At five minutes to ten John Thornton bounded up the stairs to the Hales' home. He had dispatched Mason with enough alacrity that he had time to stop by the florist on his way to Crampton. He knocked briskly on the door and awaited entrance.

When the door opened he was met with the smiling face of his beloved Margaret. She was genuinely happy to see him however he could see that her eyes were bloodshot from crying. The house was dark and draped in mourning as a reminder of the recently deceased.

As soon as he stepped inside and the door was shut she fell into his arms and sobbed into his chest. After a few moments she opened her eyes and saw his black crepe arm band. This symbol of his solidarity with her family made her heart leap and she clung to him more tightly.

John didn't say a word. He just held her close, pleased to be her anchor in stormy seas. When she finally let loose and pulled away he reached into his pocket and gave her his handkerchief. She took it gratefully and wiped her eyes. Then he reached into his coat and pulled out a beautiful, albeit a little crushed, red rose. Her eyes lit up and she looked up at him.

"For me?" she asked.

"For my southern rose," he said looking lovingly into her eyes.

She took it, brought it to her nose and inhaled deeply.

"How are you doing today?" he inquired.

"I'm bearing up well I suppose. It is hard as I'm sure you know," she replied, "Father is doing better. Your discussion with him yesterday seems to have buoyed his spirits. He awaits you in his study."

"He knows I am expected?" John asked.

"Yes, I told him you were coming to speak to him but not about what," Margaret said. Then she added with no small amount of embarrassment, "I also tried to make him understand that my opinion of you had greatly changed."

John smiled and tried to stifle a laugh. Then taking her hand in his he asked, "Were you successful?"

"Owing to your conversation with him yesterday, he is considerably less despondent today. So he was very receptive to hearing what I had to say. He had even tried to assuage some of Dixon's daily complaints. However, you know my father is not very observant when it comes to the fine art of subtlety," she replied, "I do not know how much of what I said he actually comprehended for what I was really trying to say."

"Will he be pleased with what I am to ask?" John wondered taking her hands in his.

"I think he will be surprised but I believe he will be greatly pleased," Margaret gushed.

"You have yet to ask me about my other errand here this morning," he said.

"You told me what the outcome would be last night and I have total faith in you," she replied smiling, squeezing his hands. "But if you want to tell me…" She let go and stepped back to listen to what he had to tell her.

"I received the coroner's report this morning which confirmed that the cause of death was Leonards' long standing internal complaint," he explained, "Then I met with Inspector Mason and told him to close the case. You will not be hearing from him again."

"I am relieved," she replied, "However, it is quite disturbing that he died. His poor family."

"Yes, I believe he was actually engaged to my mother's servant, Jane," he added.

"Oh the poor girl. Is there anything I can do for her?" Margaret asked.

"That's the Margaret I know and love - grieving herself yet she still wants to offer aid to others," he said with a smile and he reached out to cup her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch placing her hand over his.

After a few more moments holding her thus he retracted his hand but kept held of hers and asked, "Have you heard from your brother yet, is he safe?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, "A letter arrived this morning that he sent just before boarding the packet to Spain. As you can imagine we are quite relieved."

"Very good," said he. Then after a pause, "I should go to your father. I may be some time if he feels the need to converse on other topics. I am at his disposal."

"That is very kind of you. I know he enjoys your talks," she replied leading him to the study, "I will be waiting in the drawing room."

He bent down and gave her a soft kiss on the lips before turning to enter the study.

….oOo….

Mr. Hale turned and greeted John expectantly, "Ah, John, there you are. Margaret said you would be coming by today."

"Yes, Richard," replied he, "I have an important question I wish to ask you."

"Well sit down my dear boy and we'll see what I can do for you," Mr. Hale replied, "Let me guess, Plato has inspired you and you are here to ask 'Is it always better to be just than unjust'? Ha ha ha," he laughed, "I will make a better guess and say that your question has nothing to do with Plato."

"You are right sir," John replied happy to see his friend in such a jovial mood but a bit nervous about his own request. However, he decided to just out with it and taking a deep breath said, "I have come to ask your permission to court your daughter. I know she has just lost her mother and is in mourning but we have so recently come to an understanding and we did not want to leave you in the dark." John paused waiting for Mr. Hale's reply.

Since no reply was forthcoming, John, with no small amount of trepidation, went on, "I do wish to marry her but considering our rather tumultuous past I thought it best to take it slow. Of course there would be no public acknowledgement until her three months have ended, and even then…"

Mr. Hale interrupted him, "I'm sorry John." At these words John's heart got stuck in his throat.