I don't normally name my chapters, but if I did, I would name this one, "Dixon helps to clear things up". Also, the reason for the recent super quick posting is this - I have a P&P fanfic that is begging me to write and post it online BUT knowing myself, if I start a second story, I'll NEVER finish this one. Pitiful, isn't it? :)

Mr. Thornton had indeed declined the invitation to attend Mrs. Hale's funeral but instead sent his carriage for the Hale's use. Margaret was rather upset, as she could not understand how, if one did not wish to honor the dead, their empty carriage would be able to do so adequately. To further enflame her ire, she thought over his defense of Frederick, his look of jealousy before he apprehended the true relationship of the siblings (which, at the time, had quite warmed Margaret) and then his proclamation that bringing her home safely to her father was merely in the line of dutiful friend. If she were being honest, her anger was at herself for being fooled by that man. His vacillation between kind and cold was too much for a person to comprehend – and too painful - so Margaret resolved not to speak with him unless out of necessity. The funeral was supremely difficult and Mr. Hale was hardly able to maintain any semblance of composure; Margaret was required to support him, sometimes literally, and she gently repeated all of the verses spoken by the pastor. Nicholas was there and Margaret nearly wept when she saw the bit of black crepe on his hat and the truly saddened look on his face. She could focus only on her father and the service, as Mr. Hale was borne down by his grief, as if he lacked the inner strength to withstand the despair. Dixon was sobbing heartily into her handkerchief when a man's voice asked from behind her, 'Pardon me, but could you tell me how Mr. Hale and Miss Hale are doing?'

Dixon looked round and it was Mr. Thornton. He had been standing there with his head down for the entire time but nobody appeared to have taken note of his attendance. 'Oh, sir. They are doing as well as can be expected. Master is completely broken down and Miss Hale is endeavoring to bear up well for her father's sake. She was terribly out of sorts last night but she's a spot better today.'

Mr. Thornton could not restrain himself from asking, 'Miss Hale had mentioned a Mr. Lennox. Is he also present?'

Dixon gave him a sharp look and replied, ''Henry Lennox? No, certainly not – he is down in London. Miss Margaret's cousin is married to his brother, so he is family to Mrs. Shaw, sister to my late Mistress. I shouldn't mention such a thing but for a barrister – and one who is just beginning his career, to be sure – he positively thinks a lot of himself and Miss Margaret, well, I believe she put him in his place when we were yet in Helstone.' Dixon looked more closely up at Mr. Thornton and stopped her speech. 'Now, sir, I wouldn't have you thinking I go around gossiping now. My discretion is full renowned.' She nodded brusquely at him and moved away toward Margaret and her drooping father.

Mr. Thornton needed to remain still for an instant to enable his jealous mind to process what Dixon had inadvertently let slip – but not through gossip, of course, he thought sardonically. The entire procession was now shifting in the direction of the road, away from the grave and so he put his long legs to use. Margaret was struggling with the vexing task of graciously thanking those who had come to pay their last respects to her mother while managing to comfortably ensconce her father back in Mr. Thornton's carriage. She was weary and in desperate need of solitude and the freedom to mourn with none to watch. Therefore, it was not completely remarkable that when Mr. Thornton suddenly seemed to materialize next to her and, in a low voice, offered his assistance with her father, she accepted his help. To Margaret's dismay, however, Mr. Thornton not only tenderly settled Mr. Hale's slight frame comfortably in the carriage but he placed himself directly next to his friend and gently patted the older man's hand soothingly. It was a silent, significantly silent ride with Mr. Thornton berating himself soundly for his foolishness and Margaret miserably wondering at yet another unusual behavior of Mr. Thornton's. After seeing the guilt wracked and nearly insensate Mr. Hale to his study, Mr. Thornton requested speech with Margaret. She complied but it was evident, particularly to a discerning and caring eye, that she was greatly fatigued and worn down.

