These are the events after the end of the BBC mini-series of North and South. I chose to use it because it integrates better with my writing but I have also used some of the ending from the original book.

Mr Thornton stared into Margaret's eyes, he was lucky.
He had not expected her to take him, but the relief he felt when she did was almost greater than that of when Higgins told him she had a brother. He started with a small smile on his face, 'Miss Margaret Hale, what will my mother say?'
'Well, I can easily tell you that,' Margaret had been smiling ever scince she borded the train, though she did feel a bit of pity for Mr Lennox, leaving him to return to London on his own was rather cruel. But he would be a gentalman about it, as always. 'I am sure her exact words will be 'That woman!' followed by a list of things that will make me feel completely insignificant!' Margaret smiled, she truly did believe that the indignant Mrs Thornton would say that.
'Well to prevent her having too many things to complain about the correctness of the current affairs, I had better do it properly-' He paused and drew in a deep breath to prepare himself. 'Margaret, will you marry me?' Looking down at Margaret's small face, he saw a flush of colour, followed quickly by a sudden flicker of amusement.
'Mr Thornton! How could you presume such things! I think you misunderstand me! I just needed to change trains.'
His face filled with horror then realisation.
'That is not funny Margaret,' he growled meanacingly, 'I have already misinterpreted your actions before, save me the angst of having that experience again.'
Innocently Margaret whispered, 'Who ever said I was being funny.' as she nestled into Johns' arms.

They where both startled at the noisy opening of the carriage compartment and quickly drew away from each other, their embrace was not exactly polite in public.
Standing in the doorway was a girl of about six, a chestnut plait fell limply over her shoulder, the other was being used in the place of a handkerchief to wipe away the steady flow of tears from her wide eyes.
John muttered, something to the effect of wanting a peaceful journey with his fiancee, but Margaret instantly felt compassion for the distressed child.
'What is the matter?' she said gently, as if she was talking to a scared rabbit, not wanting to frighten it away. But the words had no effect, the child carried on standing there, sniffing slightly. 'Where is your mother?'
She finally spoke, though almost inaudible it came out with one breath, in a rush. 'I don't know- I went to find Father, but I could not and then I went back, but mother was not there. So- so- I don't know what to do-' she broke off into more tears.
John was still sitting slightly dazed on the seat, he had not had much experience with children, other than the ones that worked in his mill. But he was determined to help Margaret find the child's mother.
'Margaret, you inquire down the end of the train, I will take her to the guard at the front and inquire on the way.'
With that they set off in opposite directions, John leading the little girl softly by the hand.

Almost at the end of the train, Margaret was giving up hope, maybe John had already found the girl's mother and they where happily reunited, but then again, maybe not.
Opening the stiff sliding door to the last compartment Margaret recited her speech that had become practiced from repetition.
'Excuse me, I am sorry to disturb you, but have you lost a child?'
The man was facing away from her, wearing a dark coat that contrasted damatically with his dirty blond hair. For a moment Margaret thought he must be asleep and started to retreat, but he slowly turned his head towards her.
They where plunged into darkness as the train entered a tunnel.
'I am afraid I have not-' But as she turned to go he continued. 'But Miss Hale-' she turned around, startled by the mention of her name but the owner of the voice could not be seen in the darkness. 'I would not advise wandering around on your own. Who knows what someone would want to do with such an accomplished heiress as yourself.'
'Sir- I would take it kindly if you did not talk to me like that. I am perfectly capable of dealing with any situation that I come across' Margaret's voice was stern but wavered slightly with doubt.
'I was just warning you-' the voice was slightly menacing and it sent a chill down Margaret's spine. They where out of the tunnel now, but he had his back turned to her once again.
'You may not be loved as well as you think.'
'Margaret?' John's worried voice came from behind her. 'Are you alright?'
'I-' But as she turned, the train jolted to a stop, sending the compartment door slamming into her and rendering her unconscious.
"Margaret!' His reaction was instant, opening the door and carrying his fiancee into the now empty compartment.

Hopefully I will be able to get the next chapter up soon!
Please review!
xx