaire Military Romance) (19th Century Victorian Romance) for Free Online Page A

subconsciously. “I’ve been developing these time tables and records for a year, really more than a year. I’m not going to stop until I have a complete list of analysis. I want everyone to have one of my watches eventually. Then they will know what time it is all over the world!”
    Margaret had to laugh, the thought of the entire world being able to communicate with each other in a short time was amusing. John smiled at her, not at all disappointed by her frivolity. He was used to people laughing at his plan for everyone to know what time it was no matter where they traveled or resided.
    “I try not to think about the time,” Margaret said. “It never seems I have enough to do all the things I need to do in a day, much less the time to do what I want. And I never get to do what I want, as it is.”
    “And what is it you want to do?” John asked.
    “Sleep in every morning.”
    They both laughed.
    “Why are you traveling by yourself across the country?” John asked. Margaret braced herself for whatever reaction she was going to get.
    “To marry a stranger.” She responded bluntly.
    “Oh really?” John just nodded, looking at her. “I certainly do hope it turns out well for you.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Do you know anything about him?”
    “Not really, just that his name is Mark and he loves horses. My father taught me to rope, train and live with horses on a regular basis. Now I return the favor by marrying a man who also loves horses the way we do.”
    “It’s certainly good to start out on a new adventure in life.”
    “I agree.”
    “And being with someone compatible should make it even better.” His tone had changed somewhat and she suspected he had been hoping for a closer relationship upon their arrival at their destination. She wasn’t offended and felt a bit flattered that he had sprung into conversation with an obviously single woman on a train. His face was still friendly, though he looked a bit disappointed.
    “And do you have a wife?” She asked. If he was going to be forward, she would gladly return it.
    “I do not.” He shook his head. “Too much traveling. Never found a woman willing to do it.”
    “Well, I certainly hope you do someday, if that is what you wish.  And what a grand opportunity you have to find a woman who loves to travel as you do. You are always on here, I gather, and that’s where she will be, too!”
    John shrugged, smiling. “I guess we will see what happens in the future, won’t we?”
     
    Chapter Two
    The dry dusty plain spread out in front of Margaret to one side, and the bustling action of the station was on the other. She looked out over the plain. It was in such contrast to the people milling about, talking, laughing and crying their goodbyes. She held on to her satchel and thought about how John had continued to talk to her about his travels for the rest of the ride. He was obviously itching to tell someone about them.
    It made her wonder why he looked surprised when she said that he should write it all down and make a book of his adventures. It was as if the idea had never occurred to him before.
    She went with her satchel directly into the train station and approached the clerk behind the counter.
    “Pardon me,” she said. “Where is the nearest post?’
    “You can send a telegraph through me right here, young lady. You want to send a letter you gotta go the other side of the station and talk to Ester.”
    Margaret thought about it for a moment. “I will send a telegraph.”
    She proceeded to send her father a message, letting him know that she had arrived safely and would be en route to Las Vegas shortly. She would keep him updated of her status.
    The clerk took the telegraph and Margaret paid for it in coins.
    She turned away just in time to see a man she suspected was Mark approaching her from the two double doors she had come through. He was not so tall, but he walked with confidence, taking long strides, his broad shoulders pushed back.