Sorry for the delay. So here's the situation: Margaret threw a hissy fit and locked herself in her trailer for a week. John was stomping around growling at people and yelling at his agent on the phone that 'this is a total period piece and there's, like, NO action!' He also seemed to be particularly worried that his persona would be stereotyped and he wouldn't get any other good roles. Nicholas was hitting on two prop girls and was heard muttering about how he USED to be a great character actor but, no, he is brought in for some ancillary part in this knock-off remake.
'Pardon, Miss Margaret,' Dixon said re-entering the study, 'It's that Higgins fellow. He's asking to see you.'
'Show him in, Dixon,' Margaret responded calmly, appearing outwardly as though she were in control of the situation when she was, in fact, quite flustered. Higgins come to visit when another was present and, oh - worse! She was yet in company with Mr. Thornton and had not time for reflection upon his recent passionate speech. Just the remembrance caused her to redden and she immediately hoped that the color was not visible. Margaret was so much taken with how to act now around Mr. Thornton that she did not think to be concerned over both Nicholas Higgins, Union man, and the master of Marlborough Mills sharing her father's study.
Mr. Thornton was uncertain if Margaret had heard his fervent declaration and found that, upon examination, her wan face looked tired but still very beautiful. There was a slight flush of color on her cheeks and Mr. Thornton both admired the blush and pondered on its reason. He was of a mind to stay until Mr. Hale came to ensure his daughter's continue health but now with the entrance of a Union man, he desired nothing more than to take his leave. Mr. Thornton began to stand just as Nicholas crossed the threshold, clearly distraught but still able to take note of both occupants of the room.
'Miss Marget!' Nicholas announced, 'Bessy a heerd some great noise up this way an' hoo was a feared that harm had come to yo'. Hoo were told 'bout a scuffle with som'un Union men an' a measter an' a lady.'
'Please have a seat, Nicholas,' Margaret requested softly, feeling her duty as hostess. 'May I introduce you to Mr. Thornton?'
'I'd say sarvant, sir,' said Nicholas with a wry grin, 'but wit' th' strike an' all, it's nobbut a good time for such things.' He looked down contritely at his stockinged feet and apologized that 'I been i' the street all day and my shoes are none the cleanest.' Mr. Thornton merely nodded at the Union fellow and bit back the curt rejoinder sitting upon his tongue.
Margaret went on, 'Several men attacked Mr. Thornton a bit ago on the street in front of our home. He had been in this neighborhood to visit with my father and, therefore in this case, his safety was assuredly our responsibility. The odds were decidedly unfair and my obligation was to provide all possible protection.'
'Di' yo' know any on the men?' Nicholas inquired, curious.
Margaret glanced at Mr. Thornton and saw that he was trying to keep his anger under control. She determined what her course must be – to thank Mr. Thornton for his help and ensure his safe exit from Crampton. Perhaps he would not be too put out by her offer.
She addressed him, 'Mr. Thornton, please let me express my great distress at your being accosted thus and you should know that your subsequent help was invaluable and that of a true friend. I would be glad to escort you out of this neighborhood to prevent a second occurrence and warrant your safety, for who would confront violently a man accompanying a woman?'
Mr. Thornton was visibly nettled by this concept and was simply going to bid farewell and depart. He did not require the assistance of a girl to walk the streets of Milton. If there were those who wished to make trouble, they would not find an easy target in John Thornton. Margaret saw and thought that she understood- his pride would not allow him to agree.
She stood with an effort – the feeling of weakness persisted - and addressed both men, 'Nicholas, I will return shortly. Mr. Thornton, at least permit me to walk you to the door?' she asked mildly.
He stood as well and cursed his silent tongue which, although it did wish to speak unpleasant and harsh words to that Higgins, did not seem to be working at the moment. Could he not explain to Margaret his very good reasons that he wished not to leave? And these were reasons that any person might understand, regardless of their being a manufacturer or gently-born. His mind whirled with ideas and then the notion of inviting the Hales to dine with his family forwarded itself. His mother's permission would have to be obtained but that would not be terribly difficult.
As the two reached the door, Margaret extended her hand to Mr. Thornton with a grateful look. 'Mr. Thornton, I am truly sorry that you were importuned on our doorstep. Are you averse to keeping your appointment with my father for later today? He was not present as he is attending my mother currently but his disappointment if he were to lose your presence will be keen.' Margaret spoke as persuasively as was proper and then blushed prettily as he looked closely at her. Although she truly did not believe that she returned his sentiments, the memory of his impassioned words was disconcerting and unsettling.
Mr. Thornton clasped her hand for a gentle handshake but held it a few moments longer than necessary, while beholding her lovely confusion. 'My schedule is open for the greater part of this afternoon, Miss Hale. I plan to attend your father, as his society is one of my few indulgences,' he replied with a smile before his long strides took him rapidly away from the Hale's home.
Margaret stood a moment watching his black clad form maneuver smoothly through the streets, feeling a sense of she knew not what. Perhaps it was merely a belated reaction to her injury. Sighing, she went to rejoin Nicholas in Mr. Hale's study but now, her father had resumed his previous chair and was conversing easily with their guest. The tradesman gave her a knowing look and a wink upon her entrance, to her bewilderment.
'Margaret, Higgins tells me there was trouble earlier and Mr. Thornton was drawn in. Was John here? Was he injured?' her father anxiously queried in his quavering voice. Mr. Hale was so concerned with ascertaining the extent of Mr. Thornton's involvement in the scuffle that he missed Margaret's pallid face and her surreptitiously placing a bit of hair over her cut.
'Papa, Mr. Thornton was indeed here just recently but he has left and promises to resume your conversation later today.' Margaret spoke quickly and hurried to her seat, as she was feeling faint. She faced Higgins and said, 'Nicholas, please let Bessy know that we are all well and I am touched by her concern. To answer your question – which I have not forgotten - I had the opportunity of seeing Boucher earlier but he was too occupied at the time to greet me.' Margaret hoped that Nicholas would comprehend her message so that her father would remain unaware of the true circumstances.
'Glad t' hear, miss. Mebbe I'll go an' tell Bessy. Take care, lass,' The last was said as Nicholas squeezed Margaret's hand with a look of fatherly concern on his countenance. As Margaret went to rise to show him out, he chided her with a smile, 'Don' bother yo'rself – I can find me way ou'.'