Chapter Eleven

A/N - Please review. I want to know what you guys think of the storyline.

Thanks

FIS

A bit of fluff and Mr. Bell

"May I call on you tomorrow anyway?" Thornton had asked. "Perhaps we could start our chess lessons or I could just sit with you, that is, whatever it is convenient for you." And that is just what he did, the very next day, and the next, and the next

"Anyone would think you had taken up quarters in Crampton. Why? You are hardly at home," Mrs. Thornton said. "I wonder what her father thinks of you being there all the time. Surely, he must suspect by now"

"Mr. Hale is a good friend. He knows I will never do anything to harm his family. I go there on two evenings for my lessons and on Saturdays to play chess or read with her, all with his consent," Thornton replied.

"Not to forget Sundays, where you stare at her in church all day long. You know you are not supposed to do that, don't you? And then you walk them home," she added. "So much for maintaining discretion," his mother thought.

"I see her here for lunch two days of the week, and I still have one day free where we don't meet at all. I'm not at Crampton then. You are not jealous, are you, Mother? I thought you liked her," he said

"I do like her. I'm sure she will make you happy. Do you have an understanding now?" she asked.

"Not yet, but I am hopeful," he replied. We have become friends, and she is beginning to trust me."

"So why the delay? Surely, you don't doubt her regard now," Hannah said. She knew her son. Patience was not his suit. Perseverance, determination and stubbornness, yes. But cowardice? well…...he seemed to be displaying a tendency for it where Margaret was concerned. People have entered into matrimony with even less familiarity than he and Margaret shared, Fanny and Watson, notwithstanding, so it did not make sense that he could wait.

"Mother, you said the same thing after the riots, and see how that turned out," Thornton said. "I need to see it in her eyes that she would have me. She sees me as a friend, as a brother. I know I asked for that but it won't do. I need more. That is why I call on her to see if she is well; to see if I could be of service, but I would not want to presume to know her mind, that she would regard me of greater significance to her happiness than I have at present "

"Can I surmise from the long face that you did not get to see her today then?" she asked.

"Is it that obvious?" he asked. Hannah could tell whenever he saw Margaret for it would be written all over his face, for he looked so much more handsome if that were even possible, but then, as his mother, she is biased.

"Every girl needs time alone every now and then. I am certain she is well and in good spirits. I will see her tomorrow when we go shopping for new net curtains for the bedrooms at Crampton and I will send word, post-haste," she teased and snapped her fingers

"Shopping? I could…..," he started.

"No, John," his mother interrupted, "we do not need you to accompany us"

"I could help carry your purchases," he suggested

"We can take a carriage," she replied

"I know all the best fabric dealers in town. Remember I was a draper's boy," he said.

"Yes, ten years back. And I know the same dealers as you," she replied

"I could negotiate some great bargains for you," said he

"A mill master purchasing fabric for the home. I think not," she said. "You will not be joining us on this shopping trip, son. I don't want you subjecting her to any speculation without an understanding with her. Do it now. I don't want you hovering like a hawk, marking your patch. Soon everyone in town will know that you have designs on her and no man would even dare…I suppose, that is probably what you want….to keep every man at bay. "

"I can't take that risk just yet. Let me continue in hope. Come to think of it, I need to purchase some new handkerchiefs at the haberdashers, so I will come along, Mother, and that is final," he said

"I suppose you'll have it your way then. Now that you say so, there is something you can do for us," she said.

"I'm not going on any fool's errand if that is what you're thinking," he said.

"Would I ever? I just remembered we may need to purchase some wool as well. We need about two dozen yards. A bit heavy, I dare say. It costs six shillings and six. It will be of great help for you to carry them for us. Perhaps you could stop by Hartmann Drapers to collect them and then join us at the haberdashers for the curtains. They have the best quality wool in town," she said.

"Two dozen. What would you need so much wool for?" he asked

"For collywobbles," she replied.

"Collywobbles? Collywobbles Mother? You think I don't know what you really mean. I know what you're doing," he said. It had always been a successful strategy of hers, to use that ever-increasing list of euphemisms for ladies' monthlies and unmentionable accessories to deter him from a course of inquiry or action, to get him to toe the line. He was minded to call her bluff and go anyway but thought the better of it. One of these days, he thought, he may yet surprise her, but for now he would not want to make Margaret discomfited by being around him when purchasing items for such intimate use. "I will leave you be, to shop on your own, as you wish," he acquiesced.

"It was very kind of you to offer. Thank you John," she smiled.

"I would still like to be of some use to Margaret," he said, "to get her something beautiful, be it gloves, a fan, a hat pin, something that young ladies would like."

