Short but totally mushy and fluffy. (Kind of like a chapter of cotton candy.) Enjoy!
Jealousy? Margaret's shock was unable to be hidden. Of whom was the indomitable Mr. Thornton jealous? Her curiosity overcame her reticence and she could not help but ask, 'I did not think that you would be envious of many men, Mr. Thornton.'
'I am not by nature jealous, Miss Hale. However, of late I have found that even my mill, which has for countless years been the only focus of my energies and thoughts in order to grow business to ever greater heights, has not been able to hold my interest to the same extent. Although in truth I am occupied the majority of my day in oversight and concerns of Marlborough Mills, my enthusiasm has waned due to my growing attachment to your family.' Here Mr. Thornton stopped but from his tone and aspect, Margaret understood there to be more to the matter than spoken. She blushed at the implications of his words, that possibly he might have a regard for her and she did sincerely hope that it were true. Mr. Thornton noted the heightened color on her previously pale cheeks and yearned to know her mind at this moment. It was astounding to John Thornton, mill owner, employer of hundreds, a man who pulled himself out of poverty by dint of his hard work and perseverance, that he was now afraid – a son of Mrs. Thornton's, afraid! – to speak the utterance that had his entire heart and being riding upon it. But Margaret was sitting so calmly, watching him with her soft grey eyes, evidently waiting for him to communicate further and so he whispered, 'Margaret.'
At the ardor imbued into her murmured name, she flushed a brighter red and hid her face again in her hands, finally completely understanding Mr. Thornton's intentions. It was exciting but she was nevertheless unsettled and at a loss for how to answer such a statement, so Margaret quietly asked, 'Yes, Mr. Thornton?'
'Will you allow me to protect you and comfort you as one who loves you most passionately? You have been the iron prop for your family but I am aware from my own experience that even the staunchest person wearies and requires respite. Can we support each other as partners?' Mr. Thornton's voice was gaining strength as he spoke and the hopeful expression on his face was so endearing, so unusually open that Margaret could not have said him nay even had she wished to.
'To understand, Mr. Thornton, are you asking me to marry you?' Margaret inquired rather shyly.
Mr. Thornton gave one of his brilliant smiles and replied with habitual brevity, 'I am.'
'Then I accept your offer with not just pleasure but also with my whole heart,' came the hesitant but clear reply. Margaret found herself firmly but lovingly surrounded by his arms and she laid her head upon his shoulder, wondering at this unfamiliar and delightful feeling of peace and shelter. After some minutes spent soundlessly enjoying their new understanding, Margaret asked the question which had been troubling her.
'I must know – of whom were you jealous? Was it Fred, prior to your making his acquaintance?'
'No, Margaret, I am ashamed to admit to such imaginary nonsense but it was your repeated mentions of Henry Lennox. There was an obvious intimacy between him and your family, so I assumed wrongly that he was a suitor or, worse, held your affections.'
Margaret stiffened ever so slightly at how accurately Mr. Thornton (John, she thought bashfully) had comprehended Henry Lennox's true motives but some correction was necessary. 'You need not fear – he was never more than a friend to me. Since his brother Captain Lennox married my cousin, Edith, we were thrown together much in company but his desire to please and purportedly agree with all that one said, while not admitting to his own opinions, was uncomfortable and distasteful to me. It is difficult to admit that he came to Helstone and declared himself but I could not countenance such an unnerving union. How can you profess to have a regard for someone whose true mind and thoughts they will not reveal?'
Mr. Thornton was so profoundly affected by this statement that he held his beloved yet closer and took a deep, cleansing breath. This was the truth and it was fully liberating for him to know that neither he nor Margaret had formed any previous attachments - no former love about whom to repine and regret. Here was his Eden in the midst of so much trouble; the financial repercussions of the strike had been quite significant for Marlborough Mill and such happiness was not a commonplace occurrence, therefore John Thornton was going to grasp it firmly and not allow his joy to steal away. Margaret could feel him relax, enjoyed when he tightened his arms for a more secure hold. She knew that speaking of emotions was not easy for her betrothed; however, Margaret sought to know his feelings as he would surely value hers. She began asking questions which he would undoubtedly answer and gradually moved to those that he might be more diffident in his reply. Eventually, Mr. Thornton expressed his thoughts and, though not fluently, it was heartfelt.
The two sat engrossed in their private conversation, in satisfying closeness, having forgotten for the time being that there was anything outside of their secluded haven.