Chapter Fourteen.

The days following Margaret's distress, were somewhat tender ones. Margaret had let the anonymous letter get her back down to the depths of despair. Nothing seemed to work, not the trips to the families, not sitting snuggled into John in the evening; her appetite that she had been gaining, had taken a turn for the worse. Fanny, Lily Dixon, John and Nicholas were at a loss of how to help her.

Nicholas felt overwhelmed with helplessness, and many a time sought out Lily for comfort. Lily Dixon was happy to help with the emotions of another other than Margaret. Seeing the way her Mistress had spiralled lower than any previous time, had Lily Dixon looking for something to take her mind off the constant worry that was plaguing her. She was flattered that Nicholas would come to her for comfort, he would hold her hand and speak with a broken voice; but the thing that left her overwhelmed was the feeling of warmth when his hand encompassed hers. Lily Dixon also knew that when the Mistress was back on her feet again, she would regret not having that hand in hers and she would miss the warmth that lingered after he had let go. But she also knew that no matter what her feelings towards this man, she would never be able to part with the Mistress of the house.

John had been distraught with worry, he had not left the Hale residence at all in the last five days. He had slept in old Mr Hales bedchamber's each night, and when awakening he would immediately go to Margaret's side. Nicholas has been a regular visitor, bringing his post and mill paperwork for him to go over when Margaret was resting, Nicholas was often found in the presence of Lily Dixon. John had been comforted with the knowledge they was there for each other in such a dire situation. John had been awaiting the response from the Navy for these last days and had begun to wonder as to why they were taking so long in getting back to him, but today his question was answered. When Nicholas handed him his post, in the bundle of letters was the one he was hoping for.

Upon opening the letter and reading the contents he had been made speechless. Even after reading the letter many times, he still could not form the words or questions as to the contents of what was inside this letter. Just to make absolutely certain his eyes were not playing games with him, he re-read the letter yet again.

Mr Thornton.

We have looked into the details of the letter you sent, to our knowledge and records there has been no capture, court Marshall and subsequent hanging of a Mr Frederick Hale.

From our findings of an investigation to his whereabouts our team discovered him to be in Paris, he subsequently fled to Spain, but as of yet we are still unable to locate his whereabouts in said country.

Mr Hale is still wanted for court Marshall and I would respectfully request that if this man is found, we are to be notified at once.

There is a substantial reward personally covered by the captain himself for the recovery of the leader (Mr Hale) who mutinied against the captain and others under his command.

If you have any information regarding this man and his known residence, please let us know at the above address.

I look forward to receiving your correspondence on this matter.

Regards

Investigating Officer J. James

John just sat there, finally absorbing the words; with letter in hand. When Nicholas and Lily Dixon walked into the room, they had both noticed the far away look about John. They had returned to keep the master company due to the miss resting in her bed chambers. But immediate concern was in there countenance the moment they saw John.

"Master, you look a little pale, may I ask what bothers you?"

John looked towards both Lily Dixon and Nicholas, both standing so patiently awaiting his response, he stood; handing the letter to the both of them so they could peruse the contents themselves. He watched as they both read, then re-read the letter many times, as he did. Lily Dixon was open mouthed and looked to be in shock, when her hand grasped Nicholas's arm and on a whisper she spoke the words that seemed to be very much unreal to all.

"He is still alive"

Poor Lily Dixon then fainted, luckily Nicholas caught the poor woman before she fell to the floor; he laid her on the chaise, that only days before Margaret had slept on. Checking that she was fine, they both left the room for a brief discussion on what was going on.

"I do not understand Master, how could someone have got it so wrong? It makes no such sense?"

"I am as confused as you are Nicholas, Margaret spoke of a friend letting her know that Frederick had passed on through the hands of the Navy. I did find it a concern when I heard they had not visited the London residence; knowing the navy, they would have had that address on file, but they had not shown at the home. Now we know why; because they never caught him, but then the question is, who would do such a thing as to make the family believe one of there own was dead? and to make that person think they had been the cause of it" John paused a little quietly going over things in his head but coming to no answers "It is very disturbing indeed. I have seen many things as a magistrate, but to watch something first hand like this and know that something does not add up, is quite infuriating indeed. It is no wonder such atrocities happen in life, when people play with the emotions of another"

"Indeed sir!, but what are we going to tell Miss Margaret about all this?"

"We will tell her the truth Nicholas, she might be able to help us in some way figure out who could be doing this to her," the thought of the letter that was sent to Margaret, the one that was not named came instantly to his mind "Oh dear god, the letter...it was from him, she thought the writing was familiar and now it is understandable why she is so distressed, she convinced herself it was Frederick and by god man; It was!".

"The letter you speak of, is this the one that begs for help? The one she received a few days ago master? Why would he send a letter without signing his name? Would that not be a cruel thing to do to the woman?"

"Hmm, I will have to think on that for a while Nicholas, but I think we should go check on Lily Dixon and then await for Margaret to arise from her rest, what say you? Is Mary all right to look after the children on her own for the evening or do you need to get back?"

"She will be fine master; she is a good girl, any problems, she knows where I am if needed"

"all right then, we have a long evening about us, why do we not see how your Lily is doing"

Holding out his arm for Nicholas to step through first; when entering the room Lily Dixon was just coming round, Nicholas rushed to her side and knelt on the floor beside her; taking her hand and stroking her hair out of her face, he very slowly moved forward; watching to see if she would push him away, their eyes were on each other and would not break contact until Nicholas's face was so close she could no longer see his eyes. His lips gently touched her forehead. He moved his mouth to her ear and whispered such gentle words, that Lily Dixon closed her eyes in contentment and let the feeling of being cared for and wanted, wash over her.

"Are you well my Lily?"

She could only but nod, John had turned around so as to keep the moment only for those two, a small smile at his lips as he did so, he always knew Nicholas had a very caring and affectionate side, but it was very rare that anyone saw this. He was pleased that Nicholas's affection had gone towards Lily Dixon she deserved the love of a good man and Nicholas, he was a very good man.