Over the following week the discussion of announcing the engagement came up several times. Soon after Mrs. Grey's dinner party, Mr. Thornton's frequent notes and visits to the King's residence became of great interest to gossips in town. Margaret was secretly very glad rumors had finally begun and hoped soon they would be pushed to announce.
Mrs. King invited her sister-in-law Fanny Watson to stay a few days while Fanny's husband traveled to London for business. She thought it would be a nice change to staying at Marlborough Mills or her own home a few miles from Milton and would also give Margaret and Mrs. King a chance to gage Fanny and break the news to her.
Mrs. Watson was expecting their first child in five months' time. Surprises must be broken very cautiously to her now as 'her nerves could not constitute a shock'. She was very reluctant to remove herself from society just yet however, a trip to London seemed daunting even for energetic Fanny and so the visit was perfectly timed.
Even though Fanny had not been told of John and Margaret's situation she had noticed looks during dinners. And like the rest of Milton she had become aware of her brother's general attentions and more importantly Miss Hale's reception of them.
It could be assumed by anyone that Mr. Thornton has interest in pleasing his landlord. It was even being said what a good match and great advantage for Mr. Thornton to marry the very fine Miss Hale and obtain her wealth and property along with her finery and manners. However now that it was known Miss Hale was accepting his attentions, it was being said the advantage would be to her as he would manage her properties well and be a fine match for her in Milton society.
With things as such, Mrs. King and Mrs. Grey began to speak frankly of the courtship between Mr. Thornton and Miss Hale. By the time Fanny arrived at the King's she had been to Green's and had tea at the Bishop with Mrs. Hamper and Miss Hamper and had heard of nothing else but her brother and Miss Hale.
Mrs. King greeted Fanny at home while Margaret and Mr. Thornton ran a stack of letters to the post, one was to Aunt Shaw in London with the courtship announcement and plea for an approval for an engagement and date.
"It is all over the streets like common gossip. I find it vulgar to be spoken of so openly." Fanny was obviously disappointed her presence alone was not talk of the town.
Secretly Fanny was jealous, her engagement had barely made the first column of the society page and only because she delayed announcing a week to accommodate Miss Jones of Liverpool- the horse-face as Fanny called her. In any case, Fanny was resentful her brother's courtship wagged such tongues as no announcement of hers could. Now his marriage would most likely up stage her child's arrival. However, this did not bother Fanny as much due to her general desire not to draw attention to such an unseemly occurrence as her situation would develop.
"I'm surprised he will take her after all the scandal. I wonder if it will really come to fruition," by the way the town gossiped she knew her statement to be false. Neither her brother nor Margaret would behave in such a way to allow these rumors if they did not have intentions.
"In fact, have you heard it from his mouth there is an understanding of any kind?"
"No, I have not heard it from the mouths of either. However, I know my brother-in-law would never behave in such a way, and in my house. Margaret would not allow us to believe such an understanding existed if it did not. I know it is hard but I assure you Fanny, my dear sister, they are very much in love. I am happy for them both, it is a good match." Catching herself indulging too much on the certainty of the events to come, "If it is to come about that is. There have been no agreements and he has not asked her aunt or her brother I am sure."
Mrs. King then informed Fanny about Margaret's brother and even went as far as to tell her he was the young man she was seen with at the train station. She did not elaborate on his clandestine situation, only that he was not completely welcome and his home is not known. She anticipated this would smooth over Fanny's tart opinion of Margaret in some way. Mrs. King also hoped this was not all too much for Fanny in one day.
The mystery alone appeared to satisfy Fanny who seemed almost more irritated with Margaret, she preferred it when she thought Margaret at fault. The only thing worse than being a loose women was being a perfect women. Apparently this is the pendulum Margaret swung in Fanny's mind.
"Well if no one has heard it from his mouth then I will not believe it. I will ask as soon as I see him and there will be no more question."
Very shortly after, Margaret and Mr. Thornton came through the foyer. The ladies heard them from the front parlor. Margaret was laughing, unfashionably loud, then obviously attempting to muffle her own amusement. Even Fanny recognized this vernal behavior was uncharacteristic of Margaret. Margaret and John came into the occupied room as two children come in from play, still busy and moving while the ladies sat still and quietly.
Margaret spoke to Mrs. Watson and announced to Mrs. King her letters were posted. Mr. Thornton continued to hold onto her hand which rested on his arm. They held their pose a little longer than seemed natural; but both hesitated at ending their physical contact, small as it was.
Mr. Thornton informed the ladies the William Holman Hunt exhibit would be at the art gallery and he proposed they all go together the following day. All the ladies agreed. Margaret was especially pleased as this would be a clear public outing where she and John would definitely be seen. A few of these and an engagement would be imminent. Not to mention Hunt was one of Margaret's favorite artists after Millais.
