'Congratulations!' came the loud cry from the waiting crowd outside of the church, as the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Thornton exited the building. Margaret felt the overwhelming strength of their well wishes and waved happily to each; John was strutting as if he were a pea-cock and all present were astonished at the size and duration of his smiles.
Hannah Thornton watched the pair beginning their new life and was stunned to momentarily feel sorrow for her late husband's absence, despite her disgust at his weakness and selfishness in taking his life while condemning Hannah, John and Fanny to their own death. That the remaining Thornton family continued alive and hearty to be in attendance at this momentous occasion was testament to Hannah's great strength and John's willingness to bear much responsibility, even at a young age.
John and Margaret were expected to spend the next week alone in the Thornton's home and Mrs. Thornton was to stay with Fanny and Mr. Watson for the duration, after which she was to return home. Hannah Thornton wondered silently within herself how soon Margaret would begin to make her mark as Mrs. Thornton, both within their home and in Milton society. There was no doubt of her new daughter's courage and determination; Hannah believed that many would be taken aback by Margaret's outspoken character but would eventually become accustomed to the younger woman's honesty and persuasiveness.
Mr. Hale had been honored and saddened to walk his daughter – his only child whom he could see wedded – into the church. His friend, Mr. Bell, was in attendance ostensibly to watch his little pearl enter the married state but, in truth, his presence had more to do with escorting Mr. Hale to the train station and then to Oxford. It would not do for the former parson to remain in solitude, particularly as Margaret had written to Mr. Bell very specifically to mention her father's ailing spirits and failing health. He was overcome by guilt, feeling that he had brought about the death of his beloved Maria, and the lone remedy suggested was Mr. Hale's removal from the area directly following the wedding, to give him no opportunity to reminisce and become further depressed.
Thus, the newly married couple found themselves quietly ensconced within their home and both hoped that their idyll would be unmarred by trouble or anxiety. They two had been acquainted for some time now but the quiet, shared intimacy of marriage and their short-lived (but pleasant) seclusion forwarded their awareness of the other's enjoyments and wishes. Both were agreeably surprised by their findings and, to maintain their current happiness and understanding, committed to that most basic of all necessities within a strong marriage – frank and open speech.
Mr. Hale and Mr. Bell traveled southward and spoke amiably but carefully of times past and shared remembrances of their youth. The grieving widower was brought to such plays and entertainments as his bosom friend thought most efficacious in dispelling gloom and he was able, for the first in a very long time, to fluently and regularly converse with another highly learned individual with whom he could philosophize. This regimen was effective to some degree but Mr. Hale's countenance remained pallid and his energy was greatly diminished from just one year before.
Mrs. Thornton took up temporary residence with Fanny and her husband and thought of John's future children. She had never truly given significant time to ponder such, as it had been assumed within the Thornton house that Fanny would be the person to provide offspring and that John would remain married to his ambition, but now that he was indeed starting upon the life of a husband, there might be the possibility of children residing in their home. Hannah resolved to work together with Margaret to ensure the happiness of all parties – she would not see John feel torn between loyalty to wife and mother.
The end of Mr. Hale's sojourn in Oxford was looming and Mr. Bell craftily approached his friend to extend the stay.
'Not, of course, that you are to remove here, Richard. However, all who encounter you remark upon the improvement in your spirits and disposition since your arrival in this sleepy town.' Mr. Hale therefore sent a loving missive to Margaret and his new son, extolling their similarities and compatibility, and mentioning that he may not leave Oxford quite yet due to its 'calming and soothing qualities that act as a balm to my ruffled soul.' He wrote of his love for Margaret and his affection for John and that they should always be assured of such.
Both of the elderly gentlemen were contemplative that evening and rather less talkative than had been their wont. Before retiring, Mr. Hale commented in a tremulous voice, 'Bell, you have been a true and loyal friend these many years. If something were to happen to me, will you take Margaret as your own child? My mind is vastly relieved by her marrying John and I know that she will have a home and family to reside with her but you must act as her father, if she were to request advice or aid. Maria has been waiting for me to rejoin her and I find that I am loathe to delay much longer.'
Mr. Bell promised all that he could and gave what reassurance he could that Margaret was to be his legal heir, regardless of 'which of us old men outlives the other. After all, you slender fellows tend to survive beyond that of us stout men.'
Both men bade the other good night and retired to their own rooms and thoughts. When the morning light had awakened the town, Mr. Bell sought his friend to discover his whereabouts. Upon entering Mr. Hale's bed chamber, the distinct aura of eternal stillness was palpable. Mr. Bell became alarmed and placed his shaking hands upon the brow of the apparently sleeping form - the skin was cold and there was neither movement nor the breath of life. Mr. Hale had, during the past night, released his tortured soul from its earthly home so that his essence might once again be united with his beloved Maria.