"In that case, I will order O'Neill's Catalogue for the next Season. You will find plenty to choose from in it," she said

…

"Good evening sir, are you on your way out?" Thornton asked Mr. Hale when they met at the door as he came in for his lesson.

"I'm off to drop this letter in the post box down the street," he replied.

"If you let me have the letter sir, I could run down to the post office to catch the late collection," Thornton offered knowing he could not extend his stay because he had promised his mother to be home for dinner.

"Thank you, John, but that will not be necessary. The post office is at least a good ten-minutes away, and I could always get a boy to do that if I deem it so. The post box will do fine. Margaret is upstairs. You may go in and I will join the pair of you presently," Mr. Hale said.

That Mr. Hale was not worried about leaving him with his daughter unchaperoned, that he was regarded as a trusted friend was not lost on Thornton. 'Friend', that is what he was; 'lover, husband', that is what he wanted to be. John wondered if Mr. Hale would be so relaxed if he knew the liberties he and Margaret had already shared, that she had even once put her arms around his neck.

Thornton went upstairs as he was bid. He found her in the Drawing Room, poring over the book they were reading together, Alexander Pushkin's Eugene Onegin. "Are you well, Miss Hale? I saw your father downstairs, on the way to the post box. He will join us shortly, he said," John said to explain their being alone.

"I'm well, thank you sir. Yes, Papa was to go Oxford for a reunion with his fellow alumni from Balliol College and some dons from Oriel, but now, he wouldn't leave me because of that unfortunate business at Princeton. He now keeps watch over me like a child. He has decided to invite Mr. Bell over. The letter should get to him by the end of the week," she said.

"I see you are reading on. I must admit, I've not found the time to pick up that book since our last reading. What are your thoughts on Onegin so far?" he asked.

"Frustrating. He is doomed for a life of misery and loneliness because of his prejudices and selfishness. He could not see Tatyana for who she was and foolishly rejected her, and then challenged his only true friend, Lensky to a duel before leaving town. How people let society's constraints for keeping order divert common sensibilities, I wonder," she said. Margaret could see some parallels in her own life where she did not recognize Thornton for the fine man that he was and likewise rejected him.

"So he killed his friend then?" Thornton said.

"Perhaps I should not read too far ahead. I would not want to spoil it for you. I think I will stop now, and we can continue when you feel able to do so," she said and put the ribbon in the page to mark her place and closed the book.

"How did your shopping trip with my mother turn out?" he changed the topic.

"We got the curtains. They will be delivered in two days time," she replied.

"Did you purchase any other fabrics, silk, linen, or wool perhaps?" he asked, giving in to his curiousity

"Oh no, just cotton. We got Nottingham lace, made from the finest cotton in the market woven from our Milton mills," she said, "but then, I may be partial, I think."

Thornton looked at her quizzically, "….she did not say this in jest" he thought. "Am I to take it that your ordeal has not tainted Milton irrevocably in your esteem then?"

"Milton is my home now," she replied.

"I'm glad to hear it. We are not wholly bad," he said

"I love it here. I love the town, and I love the people," she said, "hardworking, strong and proud"

"I have something that I'd been meaning to give you," he said and reached into his pocket and brought out a little silk drawstring purse. It held a bracelet made of freshwater pearls and olive-green peridot gemstones in twenty-four carat gold links. "It is to replace the one that was stolen, you know, the one you pull up your arm whenever you pour the tea," he said.

"You noticed that?" she asked

"I am a magistrate. I have to notice everything," he said softly and looked into her eyes, "Miss Hale, everything."

'Everything.' She shuddered at the sound of his deep velvety Darkshire accent to that word. She wondered how much he really noticed. Was she so transparent that he noticed that her regard for him was becoming more favourable. She could still feel his eyes staring at her, and with each passing second, raising the heat on her face.

"Thank you very much sir. If you excuse me, May I try it on?" she said and looked away from his gaze and undid the clasp of the bracelet

"….Let me," he said.

'Let me,' he had said, not 'may I?; not leaving the option for a refusal. 'Taking liberties', that is what his mother would have called it.

Thornton reached and took her hand and settled it upon his knee and then took the bracelet from her and put it around her wrist, hooked the clasp and then pulled it up and down her arm. "See…., it's just like the other one," he said.

They both seemed content to sit there in companionable silence. He, with one hand held her wrist firmly onto his knee, and then with his other hand he ran his fingers across the bracelet and the back of her hand with tenderness at odds with his big frame. And she,…she let him. It was not lost on either of them that fifteen months ago she would even not take his hand in greeting.

"It is very beautiful. Pearls are my favourite," she said and her eyes sparkled

"I know. Mr. Hale told me your name, Margaret, means 'pearl' in Greek," he said and he then moved closer and whispered, "…..and the peridot gems ….the dark olive green…they remind me of your eyes."

