The next three months passed relatively fast. John learned quickly that his mother did not appreciate being left alone, or worse, left with Fanny, every evening. She had come to quite enjoy being her son's friend and confidant, therefore she was loath to give up her position. So for her sake, and the sake of propriety, for he was one of the most sought after and spied upon bachelors in Milton, he curtailed his visits to Crampton to only every other day.

John took lessons and tea, and the occasional dinner, with the Hales on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On Sundays he would spend a few hours in the afternoon with just Margaret. Mrs. Thornton had even taken to visiting Margaret every Wednesday morning for tea and sewing as a way for them to get to know each other better. Both women had come to enjoy these meetings. Margaret found in the Thornton matriarch the competent, wise, motherly figure she was now lacking. Mrs. Thornton found in Margaret a strong, virtuous, albeit opinionated girl, however, not unlike herself. In short, the daughter she wished Fanny could have been.

Toward the end of Margaret's three months of deep mourning things were going so well between the the couple that John was hoping to secure her hand come February and wed in early March. However, as the end of January drew near all his plans were dashed.

One evening in mid-January, John was called upon by Mr. Watson, one of his fellow mill masters. The burly fellow was ushered into John's personal study and John rose from his desk to shake the man's hand.

"Watson!" he welcomed, "What can I do for you?"

"Well, you are a hard man to get ahold of Thornton," Watson replied, "I stopped by a few other nights this week only to be told you were attending your lessons in Crampton. I didn't know you were that serious about your," he paused, giving Thornton a knowing look, "…education."

Thornton leaned back in his chair and assumed an expression of indifference. He had to address this implication many times over the last three months and so he gave Watson his customary answer, "Yes, I enjoy studying the classics very much as my youthful education was understandably neglected. Mr. Hale is also a very good friend of mine who recently lost his beloved wife. I try to offer him what comfort and companionship I can."

"Ah, well," replied Watson, disappointed that he did not get the rise out of Thornton he had hoped for. The manufacturer went on to the point of his visit, "The reason I came to see you was that I wanted to request your permission to court your sister."

Thornton placed his elbows on his desk and pondered this for a moment. "Have you spoken with Fanny yet?" he asked.

"No," replied Watson, "I have come to you first. I wanted you to know that my intentions are honorable and that I would very much like to marry Miss Thornton, hopefully this Spring."

That was the nail in the coffin for John's speedy marital plans. Fanny was sure to accept this man, for he was quite wealthy, and they would get married in the Spring. He and Margaret would not be able to announce their engagement until after Fanny and Watson had announced theirs. Therefore, their wedding would probably not be able to take place until well after Fanny's.

Resignedly, John rose, walked over to Watson, and offered his hand, "You have my permission, Watson. Good luck." The men shook and Watson turned to leave.

As John returned to his chair the thought of running off to Gretna Green was sounding better and better every minute. Margaret might actually like the idea but he was certain his mother would not.

….oOo….

It was now mid-February. Fanny and Watson had courted for three weeks and were just recently engaged. Their wedding was set for late April and now the Thornton household was constantly aflutter with wedding preparations. John and Margaret's courtship was now public but with Fanny's approaching nuptials the subject of their engagement had not yet been broached.

Their courtship continued much the same as before. The only change was how they spent their Sundays. After church, Margaret and her father would join the Thornton's at the Mill house for luncheon. Then John and Margaret would go out for a walk, often with Fanny and Watson, while Mr. Hale and Mrs. Thornton kept each other company. Also the couple would occasionally attend functions together such as dinners or parties as was appropriate for Margaret who was still in a state of half mourning.

In retrospect, John realized that waiting a little longer to get married was probably for the best. Margaret would be out of mourning altogether by May, so a June wedding would therefore be free of all such trappings and restrictions.

John now had to decide when to propose to Margaret. He was glad that Fanny's engagement would be fairly long for he did not wish his announcement to outshine either the publication of her engagement or the glory her wedding day. Fanny loved being in the limelight and would think herself quite ill-used if she had to share it with anyone, most especially her brother.

Easter would be April eleventh this year. That seemed to John a good day to finally propose to Margaret. It would still be three weeks till Fanny's wedding. Enough time for the novelty of their engagement to wear off. He consulted his mother on this timing and she agreed with him.

….oOo….

As Easter drew near Hannah Thornton asked her son if he had a betrothal ring for Margaret. He told her, no.

He had not thought of getting Margaret a ring until Fanny, one day, after spending the afternoon with Watson, had come prancing into the drawing room flaunting some hideously ostentatious adornment on her finger. Unfortunately, business was difficult at this time and the expense of Fanny's wedding was growing by the day. John was, therefore, having a hard time trying to justify the practicality of buying Margaret a ring.

When he confessed this concern to his mother she immediately excused herself, telling her son she would return in a moment. When she reentered the room she handed John a beautiful gemstone ring. It consisted of a round cut yellow sapphire surrounded by several smaller marquise cut emeralds all in a gold filigree setting. It looked just like a yellow rose surrounded by green leaves. It was perfect for Margaret.

"Where did you get this?" John asked his mother, turning it over and examining it from all angles, "It is beautiful!"

"It was my engagement ring," she answered with a hint of melancholy, "Like some women, I chose to wear only my wedding band once married. And then later," she sighed, "it wasn't proper to wear it. So I'm not surprised you don't remember it. But I saved it for you. It is yours now to give to the one you wish to spend the rest of your life with. And I have to say , John, after spending these last few months getting to know Margaret – you have chosen well. I still find her obstinate and headstrong and she's not afraid to speak her mind, but her foundation is pure and she has a loyal and steadfast heart. You and Margaret have my blessing and I wish you joy."

"Thank you," John said reaching over to clasp her hand.