One who had known Mr Thornton for as long as Mrs Fleet had, knew as soon as soon as he entered the house with Miss Hale, he was unconditionally in love. Mrs Fleet did not even have time to suppose that her masters love was not returned by Miss Hale to the same degree, as the complete devotion she saw in the young woman's eyes told her that she had nothing to fear.
She had not been expecting the master with any company from his sudden trip to South. From the note he had left for her as housekeeper was fairly hurried and just contained that he would be away and was going to the South to a place called Hellstone. Mrs Fleet, being 'born and bred' in the North, at the time could not understand what on earth could have possessed her master to into the South country, as from what she knew of the South, it was a place of old ways and times, that the people had not moved on with the rest of the empire.
Now however, she saw all she needed to know from both their radiant expressions. She was somewhat surprised that the master would bring Miss Hale to his home straight away, as it would not be right or proper for the lady to stay in the same house as the master before they were married. With all this in mind, she planned to speak to the master privately.
Mr Thornton greeted Mrs Fleet with a smile.
'Mrs Fleet. Please could you tell Mother that I have returned, I will be with her as soon as possible, but I must find lodgings for Miss Hale first.'
Mrs Fleet felt rather relieved at not having to talk to the master, despite his kind and generous nature, but also felt rather foolish for having imagined that her master who was in all accounts very respectful, would not find separate lodgings for Miss Hale. However, she was surprised hat he wanted to venture out himself at such a late hour.
'Are you sure you want to go, Sir? You must be very tired after your journey and I mean no offence to you Miss, but I think Richards will do very well to take the young lady to find suitable accommodation.'
Mrs Fleet knew that her master would be going with Miss Hale as soon as she had said that, but she felt she should say what Mrs Thornton may have said, but in an altogether more agreeable way.
'No, that you Mrs Fleet, I will escort Miss Hale. I want to make sure that she is as comfortable as possible.' He smiled at Margaret and Mrs Fleet nodded at went to tell Mrs Thornton.
Mr Thornton knew exactly where to find comfortable and very adequate lodgings. He had chosen them near to the mill and as far away from the house she had occupied when her parents where still alive.
When Margaret had been shown into her room, Mr Thornton waited downstairs so he could make arrangements with the landlord.
