Richard went on, "It has taken me so long to respond because I was thinking of Margaret. You know, she's never liked you…"
Here John tried to interrupt him however falteringly, "B-But sir,"
Ignoring him, Mr. Hale went on, "I just came to the realization that Margaret was trying to tell me all this at breakfast this morning … She had slept well and was much like her usual self. I guess that was your doing." Richard smiled.
Here John let out the breath he had been holding.
"I give you my hearty permission, John. And please do come around as often as you like. I know you two can't be public right now but you can spend time together here. It will do my poor heart good to see my precious daughter with such a man as you, John. And to have her well settled too… If only her mother could have been here…"
At this Mr. Hale trailed off and looked wistfully out the window, tears coming to his eyes.
Margaret, her timing impeccable as usual, knocked lightly and entered with the tea tray. Looking tentatively at John she announced, "I thought you gentlemen," winking at John, "might like some tea."
John jumped to his feet upon her entrance and moved to help her with the tray. Her father's attention was drawn back and he too rose and greeted his daughter, "Margaret! John was just telling me the most wonderful news. I am so very happy for the two of you. Of course we must keep this to ourselves for now." Then he added, "and your family as well, John."
John placed the tray on the table for her and noticed with the tea things a tall thin vase holding a single red rose. He smiled.
Placing the rose in the center of the table, Margaret proceeded to serve the gentlemen their tea. With a heightened interest, Mr. Thornton watched her perform her task.
Her father's lightened mood prompted him to perform the fingers-as-sugar-tongs ritual with his daughter. Margaret noticed the spark of jealousy in Mr. Thornton's eyes and aptly surmised that he wished to perform this ritual with her himself. Well, she wouldn't allow that until they were married but she would certainly have to tease and torment him about it.
"Would you like some sugar Mr. Thornton?" asked she.
"Yes, please," was his smiling reply.
After slipping the tongs unseen into her lap she handed him the sugar bowl. John looked at the sugar then up at her, noticing the tongs were missing.
"Oh," she said jumping up, the tongs now hidden in her hand, "let me help you with that." She gave him a playful smile.
'Dear Lord,' thought he, 'is she going to let me use her hand, right here in front of her father!?'
When she reached him she held out her hand. As he reached for it with a tentative smile she dropped the sugar tongs onto his upturned palm.
"There are the tongs Mr. Thornton, help yourself," she said with a smirk. Then with a wink at his shocked expression she turned and resumed her seat. To Margaret's surprise Mr. Thornton now wore that broad smile she loved so much. She had expected his usual scowl.
He may not have gotten his wish but she was teasing him and he loved receiving her affections in any form.
During their tea the gentlemen talked about the mill and current events and Plato. When tea was finished and Dixon had cleared everything away Mr. Hale noticed the young couple looking at each other. He announced it was time for him to take a nap. The young people rose and Margaret offered to assist him to his room but he declined and insisted she keep John company until he needed to leave. He shook John's hand vigorously and congratulated him. Then he turned to Margaret and gently patted her cheek before excusing himself.
Once the door was closed Margaret and John stepped toward each other. John reached out and took her hands in his.
"Thank you for staying," she said squeezing his hands, "I know you must be busy. Father so enjoys your company," then looking down at their joined hands she added, "as do I."
"Yes, and I can see now that we are courting, teasing is fair play," he sternly replied with a mischievous smirk. "I shall have to make you pay for your impertinence with the sugar tongs."
"Oh dear," she said teasingly, "whatever shall I do? I don't have any money with which to pay you." She pulled her hands from his and pretended to search her pockets.
John, placing his hands around her waist, pulled her close. "Not all payments are made in pounds, shillings, and pence," was his smouldering reply.
"Oh," she whispered, mesmerized by his closeness.
He leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss upon her lips. Margaret slid her hands up his arms and around his neck.
"Mmmm," he sighed. "Do you remember this , love?" he murmured. "And how I requited you with my insolence the next day?"
"I remember how wrongly I spoke to you,—that is all," she replied.
"Do you think we pass muster this time?" he asked.
"I hope so," she said.
After collecting a few more 'payments,' John grudgingly said, "I must return to the mill."
"Have you told your mother yet?" asked Margaret.
"No," he replied, "but I'm certain she suspects something. I will tell her this evening."
"Oh, what she must think of me!" Margaret cried, "Please, do tell her everything. I believe our secret is safe with her."
"Yes, but not with Fanny," he said, "rest assured, I will be discreet. Now, I must away. I will not be able to return this evening. But I will come tomorrow for my lesson. If there is anything you or your father needs please let me know."
With that she walked him to the door. They said goodbye with more than words and he was gone.