After much conversation it was decided that John and Margaret should marry from Aunt Shaw's house in London. An express would be sent to Mrs. Thornton to convey the happy news and to invite her to the wedding. There had been enough separation, sadness, and misunderstanding between the two and it was agreed, that as much as possible, John and Margaret would not be parted.
One last fortifying embrace and Margaret went to speak to her Aunt Shaw. John left to send the brief express and to get a special license. A special license was the smart way to be married, but ostentation was not the purpose of this license- rather an expedient marriage.
By the time John returned Margaret had calmed Aunt Shaw enough for a semi-civil conversation with John. The couple sat down to tea-perhaps the only thing that could give comfort to all at the moment. It also gave everyone something to occupy their hands and when necessary, overt their eyes.
Mrs. Shaw opened the conversation. "I had no idea when I woke this morning that before dinner my niece would be engaged."
"Well, if it is any consolation, my mother still has no idea I plan to marry before the end of the month." Mr. Thornton replied lightly.
"Mr. Thornton" began Aunt Shaw, "I do not mean to be indelicate but marriage preparations take time. Margaret must have a trousseau. We must order a wedding dress. Invitations must be ordered and sent." Turning to her niece Mrs. Shaw implored. "Margaret, see here, you cannot reasonably expect to marry within the month or even the next."
Margaret heard her Aunts plea. Actually, it was the third time Margaret had heard this particular line of reasoning. Since sharing the news with Aunt Shaw two hours ago, Margaret had been cajoled and nagged. She was running out of patience and turned to John for support.
"Pardon the contradiction madam, but I just purchased a special license. I assure you, we can be married within the week."
For the next few minutes they were all occupied. The butler, with mopping up the mess of Mrs. Shaw's broken tea cup, Margaret in attempting to wake her Aunt from a faint, and John in seeking the smelling salts.
When a semblance of calm returned to the room, Margaret began, "Aunt, I only need a few things to start married life. Getting the rest a month later will not signify much." Margaret paused, "I do not want a big wedding. No formal invitations and only our families. I am quite determined… But I would like your blessing."
"I have a list of the best drapers in London. I know a few of the owners personally. You could start this evening in picking fabric and placing orders."
Aunt Shaw raised her hand. "A moment please, not three hours ago I was blissfully ignorant of Margaret's plan to marry anyone, much less marrying within a fortnight! Let us take care of the necessities of this evening first. Mr. Thornton I assume you will be staying with us? I will alert a maid to ready a room for you. Margaret, you must tell Edith your news. If you are really to be married at such a reckless speed we will determine the minimal that we can do for wedding. I suppose I should be glad you are not headed for Gretna Green."
John and Margaret exchanged sheepish smiles. They had decided if Aunt Shaw refused to work within their timeline Gretna Green was a happy alternative. Apparently, this would not be necessary.
"If speed really is necessary, Margaret will be busy almost every waking moment. You may plan to see each other at meals I suppose, but perhaps not much more. Mr. Thornton, please excuse us. Make yourself at home in the drawing room or the library. Simpson will show you to your room as soon as it is ready. We will meet back here at the dining gong."
Margaret gave John a parting smiled as Aunt Shaw pulled her from the room.