He knew in his mind that the right thing to do was to let go of her hand and move back, but his head and his body were not in agreement. The thrill he felt in that moment warred against the fear of the censure he would most certainly get if they were to be caught. He neither wanted to seduce her nor compromise her, but he wanted her to feel some of his longing, to feel what it could be like if she just let him love her. He was never one to take risks like this, no…..for risk was incalculable, unpredictable and dangerous, as he was sure he was on fire from her hands that seemed to burn a hole all the way up from his knees to his navel …giving him some difficulties in focusing….in breathing but not altogether unbearable….

"Mr. Thornton…Mr. Thornton," she called

"Beg your pardon. You were saying…."he came out of his reverie.

"You are smiling," she said

His glistening blue eyes pierced through her and he exhaled deeply and then leaned closer such that his sideburn brushed her cheekbones, his breath, hot on her shoulder, and brought his lips level to her ear "Margaret, take care, if you don't speak, I shall claim..….." he murmured against her soft cheeks.

"…Oh Mr. Thornton….it tickles," she sprang up and pulled her arm out of his grasp and shuddered at the odd sensation that stirred through her belly and raced red-faced out of the room and past a surprised Mr. Hale who was just coming in through the door. This man does unnerve her. First it was the way her heart jumped whenever she saw him or heard his voice, but now, that touch, the nearness, it did something to her, something she could not explain, but something she liked, something that made her smile and that discomfited her.

As for Thornton's face…stunned with mortification as he greeted his tutor, ready for his session. "Slow and steady, take it slow and steady," he chided himself

If Mr. Hale had noticed anything, he did not say it.

…

Mr. Bell came to Milton two weeks later

"Thornton is teaching Margaret to play chess," Hale explained to Bell as they came in to the Drawing Room and found them seated at one end together.

The older gentlemen took their seat at the other end of the room to reminisce about their Oxford days and tried to draw the pair into their discussion but with limited success, as both were so focused, Margaret on the chessboard, and Thornton on Margaret.

Nevertheless, it was the nature of their relationship that intrigued Bell. It was obvious to him that they had an attachment of some sort, so he wondered why they were not formally courting. He reasoned that perhaps Mrs. Thornton had objected to the union because of Margaret's financial situation. Other ladies in Milton with substantial dowries were more likely meet the older woman's approval. For all he knew, perhaps Thornton felt the same way too. His sister had married a wealthy mill owner, so Thornton knew of the merits of being advantageously attached, but Margaret did not have much of a dowry to tempt him. Judging by what he saw, Margaret seemed to like Thornton but seemed a bit guarded, and that was not altogether a surprise as ladies were not encouraged to be too forward with their regard.

Bell observed them playing for some time and then wandered over to their side.

"Margaret dear, what did Thornton teach you about how to win this game?" Mr. Bell asked after studying the board for about a minute

"The aim is to capture your opponent's king, I think," she replied to Mr. Bell and looked at Thornton for confirmation.

"Hmmm….I see you are in no hurry to get home," Bell chuckled and whispered knowingly to Thornton, referring to the two different options for checkmate that Thornton had clearly ignored, in order to prolong the game.

She is new to this, and needs encouragement," Thornton whispered back and groaned inwardly and prayed that this meddlesome man had not come to ruin his plans.

He did not get his wish for Mr. Bell turned straight to Margaret and whispered something to her and she nodded and then made a move on the board counteracting his move.

"Check," Margaret said happily.

"Check," she repeated to call his attention. "Mr. Thornton,…..you are staring at me," she whispered

"I beg your pardon," he replied and reddened ferociously. He distinctly heard Mr. Bell's faint chuckle as he returned to Mr. Hale's side and then both men nudged and winked to one another, sporting broad grins and clearly enjoying the scene unfolding before them.

Bell was now certain that Thornton also cared for Margaret, but would not act on his feelings, that is, without encouragement or perhaps an incentive. He therefore decided to pay a visit to this stern fellow that had some affection for his goddaughter.

.

John Thornton was not a coward, but he just hadn't found the courage to ask for a shift in relationship to what he really desired. He wanted a courtship, he wanted a betrothal, he wanted marriage, he wanted family but he did not want to risk losing Margaret's friendship, so he left things as they were.

He was certain she won't consent to have him because she didn't love him…. yet,

and

She was sure he would not renew his proposal because she had hurt him too much. Too many secrets, too many unanswered questions regarding her loves, her choices and her character. Unlike her, he was an open book, nothing to hide, steadfast, upright, serious and of impeccable conduct.

They did not have an understanding, or they did kind of, for they both understood that good solid friendship was the best they could handle.

