A/N: This is my first FanFic. In fact, I've hardly read any fanfiction other than North and South so feel free to correct me if I'm overstepping any unspoken rules of the fanfic community. Along those lines, please read and review, and let me know what you mean if you use abbreviations or fanfic jargon because I'm new at this.
This is based mostly on the BBC series, and to a lesser extent on the book. It picks up with Mr. Bell and Margaret on the bench at Helstone and pretty much everything changes from there.
Ch.1- The Last Request
Mr. Bell scrutinized Margaret carefully as she explained the situation with Frederick and Mr. Thornton at Outwood station.
"I just, I hate to think that Mr. Thornton thinks badly of me" Margaret finished, looking at Mr. Bell with pleading eyes and a pouting lip.
"Are you sure that's all?" he replied.
The longing look on Margaret's face as she turned away from him was all the answer he needed. Mr. Bell knew there had been something between them. He was not quite sure what had happened to separate them. All he knew was that Margaret's happiness depended somehow on his tenant in Milton. He also suspected that Mr. Thornton's recent distressed manner had to do with more than his failing mill.
With Margaret's unspoken confirmation Mr. Bell decided to go on with his plan. Both parties in this matter seemed determined to hide away their emotions, to prevent any opportunity that they might reunite. Intervention was needed.
Mr. Bell let out a deep sigh. With more time these matters could be handled properly, with delicacy and gentle propriety. But time was running short.
"I thought it was going to be such a lovely day," Margaret whispered, more to the trees than the companion at her side.
"Well never mind, let us think of other things," exclaimed Mr. Bell as he conjured up a false cheer, as much for his own sake as for Margaret's.
He went on to explain to Margaret that he wished to sign over the bulk of his monies and properties to her immediately.
Margaret shook her head in bewildered disbelief, "Oh no, I can't. I will not."
"Yes you will," replied Mr. Bell with assurance in his voice. It would not do to give into her strong will now. Not when he had so much else to propose.
"You see, my trip to London was not just to see you my dear. I saw my doctor as well."
Margaret's eyes clouded over as the realization hit her. She could hardly believe her ears. The first day of almost happiness since her father's death and she was faced with the reality that she would soon lose his dearest friend. She stared blankly ahead remembering all she had lost since she was last in Helstone.
She imagined Bessie Higgins, freed from that aching cough and those tired eyes, enjoying the long rest she had always spoken fondly of. She thought of her mother, young again and dressed in finery, with no troublesome convulsions, no red eyes or hidden pains. Her father was by her side at last. He had never been quite right in this world without her.
Margaret had always been comforted by the thought of those who had left her enjoying a heaven full of everything this world had not given them. But Mr. Bell was different. He had no external complaint, no fond memories of a life long gone, no lonely aching heart. He seemed healthy and happy, content in this world. Despite the wickedness of the thought Margaret found herself asking God what he could offer this man that justified taking him from her side.
Mr. Bell interrupted her thoughts. "Now my dear. Don't lose yourself in despair. I've had a long and wonderful life and you must think of me living the rest of it beneath the Argentine skies, being warmed by the sun. Not many a man can plan his exit from this world in such a leisurely way."
Margaret sniffled and returned to reality, having received a small comfort from his words.
"There is more my dear." Mr. Bell leapt into his next announcement swiftly hoping not to be derailed of his nerve by any pause in the explanation. "When your father died I had some idea of…taking care of you."
"You have, I mean, you did. You are" Margaret insisted, but Mr. Bell was looking for more than comforting words.
"No, you don't quite understand. I hope to leave you with more than money and property when I depart from this world. That is to say, I'm not quite sure I could face your father with the news that you were left with no more company than can be found in Harley Street."
Margaret opened her mouth to protest but Mr. Bell held out a hand to silence her as he continued.
"Now I know your Aunt Shaw and cousin Edith have been very kind to you, and that you love them dearly, but I am no fool. Don't try to tell me that you haven't felt very much alone for your entire stay there. True companionship requires more than dinner parties and London society can offer, especially for a woman of your sensibilities." Mr. Bell smirked at the look of shock on her face. The realization that he had described her feelings so perfectly gave him all the confidence necessary to complete his final statement and stand by it.
"No Margaret, I can not rest easy in South America with the knowledge that I kept my promise to your dear Papa if I leave you with nothing but money to fill a lonely heart. To be assured that you are properly cared for I must insist that you find companionship with someone who is your equal. Yes, as my days are growing short I must insist that you are engaged by the week's end. I can not leave this world in peace until that is settled."
Mr. Bell smiled at his triumph and braced himself for her indignant replies, but to his surprise the forthright Margaret simply melted. Months of unshed tears poured down her cheeks as she buried her face in her hands and whimpered her reply, "But Mr. Bell…no one loves me."
Recognizing her outpouring of emotion as uncharacteristic Mr. Bell was almost embarrassed to share this intimate moment with her. With tact he pretended not to notice the meaning less than artfully hidden by her words. He knew exactly to whom she was referring when she said "no one," but instead of addressing the truth of her confession Mr. Bell put his arm around her shoulder and returned to his falsely cheery tone.
"Oh Margaret, you underestimate yourself. As if your beauty and charm could not win you a thousand husbands overnight, the dowry alone could buy you any man you like. Simply name the lucky gentleman and we will take the train at once."
A/N- So I know Mr. Bell as godfather can't really force a grown woman to get married but I'll explain in the next chapter why she decides to consider his request.