Mrs. Watson, who was pleased but less enthused about the gallery, took it upon herself to make right on her word. She had a confidence that refused to allow her hesitation when creating a social scene, especially amongst family.
"John you should be cautious taking Miss Hale out so much. If you become too familiar now while courting you will not notice a difference once you become engaged and then what will you do when you are married?" Fanny knew this comment would draw her brother out no matter what had been discussed or agreed. She expected irritation at the very least.
"You forget, Miss Hale and I are old friends and business partners. I believe we already know each other as well as many married couples." He knew she was trying to agitate him and he wished to show his confidence. However, his words were ill chosen and all three ladies almost spit out their tea.
Margaret found the most amusement in his choice of phrase. Did he just imply he KNEW me? In that way? How many seconds before he realized his folly and blushes crimson?
The answer was very soon and his back tracking explanation was all the more comical.
"No, no. That is not what I meant. I only mean we are well acquainted. Not that we are in any way …. I did not intend….What I wished to say is that our minds are very well suited. Not that we…" finally gathering his thoughts and composure, "Well Fanny, as you see there is a level of acquaintance Miss Hale and I have reserved for marriage so I will not worry about the familiarity of being seen at the art gallery." His blush was even deeper as he began to stifle genuine laughter. Margaret struggled to suppress her own laughter at his recovery. Mrs. King also found great humor in Mr. Thornton's stumbling. She was the first to laugh out loud in the room.
His sister was less amused. She could see how flustered he became and then how easily he laughed at himself. This was not his typical reaction when accused of something so severe. Fanny did not think the obvious that he liked what she was implying, that he and Miss Hale were established and destined for the alter.
Overall it must be known that while Fanny was a dear, sweet, if not simple girl, and she was not invested enough to give up any of her own mirth and happiness over her brother and Miss Hale's liaison. In fact, Miss Hale's popularity as a respectable Milton lady was adding to Fanny's affection for her. Fanny was not deep enough to care for anything above the superficial. However, she hated to be bested and brewed over that alone.
The next day Mr. Thornton arrived to assist Mr. King in escorting Mrs. King, Mrs. Watson, Miss Hale and Miss Jane King the eldest daughter who was 15 years old to the Hunt art exhibition. Fanny and Margaret rode in Mr. Thornton's carriage and Margaret found it a thrill. She had never been in his carriage and she took in every sensation as everything felt heightened to be in such a small and intimate space, even if his sister accompanied.
Fanny talked the whole ride and rarely needed a response. After a few rambles about her house and the baby she paused and asked her brother directly if it was his intention to court Miss Hale and if so what does their mother say.
"Yes Fanny, it is quite right that I am courting Miss Hale and I have full intentions to marry her when the time comes." He looked directly at Margaret as he spoke the second statement.
Fanny then looked to her left at her seat mate, searching Margaret's face for disgust or confirmation.
"I'm afraid you have been right all along Fanny. I have fancied your brother for some time and I do believe we shall….get on this time. Your mother does know. I believe like you she would have preferred someone like Miss Latimer but she knows how much I love your brother and I believe the matter is absolved." She looked between John and Fanny as she spoke her words, as if to confirm that he agreed with her explanation. Now she turned to Fanny and placed her hand on Fanny's and said, "But I do truly love your brother. I have loved him very much for some time and I do believe he has loved me."
"Really Miss Hale, there's no need to go on about all that." It was now Fanny's turn to blush at Margaret's frank and intense confession. "I of all people will not be the one to judge you. I think it will be a good match for us Thornton's and obviously for you. I'm glad mother knows and I'm just sorry it took you both so long. I mean years the two of you have been going on together. And as for Miss Latimer I admit she was my initial choice but I must tell you now I do not fancy her. Mr. Carlyle has gone to her head and I have not seen her once since her engagement. She did not come to Mrs. Grey's dinner and I dare say she will not come to mine. Yes, I shall have a dinner for the two of you. I wish to announce you in an official way. Oh and shall we have a big London wedding!..." Fanny continued on in this way for some time as if the wedding and planning now involved her as much as Margaret or John. As she began planning both John and Margaret were quietly grateful for Fanny's acceptance and enthusiasm.
John knew Fanny would do whatever is fashionable and for now encouraging Margaret and John was fashionable and would give her an excuse to bring everyone to her home. Fanny's house was very large and in a small town a few miles from Milton. Fanny decided all her closest friends must stay the night as she had not had any overnight guests save her own mother twice. This time she would have a grand affair so large that half her gusts must stay the night and half would stay up the whole night. Fanny continued the entire ride planning her party and Margaret's wedding all the way to the front steps of the gallery.
That day Margaret chose to wear her emerald green day dress and lace shawl. She knew the dress was striking on her and it would no doubt draw a little attention at the crowded gallery but hopefully only in passing.