Someone once said that friendship may, and often does grow into love, but love never subsides into friendship

..

"Good morning Thornton?" Mr. Bell said as he came into his office after only one knock and not bothering to wait for a reply.

Thornton, annoyed at the interruption from his landlord, but mindful to be polite, stood up abruptly to offer him a seat.

"So, how may I help you this morning, sir?" Thornton asked in an even tone.

"I've been meaning to thank you for caring for my dear friend and goddaughter" Bell started.

"The Hales are good friends of mine as well," he replied.

"Yes of course," Bell nodded. He did not imagine that Thornton had any other friends anyway. No one came calling at Marlborough Mills and they called on no one in return. He knew that Thornton occasionally went to the exclusive gentlemen's club patronised by the mill masters and top bankers in town, for it made sense to socialise for business, but he was not a frequent customer, nor one of a mirthful disposition to keep regular company with those other men.

"I had always said that my life and experience should be of use to some other miserable soul so that they don't waste their chances, so I have come to impart to you insight into what you neither wish to see nor do something about" Bell said.

"I'm listening," Thornton responded.

Bell said, "I have been in love too you know, a very long time ago. So I know how to spot it in another person, although unlike you, I would say mine was unrequited."

Ignoring his implication and annoyed at his presumption, but more curious that this confirmed bachelor ever had feelings for anyone, Thornton asked, "…so what happened?"

"She fell in love with my best friend instead," Bell replied. "I stood with him at their wedding. They were blessed with two very beautiful children and were very happy together for twenty-seven years but I never stopped loving her. She passed away recently and is now lost to me forever"

"…..two children…." Thornton reasoned to himself, " well….that rules out Mrs. Hale as this mystery woman that Mr. Bell loved.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, sir" Thornton said to the older gentleman.

"Yes, thank you." Bell replied. "The sad thing was that I could not even grieve as I wanted, for she wasn't mine. It would not have been proper. Grief by proxy, it was for me, and it hurts,…..agony "

"It must have been some woman back in Oxford, for that is probably why the wily old codger kept coming to Milton, to get away from that lady and her family" Thornton concluded in his mind.

Bell continued, "what I am trying to tell you from experience is that sometimes love flashes like lightning by you and you have to be brave and lay claim on it. Do not procrastinate. You may live the rest of your life wondering what might have been. Regret hurts. It is torture. We men do not talk of such things, but we feel it just as much."

Adam Bell was the first to meet Maria and Beatrice Beresford, nieces of Sir John and Lady Beresford at the Opera and was immediately drawn to the elegant but strong-willed beauty called Maria. Whilst he dithered on whether Maria would accept him, as his father, although rich, was in trade, his best friend, Richard Hale and Maria fell in love. Hale's suit was preferable to her family because he was a gentleman, even though they would have desired that he also had wealth. Bell was heartbroken but stood with his friend as best man at his wedding. He moved away to Argentina for a few years and made a fortune in the Merchant Navy and returned to Milton and invested in landed property and then settled into academia. However, he could not stay away from Maria so he found himself always coming back to wherever they lived. He became godfather to Frederick and Margaret, and it was his tales of foreign lands that inspired Fred to join the Royal Navy. He was the one they always turned to in any crisis in their lives, from Frederick's exile, and Hale's dissent, to the family's retrenchment to Milton. He hurried to Milton when he heard Maria was dying and was there to support Hale at her funeral. Hale and Margaret were the only family he had left now. When he thought nothing could get worse, his physician then told him he was terminally ill with kidney complications due to gout.

"You are as good a gentleman as her folks in London, as any southern gentleman for that matter, Thornton. Believe that. Do not let her get away," he warned in solidarity from one tradesman to another.

"She will not have me" Thornton blurted out, surprised himself that he could confide in the sly old fox and wondered how he knew about his feelings for Margaret.

"…..would she not? Now, that is a surprise." Bell said

Thornton was torn between wanting to inquire more about Mr. Bell's last statement and his discomfort in having the wily old man articulate his pain so accurately that his temper got the better of him and he stopped Mr. Bell unceremoniously.

"Thank you sir, but I do not wish to talk about my personal life. If there is nothing else you would like to say sir, may I wish you a good day," and with that, Thornton rose up abruptly in the hope of prompting Mr. Bell to rise and leave him.

Not wishing to be put off by the younger man's gruff manner, Bell said, "I guess we will see you at Hale's on Thursday then. This is not something I would want to discuss where Margaret could be within earshot. Good day Thornton" and he stuck out his hand, and shook Thornton's hand.

Bell recalled Thornton's remark…"she will not have me.." and decided he would now have to speak with Margaret.

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