Chapter 23

"Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing"

Since their engagement was going to be a long one, John decided he should buy Margaret an engagement ring, something simple to commemorate their union. He thought the task would be complicated since he didn't know what to look for, but he found exactly what he wanted on a whim, almost as if he had been destined to find it.

He'd gone to York for the day to supervise the shipment of the last of the machines he'd ordered. The previous order had been delivered haphazardly in his mind. Luckily, nothing had been damaged, but he didn't want to take any chances and so had gone to York to watch the crates being packed himself. Walking back to the train station that afternoon, John passed a jewelry store and the elegant display had caught his eye.

The window was decorated for winter; felt coverings mimicking snowy hills and valleys, paper snowflakes pasted to the glass. There were only three items shown in the window, one of them a ring that was perfect for Margaret. It was made of silver, the delicate metal wrought into a wreath of ivy. John liked it instantly and knew it was perfect for Margaret's tastes.

He quickly went into the shop and inquired after the ring. The shopkeeper applauded his choice and congratulated John on his upcoming marriage. The man asked if John wanted to take the ring now or bring Margaret in to have it sized. John asked to take it now, wanting Margaret to have the ring immediately. If it didn't fit, he'd have a Milton jewelry size it. But John knew instinctively that it would not be needed. The ring was created for Margaret, and her alone.

He carried the ring anxiously in his pocket for a few days. He wanted the moment to be perfect. Finally, after his lesson, the rest of the Hales left the drawing room, giving the new couple privacy. John had tried to think of a romantic way to present her with the ring but decided to continue their theme of straightforwardness and simply whispered that he had purchased an engagement ring, took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger, then brought her hand up to his mouth to kiss.

"It's beautiful! Thank you, John," she sighed happily. She stretched out her hand so they could both admire it. "I've never seen anything like it."

"I found it in York, quite by accident. But I knew that it had been made for you."

"I love it; it's just what I would've chosen for myself."

.

With Mr. Hale's permission, John often took Margaret out during his free evenings, as they were both busy during the day. They went to a few music halls – more for Margaret's enjoyment – occasionally bringing Fanny along. They went to the small theatre twice, but neither show turned out to be to their tastes. They did enjoy critiquing the performance as they left, debating good-naturally about the themes of the play.

He and Margaret also did things that were not ordinary courtships activities. Margaret came to the mill every day for a fortnight, where John took her through all points of the business. He explained how the books were managed, the expenditures and profits, how contracts came in and were delivered, how random samples of cloth were tested for quality. Local craftsman came to him in person for orders, larger firms or ones in London and abroad sent letters and notes of credit for the guarantee of product. He showed her how his office was organized, what tasks he delegated to Williams, how the workers were hired and paid.

Margaret knew very little about business matters, but she was a quick study. At her request, John gave her books on business and the machines manuals. He showed her his ledgers from the past five years and explained the few prior mistakes he had made and how he solved them, how he increased profit, how his money was stored and invested. She asked him numerous questions, some he hadn't even thought about before. They spent hours discussing the merits and deficiencies of how the mill was run, and John enjoyed every minute of it.

Together, the wrote up projections for the coming year, based on the payoff from the Exhibition. Margaret wanted her next project to be the schoolhouse. They two of them toured the mill over, tallying up all the workers' children who would use the service. Margaret wanted to have the building constructed at the furthest point from the mill, so that the noise would be less disruptive. She drew the plan for the building herself, with the schoolroom in one half and the infant's room in the other, in a similar design to the foundling home. Her imagination ran wild and John had to regretfully reject her more creative ideas, such as a play area, as the space simply wasn't big enough to accommodate it.

Unlike the mess hall, it would take a while to implement the schoolhouse. His finances drained from the expansion, John wouldn't have the funds for it until July or August at the earliest. Instead of lamenting this, Margaret was determined that every detail be perfect, since she had so much time to deliberate on it.

.

.

.

At Margaret's insistence, Mrs. Thornton was invited to the Hales again, so that the three women could begin again with the planning of the wedding. Margaret implored Mama to be civil, which was, but only by saying very little, which was hardly an improvement.

