Quick trivia: Did you know that Helstone was named after a character in Charlotte Bronte's book, Shirley? Caroline Helstone was one of the main characters in Ms. Bronte's book on a very similar subject to North and South.

Also, Milton-Northern was actually Manchester, the city where Elizabeth Gaskell lived with her minister husband for many years.

The nightmare that Margaret and her father found upon their return to Crampton was terrifying and, after seeing off Doctor Donaldson with his promise to visit on the morrow, Margaret sent her father to bed. Mr. Hale resisted but he was given to believe that he could shortly take his turn observing his wife sleep. Dixon strenuously rebuffed any efforts to remove her from her mistress' room and sat in a chair opposite Mrs. Hale's bed with full view of her dear face. Before long, Margaret could hear snores coming from that direction and she began to reflect upon her life and the many transformations she had undergone within barely one year. Helstone, with its fragrant freshness, now simply existed within Margaret's memory and there was no belief that she would be restored to its greenness. Her mother would pass away here, in smoky Milton, far away from her fondly remembered youth in Sir John's home as a Miss Beresford, along with her sister, the renowned beauties of the county. And it was amongst these recollections and musings that Margaret came upon a startling consciousness – While she most assuredly did not favor Milton, it had at some point become a more real, more vibrant reality than that of London, where she floated along with daily calls and dinners and shopping or of Helstone, and the beloved parsonage. When had Bessy supplanted Edith as beloved companion? How did Margaret now think of all of her new acquaintance, as for instance, the Thorntons? In the silent darkness only relieved by a guttering candle and Dixon's sporadic snores, Margaret struggled with her own mind and heart. Hours slipped by as she deliberated and reflected, then after what seemed to be a rather short interval, the grey light of dawn appeared in the window. Mrs. Hale had slept fitfully but had found temporary solace in her slumber. Margaret was pale from watching and remaining awake and quite prepared to give over her duty to Dixon, whose protective instincts had roused with her stirring.

Margaret quitted her mother's room and refreshed herself. Mr. Hale was heard nervously walking the floorboards, pacing in front of his wife's bedroom.

'Papa, mamma is still asleep.'

'Margaret, is she – is she well?' Mr. Hale could not but be fretful; he had been so very alarmed at the vague, shadowy supposition of the true state of his wife's health. Doctor Donaldson's presence in their home had been unexpected and bewildering and anxiety had robbed him of his serenity and rest.

'The doctor said that he was coming back to check her this morning. Dixon is with her now –'

Mr. Hale straightaway entered his wife's room to sit mutely in a corner chair, watching her silent form thankfully still breathing under the covers. Margaret went down to her father's study to break her fast and perhaps further her new-found self-knowledge. The bell sounded at the front door, startling Margaret from her ruminations and she perceived that Dixon was as yet not come down stairs. Margaret hastily stood and opened the door herself, welcoming Doctor Donaldson into the study.

'You are returned,' she cried, 'Mamma was sleeping when I last saw her.'

Doctor Donaldson noted the pallor and gauntness in her face and admonished Margaret to maintain her own health for 'she must be a prop to her father.' He repaired promptly to Mrs. Hale's chamber to examine her and ensure that his instructions were being followed. Margaret heard indistinct murmurings and presently her father and the doctor slowly descended the steps. Mr. Hale was bowed down with worry and grief; the doctor was speaking to him gently as to child. Margaret stepped over and softly guided her father to his customary chair in his study.

'Is there anything my mother needs or an item which I should purchase?' she inquired.

'No, most likely Mrs. Hale will develop fever soon from the great amount of laudanum which I administered last night. Contact me if she appears to be in much pain or if she experiences more convulsions similar to yesterdays.' Doctor Donaldson shook her hand and took his leave, glancing back at Margaret, once more fascinated by her strength.

He was walking deep in thought when the doctor heard Mr. Thornton's voice calling his name. The doctor regarded him for a moment before replying, 'Good morning, Mr. Thornton.'

'You are come from the Hale's home, I suppose? How is the mother?'

Doctor Donaldson responded, 'She is as well as can be expected. You have referred me a very good client, you know. There is little hope for recovery and all I can do is ensure her comfort for now.' He smiled slightly to minimize the callousness of his words.

'Does she require anything particular? Wine or meat. . '

'Mrs. Hale requests fruit constantly, as she has a fever upon her.'

'Would any specific fruit be preferred, grapes, possibly? Or peaches?'

'No, there are a good supply of pears on the market. Those should suffice.'

'You will let me know if there is anything which she requires for her comfort, will you not?'

'Ah, Mr. Thornton, I wish that all of my patients had a carte blanche but I will not concern myself. I know your pockets are deep enough.' With a wink and a hearty hand shake, the doctor moved off. Mr. Thornton gazed after him meditatively and proceeded to the fruit vendor to procure the plumpest, juiciest grapes he could find to bring to Mrs. Hale. He carried the basket himself to the Hale's door and rang the bell. Dixon was slow to answer the door and did not brighten upon beholding his face.

'I'm sorry, sir. The master is –'

'Who is at the door, Dixon?' called Mr. Hale.

'It is Mr. Thornton,' replied Dixon with disdain.

'Show him in then to Papa's study. He is welcome to visit,' directed Margaret, who had heard the conversation by now. Mr. Thornton glanced at her tired countenance and extended the basket, which was taken by Margaret who curiously peeked inside.

'I met the doctor and he mentioned Mrs. Hale desired fruit. Here are some grapes for her.'

'Your kindness, Mr. Thornton, does you a great service and I will make sure that my mother is aware of whose benevolence she is a recipient.' Margaret gave him a grateful smile, small though it was due to her exhaustion. She led Mr. Thornton into the study, where Mr. Hale was slumped in his chair, head forward, resting on his hands.

'Mr. Thornton,' came a tremulous voice from behind the hands, 'I apologize for not being quite prepared to see you this morning. My wife suffered a difficult night.'

'Do not concern yourself,' evenly replied Mr. Thornton. 'I can return later for our reading if you will be home.'

'Yes, I would derive great pleasure in that,' replied Mr. Hale.

'Until this afternoon, sir,' Mr. Thornton said and quietly took his leave