Margaret was not at all pleased to be spending an hour or so with the ladies of the party, and earlier than expected too. She never did get along with Edith's friends. All they did was gossip or talk about the latest fashions or some other insipid subject. This evening, after all the latest London tittle-tattle was exhausted, it was preparations for the upcoming birth of Edith's second child. Even though Margaret dearly loved her little cousin Sholto, and she was looking forward to the birth of this next baby, she just couldn't bring herself to fawn over every detail of the new nursery decorations. Instead, Margaret spent most of her time thinking about Mr. Thornton.

Their brief conversation before dinner was quite a relief for her. He now knew that she did nothing wrong that night at Outwood station. Their little exchange across the dinner table gave her hope that he might still have feelings for her. And of course seeing him in the streets this morning being generous and charitable made her heart feel like bursting.

She was extremely concerned, however, that he was in town to give up his lease. She did not want to lose him as her tenant for multiple reasons. He was an honorable and upstanding gentleman and made for a fine tenant. He employed many people in Milton who would now be out of work including some of her dear friends. Finally, she did not want to lose this last connection she had to him. Was there anything she could do? Then she started to recall all that Henry had been teaching her about her new financial status… Yes, maybe she could do something on that front. A smile started to spread across her face.

Margaret's current state of absentmindedness disturbed Edith. She knew of Margaret's aversion to these hours spent with just the ladies and their idle talk but never before had she witnessed the dreaminess that graced Margaret's countenance this evening. Of course she remembered her earlier concern regarding Margaret and Mr. Thornton. So she thought to attempt to break Margaret's reverie and steer her mind back to Henry.

"Margaret dear," Edith inquired, "what has you so preoccupied?"

Margaret, attempting to come up with a good excuse that was still truthful, as she did not wish to tell Edith her real thoughts, replied, "Oh, I was just remembering something Henry had been telling me the other day."

This answer satisfied Edith more than Margaret had intended. As she resumed her thoughtfulness, Margaret missed the knowing glances that were exchanged between Edith and her friends.

Margaret continued to formulate her plan. She would need to speak to Henry which she was loath to do after having overheard his conversation with Mr. Thornton. But speak to him she must, and the sooner the better.

As soon as the men entered the drawing room and Margaret saw that Mr. Thornton was occupied with Mr. Colthurst, she approached Henry with her inquiry.

Henry was surprised at her advance, although it wasn't as warm as he would have liked. He suspected that she had overheard his earlier comments and knew she was upset with him by the cold shoulder she had given him at dinner. However, he figured her approach now was a good sign and planned to seek her forgiveness. Therefore, as soon as she arrived at his side he began to stammer out an apology.

"Margaret, I – I am sor…" he began.

She cut him off with a wave of her hand as she said, "Never mind that. I have an important question for you."

"You know I would do anything for you," he replied breathily.

Margaret winced at his cloy expression and shook her head. Then she said, "I need to know how much money I have readily available down to the exact pound."

As Henry was very interested in her finances he kept close track of this number.

"Eighteen thousand and fifty-seven pounds," he proudly replied, "is there anything else?"

"Not right now," she stated, "but I may need to you to draw up some papers for me tomorrow."

"Of course. Whatever I may do, I'm.. I'm at your service. Always," he replied in a low whisper.

Margaret turned quickly so that he would not see her look of annoyed disgust and walked away.

Edith had noticed the speed with which Margaret had sought Henry's attention when he entered the room and was pleased. She was a little disturbed to see her move away from him so soon and with such an odd look on her face too. However, as Henry had been standing near the fireplace and Margaret was now moving towards the window, Edith rationalized that it must just be the heat. She was too occupied with her own conversation to notice that Henry did not follow her nor did she notice that Mr. Thornton was standing near the window.