The date set, the two families made lists of the people they wished to invite. All of the Thorntons guests were local, and the only guests who would be required to travel for the wedding was the Hales family. Edith's family of course, the Shaws, and Mama insisted on inviting her siblings and Papa's brothers as well, despite Margaret's protests that she hardly knew them. Edith was the only cousin close in age to Margaret, all her other cousins being almost twenty years older than the two of them.

Margaret decided to only have Sarah as her bridesmaid, despite the two elder women protesting that it was more fashionable to have four bridesmaids. Margaret didn't have any other close girlfriends; Edith would be unable to act as bridesmaid being so far away. Fanny was not suggested by either party, as both knew that arrangement would only lead to difficulties. Margaret had called on Fanny a few times since her engagement and invited her to a few evenings out with John, but Fanny was no more accommodating towards her soon-to-be sister. She knew John had also asked his family to be more courteous, but so far, only his mother was following his order, albeit with badly concealed reluctance. Margaret knew that Mrs. Thornton would have likely been warmer towards her if not for Mama's unkind comments. Margaret reasoned that once the wedding was over and space put between the elder women, then she could focus on appeasing her mother-in-law.

On one of these visits, John came with his mother so that he could offer Margaret support as they announced that they wanted a church wedding by ordinary license. Margaret knew he had spoken to her about the church venue before, but Mrs. Thornton was still insisting on a special license.

"We don't need to have a special license, we already know the time and place we're getting married," John told her firmly.

"A special license would speak more about your position in society," argued Mrs. Thornton.

"The wedding will be grand enough without it," Margaret insisted. "We'll make sure of it. An ordinary license will be fine."

Mrs. Thornton pursed her lips and wanted to keep protesting, but John and Margaret were steadfast, so she countered it by insisting on a large number of other extravagances – two separate carriages, one for arrival and one for departure from the church, and an enormous amount of decorations and food.

"Cutlets of course, and lobster… pheasants… we ought to serve duck as well, in case the pheasants don't take…"

Margaret let Mrs. Thornton plan the menu as she liked, as a compromise. She suggested enough fashionable dishes that Mama could not object. Margaret made her preferences known about the kind of flowers she wanted, Mrs. Thornton thankfully agreeing with her, and the visit passed much more smoothly than the last one.

.

.

.

At the end of February, John took Margaret to see the completed tenement. It was only a short walk from the mill, convenient for the Irish tenants. The façade of the building was nothing particularly exciting, but the apartments inside were exactly as she envisioned.

They were large enough for a family to live comfortably and all had modern facilities. The rooms smelt of sawdust and metal, emphasizing how new they were. She was pleased to note that the rooms were quite warm already, even without the fires going. The windows had been built to seal out the freezing wind. That was one of the major issues that was a failing of the houses in Princeton. Margaret tread slowly through the building, admiring everything. Each of the apartments had been papered in one of the five choices, Margaret having collected the names and preferences of the occupants a few weeks ago. The workers were eager to vacate their current residences and Margaret was satisfied they were finally able to. Now that the building was complete, they would begin moving in tomorrow.

John followed behind her, watching her inspection contently. "You are pleased?" he asked.

"Absolutely! It's wonderful. It's exactly what the workers need; it will vastly improve their standard of living. You have done a grand thing, John."

"We have," he emphasized. "It's more your achievement than mine. Which is why I've made you the overseer of the building."

Margaret stopped. "Me?" she asked, surprised.

"Of course, who else? You'd do it marvelously."

"But I wouldn't know what to do! I don't know anything about being a landlord… landlady."

John chuckled. "It's nothing complicated. You'd be their point of contact for any issues that they have; exactly what you've been doing for the workers now. You'd organize repairs and manage the leases of the residents, and collect the rents."

"I didn't think they were being charged rent," replied Margaret, a little confused. John wasn't using this building for profit.

"No, not a full sum. Only two shillings per family a week, enough for the tax on the building and a repair fund. I've already told the Irish that. We should be able to break even each year."

"Oh. That's quite fair." Margaret made a face. "I may have to rely on your help in the beginning. I didn't even think of things like that; the tax and such."

"Aye, certainly. I will help with whatever you need," he told her earnestly. He was leaning against the wall leisurely, one of his legs crossed over the other, grinning widely at her. She stared at his casual stance, pleased that he was as happy in her company as she was in his. They'd only been able to be alone together these past few months, and she'd been a little apprehensive as to whether it would change their dynamic. But it had only strengthened their connection, being able to speak openly with each other without the threat of prying ears.