'Miss Hale before anything else, I must express profound apologies for my perplexing actions of yesterday and would be very appreciative of the opportunity to speak with you when you are ready. This is, certainly, not an appropriate time but I plan to check on your father daily. He seems understandably distraught but, if necessary, I would call Dr. Donaldson to administer a sedative. Until later then.' He lightly clasped her hand and saw himself out of their home, leaving Margaret with her exhaustion and her disorderly emotions.

Dixon had given Margaret one of her powders to ensure the young miss slept and when Margaret awakened, she stretched to her fullest extent to unknot her muscles and to release tensions. It was then that her thoughts turned to the subject of so many of her contemplations of late: Mr. Thornton. He had apologized for his actions – but which ones? What did he think that he had done? She muddled through reason after reason but could no more comprehend the man after so much reflection than she could before.

After luncheon, Dixon announced a caller and brought in the day's post. Margaret sifted through the letters and found one from Frederick, which she eagerly opened and began to read. Apparently, Henry Lennox was out of town and would not return to London until the following Tuesday. Fred did not wish to remain longer in the country, particularly after their scare at the train station, and had likely already sailed for Cadiz. Her sense of relief at her brother's being away from England mingled with deep disappointment. She did so wish to see him proclaimed innocent but it was not yet to be. The visitor was Mr. Thornton. Margaret was thankful for his presence – he would distract her father from his morbid thoughts. Mr. Thornton walked straight to Mr. Hale and took his hands firmly between his own, showing by his look more compassion and concern than he could put into words. The two men opened a discussion, on what topic Margaret knew not, as she was occupied with keeping her eyes on her sewing and her attention anywhere but on the distracting man sitting with her father. It was then that Dixon entered and requested Margaret to come with her.

'There's a caller, miss, and he asked for you specifically. He's a police inspector.' Margaret paled and had reach out her hand to steady herself on the wall.

'Dixon, please tell him that I will be there momentarily. I will try to have Papa go upstairs to rest.' At the servant's nod, Margaret returned to the study and came to her father's side. She knew that enlisting Mr. Thornton's help would be invaluable in this instance, so she tried to catch his eye while she spoke to her father.

'Papa, I think that you should rest now. It has been a long, taxing day thus far and I am concerned for your well-being. Let me bring you up to your bedroom and you can relax. Dixon had forced some of her powders on me earlier, so it is your chance to take her remedies.' Margaret infused as much humor and gladness into her voice as she felt would garner Mr. Hale's attention. Mr. Thornton seemed to comprehend her ruse and added his weight to the plan. It was but a few minutes work to convince Mr. Hale and he tiredly acquiesced to their combined attack. Margaret quickly collected the needed powders from Dixon and once her father was calm, she descended to the study, where she found the police-inspector and Mr. Thornton in serious discussion. The men both looked up as she entered the room and Margaret noticed Mr. Thornton aim a very slight smile in her direction before turning back to the detective. He had come to speak with her, as she had been identified as a possible witness to a scuffle which may have led to a man's death but since Mr. Thornton had requested a chance to investigate the matter first, the police-inspector asked Margaret's pardon for interrupting her day. He tipped his hat and was shown out. Margaret sat down heavily and placed her hands over her face. Mr. Thornton came over and sat next to her. 'Bearing in mind all that you have dealt with in these last few days, I did not wish any further imposition on you. As Magistrate, I have certain authorities in the matter of investigations and given that I was witness to the entire incident, you have nothing to fear for your brother.'

This kindness from Mr. Thornton was simply too much and Margaret began to weep uncontrollably. She habitually hid her grieving from her father to cheer him but in the face of this. . puzzling man and his generous action on her behalf, she could not stop the flow of tears. Mr. Thornton handed her his large handkerchief and waited patiently as she released her sorrow. After not so many minutes, Margaret was master enough of herself to be mortified at her display of weakness. She glanced up at Mr. Thornton, expecting to see disdain of her feminine frailty but instead there was only concern and warmth. He gently spoke, 'I am afraid my coldness to you yesterday was inexcusable and I can only ask your forgiveness for what occurred due to my,' and here Mr. Thornton took a deep breath, 'jealousy.'