Mr. Hale found the new couple still cozily ensconced on the settee, lost to all but each other. The sound of a throat clearing caused Margaret and Mr. Thornton to become conscious of another occupant in the study. Margaret stood immediately and hurried to her father's side, a glad smile on her face. She imparted their joyous communication succinctly: 'Papa, Mr. Thornton and I are to be married.'
If Margaret had imagined her father to be overwhelmed by the momentous news, then she must have been sorely disappointed in his reaction for Mr. Hale composedly but sorrowfully rose from his desk, kissed his daughter on her forehead and finally clasped his future son on the shoulder. 'I am truly happy for you, Margaret, as would your mother have been. If you were concerned as to my permission and blessing, John, you most assuredly have it. I have thought of you as a son for some time now but you will soon become that in truth.' A small smile appeared for an instant on Mr. Hale's face but it disappeared almost as soon as it had come. His sigh sounded as if it emanated from the deepest depths of the older man's being.
'Margaret, your poor mother - my poor Maria - who was so recently laid to her final rest, would have arranged the details of your wedding and the breakfast with Mrs. Thornton. I cannot bear to think on – it is yet too painful. . . ' Mr. Hale stopped speaking and sat down again behind the desk, his strength apparently diminished and his countenance pallid. Margaret looked in alarm at Mr. Thornton, who motioned for her to accompany him into the hall. He proposed that when Mrs. Thornton was to hear of their engagement she would likely invite Margaret to tea and at the time that Margaret was to be with Mrs. Thornton, he, John, would call on Mr. Hale for whatever discussion his new father would fancy. Margaret considered the plan put forth and agreed to visit with her future mother while Mr. Thornton was to provide companionship to the newly widowed man.
As foreseen, Mrs. Thornton, upon receipt of her son's glad tidings, sent a note to Margaret, requesting her to call the next day for tea. Although unsure of her reception at the spotless house nearby to Marlborough Mill, Margaret was unquestionably sure that if Mrs. Thornton had something – good or bad – to say, she would voice her opinion most candidly. At the very least, thought Margaret, one has an honest idea of Mrs. Thornton's views, contrasting the forthright Northern woman with Mrs. Hale's sister, Aunt Shaw and those of London society who preferred to hide their true opinions behind pretty words and prevarications. Margaret rather respected Mrs. Thornton's blunt and brusque manner and thought more on the woman behind the speech. She remembered her father mentioning that an individual's character was formed and shaped by the experiences in their life. As no two people can possibly have precisely the same happenings occur, then no two personages could be exactly similar. Mr. Thornton and Mr. Hale had both spoken of the hardships endured by the Thornton family after Mrs. Thornton's late husband died at his own hand – the poverty and lack were not obvious to the eye but for one who understood, the after-effects were visible. Margaret had noted when last she was in the Thornton's home the attention to upkeep of all objects within their domain, in order that nothing should be wasted nor unnecessarily lost. She had heard the whisperings of servants discussing the Thornton's celebrated economy and Margaret realized that Mrs. Thornton must contain within herself a font of strength which was not often seen. Assuredly, and so as not to feel overcome, Margaret immediately reflected on her own actions and that she had was engineered in its entirety the Hale's removal to Milton. She had organized the closing of Helstone, the details of their interim habitation and the assignment of rooms and living spaces in their new house in Crampton. No, Margaret declared in her mind, she was of also firm character and would likely – if all went well and misunderstandings were avoided – enjoy befriending Mrs. Thornton.
Margaret duly presented herself at the appointed time and determined to increase herself in Mrs. Thornton's estimation. She was welcomed and shown into the austere, white-clad drawing room. In rustled Mrs. Thornton shortly and she greeted Margaret in a voice which, if it was not cold, was not precisely warm either. She had given a promise to Mrs. Hale to watch out for Margaret and provide motherly advice if needed; thus, Mrs. Thornton would use this occasion to more fully take the measure of the young lady who had captured her son's heart. From the few occasions when they two had been in company together, Mrs. Thornton had not spoken overly much with the young Miss Hale but had noticed the girl's spirit. Perhaps this would be less unpleasant than anticipated.
'Miss Hale, may I offer my congratulations? John has informed me of your engagement.' Mrs. Thornton watched Margaret closely for her reaction, which was a straightening of her back and a small smile upon her countenance. There was no false modesty or any of the insipid comments so frequently heard passing the lips of young ladies, particularly those of the South, but instead Margaret emanated a quiet pride and happiness. Mrs. Thornton was almost pleased but, of course, she could not admit to such an emotion.
'I thank you, Mrs. Thornton. How is Miss Thornton's health?' Margaret had resolved to be succinct in the required social greetings so that they might faster approach truly important concerns. Mrs. Thornton gave the impression of a raised eyebrow while maintaining a motionless façade.
'Fanny is well. Let us discuss the purpose of my invitation today. John did not inform me of the length of your intended engagement period which will impact many preparatory matters. With your mother now gone, you will assume her function in the planning and execution of your wedding.' Mrs. Thornton sat very regally on the settee facing the windows, opposite the chair in which Margaret sat. She wished to immediately give her future daughter a firm understanding of the responsibilities expected from a wife of John Thornton. Let none say that Hannah Thornton permitted a lack of attentiveness or thoroughness. 'Please join me on a tour of our home, since it will soon be your residence as well and after we can take tea and discuss your plans for the wedding.'
Wishing to feel as bold as she appeared, Margaret lifted her chin and smiled, 'Certainly, Mrs. Thornton. Let us commence.'