He saw her inspection of him and seemed to know what she was thinking. John held his hand out to her, pulling Margaret closer to him when she took it. He fluttered his fingers from her temple to her jaw, using the momentum to guide her towards him for a kiss. His skin was still cold from the snow outside, but his mouth was beautifully warm. She pressed her lips to his eagerly and was rewarded by a contented sound from him.

They broke the kiss, but kept their bodies close together. John toyed with a lock of her hair that had come lose from her chignon.

"There is another errand I had planned to do with you today," he told her softly, his gaze intent.

"Which was?" she whispered.

"Buying you a wedding ring. I know some men chose the ring themselves, but I don't entirely trust my own judgment."

"You should. My engagement ring is perfect," she told him, balling her left hand so she could feel the press of the ring beneath her glove.

"That was just luck," he smiled.

"Has your luck has run out then?"

"Good god, I hope not."

Margaret laughed. "Very well, but I can't promise to know what to look for. I've never purchased a ring before. Most women I know received a ring from the husband's family; which always seemed a little morose to me. The weight of family expectations on your finger to remind you every day, and your new mother-in-law without the ring she's been wearing for the last twenty years. That would hardly foster affection between the two of you."

"I wanted to start anew, rather than bring old memories into our union. I never thought to ask Mother about her wedding ring," replied John with a small frown.

"I've no wish to take it from her. Your idea is much more suitable for us," Margaret assured him. "And it would make her feel like I'm usurping her position in the household, and I don't want that."

They spent the remainder of the day visiting the few jewelry stores Milton had. Many of the rings had snake motifs, a symbol of eternal love. Margaret liked this sentiment, but lamented that a snake was the emblem. The jeweler in the second store persisted in recommending overly large or convoluted styles that Margaret knew would make her already small hands look even more comical; not to mention getting caught on her clothes constantly.

Some used multiple gemstones to spell out words such as 'love' or dearest'. They were told that they could also have a ring custom made to spell out the husband's name. Upon seeing John's appalled expression at this pronouncement, Margaret burst out laughing and told the offended jeweler that it was not what they were looking for.

There was a plain band with a line of tiny pearls pressed into it that she kept coming back to. Another lovely one was a single diamond held to the band by thin points of gold. She also browsed with John's finances in mind. He told her price was no object, but the practical side of her protested at the absurd sum that the jewelers stated for some of the rings.

In the third store, Margaret found what she was looking for. The jeweler here was much more accommodating than the previous one. After Margaret told him she wanted a simple style that would compliment her build, he disappeared into his workshop and returned with a ring wrapped in velvet.

"I only finished this recently. I think it's exactly what you 'ave described."

It was. The band was silver, like her engagement ring, with a small diamond in the centre and eight tinier diamonds surrounding it. It was understated but still quietly beautiful and Margaret loved it instantly.

"That's the handsomest one we've seen so far," John agreed. He lifted it from the velvet cloth and slid it onto Margaret's left hand; her engagement ring having been moved to her right hand for the errand. "It suits you perfectly."

"Wonderful!" said the jeweler happily. "Diamonds are always a good choice. Enduring love, ya know."

"And my birthstone," Margaret stated.

"A good omen then," replied the jeweler, his eyes twinkling. "It'll 'ave to be resized, but ya can pick it up in a few weeks. Do ya want it engraved also?"

"Aye, perhaps with the date of the wedding," replied John thoughtfully.

"So I don't forget it?" Margaret giggled.

"Exactly," he grinned.

Both of them content with her choice, the ring was purchased and a card supplied with the date of the wedding for the engraving.

After John had returned her back home, Margaret excitedly described the ring to her mother; Mama, predictably, objecting to the purchasing of a new ring when tradition dictated that Margaret ought to receive Mrs. Thornton's ring.

"That's not a rule, Mama. Many couples buy rings new."

"Not in distinguished families," Mama sniffed.

Margaret huffed angrily, tired of having the same fight with her mother. Mama took every opportunity to disparage Margaret's new family.