Mr. Thornton could barely take his eyes off Margaret. He tried to look away, impossible. He settled for attempting to not look in her eyes directly, he gazed at her skirts and watched for her shoes to peep out now and then or a glance at a white petticoat underneath.
He carefully handed his sister out of the carriage, Fanny was already heavier than she should have been for this stage of her condition. He then offered his hand to Margaret who was keen to take hold with more than a delicate grip.
As Margaret stepped out of the carriage her attention was diverted to a scene slightly around the corner. Her eyes saw and her mind began to process a vision of Miss Hamper being handed out of a carriage by Mr. Carlyle in a very friendly manner. It would have been a very strange thing for a lady to arrive at a location and enter from the side instead of the front entrance.
The view and thought that followed caused Margaret to lose her footing as she stepped from the carriage. Luckily Mr. Thornton noticed her distraction and was quick to catch her from the fall. This gallant act drew the attention of several ladies standing by and elicited several swoons. Mrs. Watson simply rolled her eyes.
Margaret lost sight of Miss Hamper and Mr. Carlyle when she recovered from her tumble. She wondered if perhaps she imagined the scene.
Inside the gallery Margaret became entranced by the realistic painting depicting realistic and compromising social situations. 'The Awakening Conscious' struck Margaret very deeply, feeling as if she could understand the look in the women's eyes. Her thoughts again floated to Miss Hamper and Mr. Carlyle. Perhaps their friendliness at Mrs. Grey's dinner has placed this wicked thought about them in my mind.
Lingering at the painting Margaret noticed her group has moved on except for John who stayed by her side. It was then that she saw Miss Hamper and only a few paces away from her, Mr. Carlyle. Margaret could tell from their shared looks and coy movements that they were indeed together and she instantly sensed some misgivings.
Margaret then heard the cries of Mrs. Watson who apparently was running into an acquaintance whom she had not seen in some time. Her voice soared above all the chatter and clatter in the room. Margaret turned her head then realized the unfortunate acquaintance destined to be singled out by Fanny was none other than Miss Latimer.
Turning back from Fanny and Ann Latimer, Margaret scanned the crowd again for Miss Hamper or Carlyle. Neither were to be seen.
Margaret felt almost distracted by the strange behavior of her friend Miss Hamper and Mr. Carlyle and wondered if her mind was playing tricks. She should have been occupied by her behavior toward John as this was one of their first public outings. She almost started to walk forward without taking the arm of her companion.
Mr. Thornton took Margaret's arm and placed it in his as he saw her momentum about to move forward. He could see the distance in her thought and asked, "Margaret are you quite alright? You look as if you've seen a ghost."
"Not a ghost but perhaps a scandal." They began to walk toward his sister, their group and Miss Latimer. Margaret said in a quiet tone, "Say nothing but I thought I saw Mr. Carlyle here, in the company of Miss Hamper."
"But he is engaged to Miss Latimer. It has been announced for months, however I have yet to hear a date." He quickly replied before they reached the group.
"Mrs. Latimer, Miss Latimer, you remember Miss Hale from London. She is staying with me for the season and we are certainly glad to have her company." Mrs. King intercepted before Mrs. Watson had a chance to say anything embarrassing.
Without skipping a beat Mr. Thornton pipped in, "Yes, indeed we are very glad. Miss Latimer, Is Mr. Carlyle with you today?" He could feel Margaret's fingers digging into his arm as he egged her on.
"No, he has business in Milton today and could not come however he did want to, he loves art." Miss Latimer seemed eager to promote his good wishes and interest.
"We did miss you at Mrs. Grey's dinner. I do hope you're feeling better." Margaret was genuine in her concern. Miss Latimer only felt the sting of seeing her on Mr. Thornton's arm while she was lacking her escort.
Margaret pitied Miss Latimer if Mr. Carlyle was a devious as he was starting to appear. But perhaps it had all been in her mind. She felt as if her eyes were misleading her, and no one else saw their friends in the crowd.
When leaving the gallery Margaret sat in the carriage as Mrs. Watson climbed and hoofed her way into the carriage. She watched as a street carriage carried Miss Hamper away. Margaret blinked and rubbed her eyes to ensure her vision was not a mistake or mirage.
When Mr. Thornton entered the carriage Margaret was still wide eyed. "Did you see our friend arrived at the last minute?" he said to Margaret, ignoring his sister who was not interested in the conversation.
Margaret wrinkled her brow and looked at him, now more confused than ever. He motioned his hand toward the window where she looked out and saw Mr. Carlyle with Mrs. Latimer and her niece. Margaret could not wait to tell him of the secret passenger in the passing carriage. It was becoming clear to Margaret that her and John's affair was not the greatest scandal in Milton, even if it wasn't known.