To celebrate the release of all three volumes of my Wild and Wanton adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South, I'm posting this little piece I wrote in January after watching the BBC miniseries.
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Margaret gazed out the window at the scenery rushing by, not really seeing it. Mr. Thornton's—John's arm was warm against her shoulders, a weight that was comforting and yet, one that made her heart race.
"I never stopped loving you."
The quiet voice, so rich and deep and filled with emotion, made her turn from watching the scenery rush by to face him. He was smiling, and his eyes were soft as he gazed at her. Margaret caught her breath and her heart thudded at such a look. The same tender expression he had worn before, at the station. How could she have ever thought him hard and cruel? Cold?
"I tried. But I couldn't." He caught one of her hands and raised it to his lips. "Even after you refused me. Even after I thought you were seeing another."
Margaret couldn't help the heat that rose up her neck. She closed her eyes briefly in embarrassment. "I never meant to hurt you."
"I know."
"I wanted to tell you the truth." She lifted her other hand to his face, caressing it. A shiver raced through her when he covered her hand and turned his head, pressing his lips into the palm.
"It doesn't matter now. Just say you'll marry me."
Margaret smiled slightly. She thought that had been implied. She was going home with him after all. "Yes. Yes, I will marry you, John. I'll even go with you now to Gretna Green if you like. I love you."
His breath came out sharply, as if he'd been holding it, and his answering smile was even wider than it had been on the platform.
"But I know your mother would like to be there."
"She would, but she would understand, when she sees how happy you've made me."
"I hope I always will."
"As long as you love me," he answered.
Margaret's voice was soft, but sure. "I do. I will."
And she settled back against him again, heart light and full, for she was going home.