"Mama, why can't you be happy for me? Can't you just be pleased that I am marrying a man I love, just as you did?"

"I had the sense to love a man from my own circle," Mama retorted.

Margaret shot to her feet and stormed down to the kitchen; she vented her frustrations by scrubbing vigorously at the washing, muttering darkly under her breath. Caoimhe found her an hour later, still in a temper.

"If ya scrub at that sheet any 'arder, you're goin' to tear a hole in it," she said matter-of-factly.

Margaret angrily threw the wet sheet into the wash tub and put her hands on her hips. Now that she'd stopped, she could feel how sore her hands were.

"Is it Mrs. Hale again?" Caoimhe asked carefully.

"Yes. She has not outright cut me, but she never misses an opportunity to air her stupid little comments. I want to go and demand she tell me one way or another, but I don't want to start another fight."

"Is she tryin' to get ya to call off the weddin'?"

"I don't think so. That would also be scandalous. I don't know what she's trying to achieve, other than irritate me. Perhaps I will tell her I will never speak to her again if she doesn't stop!"

Margaret knew she was being irrational in her fury; she wouldn't really be so unkind to her mother. But it was satisfying to say the words aloud, test them in her mouth while her anger was still burning.

"It ain't right what your mother is doin' to ya, adding to your stress like this. Mebbe you ought to talk to ya father, see if 'e will put a stop to it."

Margaret blew out an angry breath. "Maybe I shall. Later though, when I've calmed down."

Papa was sympathetic, and spoke with Mama, who in turn sullenly stated that she wouldn't disparage Margaret's fiancé any longer. She kept her promise, but her expressions didn't change; she still regarded John with a hostile air whenever he visited, casting a pall on the new couple.

Walking out together a few days later, John quietly asked her if everything was alright between Margaret and her mother.

"Not really. She is being difficult, and to no end that I can see. She doesn't want me to break with you, as that would cause even more scandal. And I don't think she wants to cut me, not really. But she's venting her feelings in the only way she knows how."

John brought her hand to his mouth to kiss, chasing away most of Margaret's irritation with a single touch. She sighed contently and threaded her fingers through his.

"I think it will be better once we go away for our wedding trip, and I leave the house," said Margaret in a calmer voice. "Once we have some space between us, things are bound to improve."

"And then you will have Mother and her snide remarks to deal with," lamented John. "I'm sorry, my love, that you must bear the burden of all this. You are giving up so much, as well as having all the displeasure directed at you. I'm so sorry."

Margaret squeezed his hand. "Don't apologize, I don't feel that way. It is frustrating now, but after we are married, things will sort themselves out."

John still looked sad, so Margaret quickly stretched up and kissed him. He smiled despite himself and gathered her in his arms.

"Speaking of a wedding trip, is there anywhere in particular you had in mind?" he asked, a little hesitant.

Margaret didn't understand the reason for his hesitancy, but said comfortably; "I was thinking Yorkshire. I know it's fashionable to go abroad but I've always been fascinated with the moorlands and I'd like to visit. Besides, all our projects for the mill are still underway and we ought to be close enough that we are able to return if there is some emergency. We can always go abroad another time."

John's eyes widened and he gave a little laugh. "That was exactly what I was thinking. Not Yorkshire in particular, but staying close by, for that very reason. I loathed to put such a restriction on you, but again, you've shown how in sync we are by suggesting it first. How perfect you are."

It was Margaret's turn to laugh. "I'm definitely not that! But it will be wonderful, so long as I am with you."

She was determined to make the trip as entertaining as possible, as John had not been on a vacation since he was a child and deserved to have a bit of fun in his life.

.

.

.

*Authors Note: I wanted to make their engagement longer when I realized that John and Margaret have only known each other less than a year at this point. But I also wanted to keep the story moving forward. And in the Victorian era, it was almost required that women be married after their first season to save the expense of a second; and Margaret is almost 21 at this point and her first season was at 18. And without the physical aspects of dating, there is only so much you can learn about your compatibility with your partner. So I let them get married quickly. They are both unimpeachably truthful as well, which made it easier; no skeletons in the closet that would come out later to devastate them.

And there is something pleasing about being married to someone while you learn more about your relationship with them. It would cause you to work through all your problems, rather than cutting and running when things get tough.