'Dixon, perhaps I should wear my pink gown to Miss Thornton's wedding. What do you think?'

Margaret was standing in front of her mirror holding the pretty dress in front of her. Dixon who had been dusting the ornaments for the third time this week entered Margaret's room to stand beside her. She sighed. 'It suits you – as you well know. But Miss Thornton's wedding will…'

'Will be attended by lots of people too concerned about being admired for their own fashion to be concerned about mine.' Margaret smiled mischievously at the servant. 'But I shall have to do something about this hem. It has come loose.' Margaret pulled away the thread that was left hanging from the garment. 'Oh, but how I detest needlework. If Mamma was here..' Margaret gave Dixon a sympathetic glance.

'The mistress would have insisted you have a new gown for Miss Thornton's wedding. '

'Dixon, we cannot afford such luxuries - as much as I enjoy a new gown as the next girl. No, I shall just repair this one.'

'I will do it for you Miss. You are so busy with your work with the ladies committee I cannot imagine you will find the time to do any mending.'

Margaret embraced Dixon.

'What was that for Miss?'

'For staying with us - even though Mamma has gone.'

'Where else would I go Miss? I have been with the Beresfords since I was but a girl. Your name might be Hale but the Beresford blood flows in your veins. I will stay with you as long as you will have me.'

Margaret squeezed her hand as Dixon blotted at a sentimental tear. 'Is Papa back yet from the Thompson's?'

'Not yet. Although I expect he won't be long.' Dixon grimaced as she heard a knock at the front door. 'Now who will that be?'

'Here, you take my gown and I will see to the door. We're not expecting anyone are we Dixon?'

'No Miss. Not that I know of.'

Margaret hurried downstairs. Secretly she hoped that their caller would be Mr Thornton. But he had been so insistent on walking her home tomorrow she felt it unlikely that he would be here now. Unlocking the door she peeked out from behind it before opening it wide to her surprise visitor. 'Mr Bell!'

'Margaret my dear. You look as glorious as ever.'

Margaret threw her arms around Mr Bell as she would her own father. 'What are you doing here? How long are you staying?'

'So many questions. So many answers to tell. Perhaps if you can arrange for some tea and cake for an old man you will coax some answers from him.'

Margaret smiled affectionately at him. She enjoyed his teasing. 'Of course, come in. Oh it so good to see you.' Taking his arm she led him through to the sitting room. 'Dixon do we have any of that lemon cake left?'

'No miss, but I did make a fresh batch of scones this morning. I will fetch some after I bring the tea.'

'Thank you Dixon.' Margaret turned to Mr Bell who had seated himself into her father's favourite chair. 'This is a wonderful surprise.'

'If I knew what my reception would be, I would have come earlier.'

'You are always welcome here. Your company is just the medicine we need.'

'Why do you say that my dear?'

Margaret smiled trying to deflect his notice of her offhand comment. 'No reason, really. We miss you when you are gone – that is all.' Margaret decided to change the subject. 'When did you arrive?'

'Only today. I have left my trunk at the inn and come straight here.'

'And what brings you to Milton?'

'Business mostly. I will continue on my way north tomorrow but return next week for the Thornton wedding.' Mr Bell glanced around. 'Where is your father?'

'With one of his students. Although we expect him soon.' Margaret poured Mr Bell a cup of tea from the steaming pot that Dixon brought in. 'I did not know you were invited to Miss Thornton's wedding.'

'No? I am surprised that John did not tell you himself?'

Margaret felt a pang of remorse. Even Mr Bell expected they would be on more intimate terms by now.

The gentleman put his tea cup back on his saucer. 'Please do not tell me that things are still not reconciled between you two? I thought I set everything straight before I left. He must be more obstinate than I thought.' Mr Bell was mildly indignant. 'Or just plain foolish.'

'Do not blame him Mr Bell. I have not made it easy for him.' Margaret was solemn. 'I have not always been honest with him and on too many occasions I have led him to believe that I doubted him. I think he has grown tired of my proud and willful nature. '

Mr Bell sensed sadness in Margaret. 'What are you not telling me Margaret?'

Taking a deep breath she did her best to maintain her composure.

Mr Bell leaned in to rest his elbows on his knees. 'Margaret?'

Margaret yielded. 'Mr Thornton is to be married.' She held her head high feigning serenity but a trembling lower lip betrayed her. 'He is to wed Anne Latimer.'

'Latimer? The bankers daughter?'

Margaret nodded. 'It has not been announced as yet, but it would seem all has been settled for a union.'

'How do you know?'

'Miss Thornton told me. And Miss Latimer implied the same. Mr Thornton has not confirmed it but he has asked to speak with me tomorrow. I suspect he wishes to tell me in person.'

'Very honorable of him, I'm sure.' Mr Bell was insincere. 'But are you absolutely sure? '

Margaret nodded again.

