A/N: The Italian quote in the last chapter was from Gaskell's original work. However, she does not site the source, at least not in the text, nor does she provide a translation. The quote is from Dante Alighieri's 'Tanto gentile e tanto onesta pare.' (So kind and so honest she looks) How apropos. I'm sure that is why Gaskell chose it. The translation was from lyricstranslate online.

…..oOo…..

Mr. Thornton was stunned. 'It was her brother,' he thought to himself. A sense of relief began to overtake him. His next thought was, 'I knew she could not be unmaidenly; and yet I yearned for conviction. Now I am glad!'

Margaret's movements recalled him to the present moment and her query. Not certain how much she might remember, Mr. Thornton answered, "I was visiting with your father and heard a loud noise. I came downstairs to investigate. You must have fallen in a faint. Are you well? Is there anything I can get you to speed your recovery: a glass of water, some wine?"

"My father…," Margaret said attempting to rise.

Mr. Thornton immediately rose to help her. "Your father is upstairs still. He is well, and as yet, unaware of your fall."

Remembering now her lie to the inspector, Mr. Thornton's words struck Margaret with shame, as they had more than one meaning to her. This thought had a dizzying effect on her and she could not steady herself.

"Please, sit back down Miss Hale," he implored, "There is no need to hurry." Margaret readily complied.

Once she was seated again and Mr. Thornton had gotten her some water, he ventured to ask her, while seating himself next to her, "What has distressed you so? Does it have something to do with your brother, Fred? Were you involved in the incident with that man Leonards at Outwood Station?"

Margaret gasped in surprise. Too weak to even consider attempting another falsehood even if she wanted to, she asked, "How do you know?"

Her reply was confirmation enough for his suspicions and combined with her relief to have the opportunity to clear her conscience, he was able to draw the entire story from her.

Margaret, physically and spirituality exhausted as she was, burst into tears multiple times during her narration. Mr. Thornton did his best to comfort and console her, not the least of which included supplying her with his handkerchief (although his mother would probably cringe at the thought of 'that woman' using one of her expertly embroidered creations). More than once, as she told her story, Margaret absentmindedly stroked the stitches of his initials.

He listened to her quietly and didn't ask her any questions. When she was done with her confession she felt like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She then fell into his arms and cried on his shoulder.

This took Mr. Thornton by surprise but figuring she did it out of a desire for comfort he spoke what was in his heart, "Oh Margaret! What you have had to endure all on your own. Allow me to shoulder some of your burden." While he held her he lovingly stroked her back.

When she was done crying he took her gently by the shoulders so that he could look into her beautiful eyes as he explained, "Inspector Mason contacted me two nights ago and enlisted my assistance as Magistrate in the Leonards case."

Margaret gasped and was about to speak but Mr. Thornton silenced her with his hand.

He continued, "After taking an unintelligible statement from the man before he died I sent Mason to investigate further."

John thought to himself, 'Some of the drunkard's ramblings make sense now that I know the full story.'

He went on to Margaret, "I had no idea it would lead him to you or that it had anything to do with your presence at Outwood Station. Yes, Leonards was injured by his fall but that alone could not have killed him. I have yet to receive the coroner's autopsy report. I suspect that it will prove that he died of something else entirely."

Margaret let out the breath she was holding and Mr. Thornton took her hand in his to comfort her. She shivered at his touch but did not withdraw her hand.

He went on, "I will call on Mason first thing tomorrow morning and have him postpone any further investigation until I receive the coroner's report and then we will go from there. No matter what," he emphasized, "I will ensure that there is no inquest and that you, or your family, are not bothered anymore. There will be no inquest, you have my word."

When he finished speaking she grasped his hand with both of hers and passionately implored him, "Oh, Mr. Thornton, do not risk your honor and reputation on my account! I am not good enough!"

"Not good enough! Don't mock my own deep feeling of unworthiness," he fervently replied. Then looking into her eyes he said, "Just as you are willing to risk everything, your reputation, even your soul, for the ones you love, so am I willing to risk my reputation, and more, for the one I love. -Margaret!-"

Margaret's breath caught in her throat. She looked down at their joined hands and rubbing the back of his with her thumb she said, "This was not the first time I risked my reputation for someone I love, as of late."

Mr. Thornton's breath caught in his throat. "-Margaret!-" He whispered-panted out the words:-"Take care.-If you do not speak-I shall claim you as my own in some strange presumptuous way. -Send me away at once, if I must go;-Margaret!-"

She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it.

He reached for her face with his other hand and drew her gently, tentatively, toward him. Their lips met.

After some time of delicious silence, Mr. Thornton, leaning his forehead against hers, implored, "Margaret, I realize the timing is bad – you're mourning. I was too precipitous last time. I would like to ask your father for permission to court you when your deep mourning is over - if you are willing, that is?"

Margaret pulled back and looked up at him with the most glorious smile John had ever seen on her face. She replied, "I am quite willing, Mr. Thornton."

Returning her smile, he pulled her into his embrace. After a few moments he commented, "I think you should call me John."

Margaret giggled slightly and said, "Yes, John." She sighed contentedly.

A/N: Should I end it here guys or should I go on? Let me know what you think.