What if Margaret Hale did look back at Mr. Thornton as she was about to leave Milton after the death of her parents? The story continues after Margaret visits the Thorntons to say goodbye and to give Mr. Thornton her father's book. Book and series based.

The shock of sudden death of Mr. Hale crushes Mr. Bell, rendering him unable to bring the sad news to Margaret himself. He is forced to delegate the terrible duty to the only one he can entrust it: his friend and tenant Mr. Thornton.