'I am sorry Margaret, but I find this very inconsistent with the John Thornton I spoke with just before I left. The man was desperately in love with you. I am certain of it. There could be no other explanation for why he could be so tormented by the secrets that you would not share. Words cannot adequately convey the hope that filled his eyes when I told him the truth about Frederick.'

Margaret smiled despite her melancholy. 'Yes you did, didn't you.'

Mr Bell's expression was contrite. 'I am sorry for meddling my dear. But I am too old to wait around for miracles. And given the stubborn nature of both the protagonists in this story, it seemed nothing short of a miracle could bring about a happy ending if I did not step in.'

Margaret groaned. 'I am afraid that this is one of those circumstances where a fairytale ending is unlikely Mr Bell. Mr Thornton will make an advantageous match and I will…'

'What will you do my dear?' Mr Bell sat back, scrutinising her.

Margaret considered her position for a moment. Finally she admitted, 'Father and I have been made an offer.'

Mr Bell raised his eyebrows in anticipation of her further explanation.

'Has father told you that Frederick was recently married?'

Her godfather nodded. 'Yes, he mentioned it in his last letter.'

'Frederick's father-in-law - Senor Barbour – is a wealthy merchant. He owns several properties and by all accounts is a very generous man.' Margaret paused to check that Mr Bell was following her.

'Go on.'

'Senor Barbour wrote to Papa several weeks ago, inviting us to come and live in Cadiz. We would not have any expenses. We could start a new life. As a family again.'

Mr Bell was clearly absorbed by this news. 'I see.'

'Papa has not answered him yet. But he must, soon.'

'And you are inclined to accept?'

Margaret looked down whilst at the same time shrugging her shoulders. 'I do not know.'

Just then Dixon walked into the room with the scones. Sensing the gravity of the mood, she quickly placed the plate down before retreating.

Confident that Dixon was out of earshot, Margaret continued. 'I do not know what is best for us, but I must confess there is an appeal to joining Frederick. We have no family here, and our…well my prospects are limited. ' Margaret could not help but be reminded of her conversation with Anne Latimer as she said this. She looked up to meet her Godfather's eyes, searching for his opinion and guidance. 'I believe the weather is fine there. '

'Indeed.' Not looking convinced Mr Bell broke apart a scone and dolloped some jam on it. 'And what is your father's opinion?

'He says he wants to stay. He thinks it is his penance, his punishment.'

Mr Bell gave Margaret a questioning look.

'He blames himself for my mother's death. He says that the move to Milton extinguished her spirit.'

Mr Bell looked at Margaret sympathetically. 'He worshipped her, you know. He always suffered profoundly from feelings of inadequacy. He never really felt worthy of her.'

'Yes, and as you no doubt know, my mother's family have only cultivated those anxieties. Even Dixon is a constant reminder of the privileged life he removed my mother from.'

'But I can't understand why he would want to stay here in Milton if it holds only sadness and regret?'

Margaret shook her head in frustration. 'He wants to remain with Mamma, bound to her in life as well as in death.'

'Oh dear. That is not sound.'

Margaret acknowledged this truth. 'No, it is not. '

'Margaret, have you told John about the letter from Senor Barbour?'

She shook her head, clearly surprised by his question. 'He has been in London these past weeks. I have not had the opportunity to.'

'Don't you think you should my dear?'

'I had not ..'

'Do you not value his opinion?'

'Yes of course, above most others.'

'Then perhaps you should discuss it with him.' Mr Bell smirked. 'An objective view in these matters is always beneficial.'

Margaret laughed. 'Mr Bell, why is it that I cannot help but be suspicious of your urging me to speak to Mr Thornton?'

'You are as clever as you are beautiful Margaret. I cannot deceive you.' Mr Bell raised his cup to toast her acuity. 'But the man did profess his love for you - at one time at least. I think he should be given the opportunity to express an opinion on the matter. If you still believe him trustworthy and honorable?'

Whilst Margaret knew that Mr Bell's words were motivated by his futile desire to bring about a match between John and herself, she could not deny there was merit in his suggestion. John had accused her before of not trusting him. Perhaps by seeking his opinion, by sharing their circumstances he would finally be convinced of her regard for him.

Margaret was not sure of the right course of action. 'I will give it some thought. But you must promise me not to speak of the matter to Mr Thornton.'

'Margaret, I can't bare to see you so unhappy…'

'Mr Bell, I must insist. I know you mean well. But if Mr Thornton is absolutely decided on Miss Latimer, we must respect and honor that. He is my father's friend, and I hope he will always remain so. But eventually we all must resign ourselves to our fate and look to the future. One should not labor on idle regrets – or at least I do not intend to.' Margaret wasn't sure if she was trying to convince Mr Bell or herself of her own fortitude.

Silenced by her appeal Mr Bell said no more on the matter and sipped his tea.