Chapter 07- DON'T MESS WITH HER!
NOTES: Kindly note that a particular scene in this chapter is similar to the one in Pride and Prejudice, a conversation similar to the one Lady Catherine and Elizabeth Bennet have towards the end.
Mr. Thornton quickly reached home to be the first one to hear Fanny's prattling. It had been ten minutes since he kept pacing the room like a cat. Mrs. Thornton gave him a quizzical look, only to find him walking and contemplating something.
"So, how was the meeting with Mr. Latimer?"
Mr. Thornton scowled. His mother was baffled and feared something was wrong.
"Not at all, not at all, what I had expected."
"Tell me, John".
"That idiot man! Mother, I wonder why everyone around me has to deceive me! He knew that the mill was just a few steps away from potential ruin. Yet, he pretended to do what he could only to have me as his puppet".
Mrs. Thornton listened keenly. She kept aside her sewing.
"Mother, I had gone to request an extension as I had already told you. He was quite ready to do so too, saying that I am quite significant for him than the other masters. What I didn't expect was his suggestion to join a speculation! That Watson has come up with a scheme. He wants me to invest in it and promises good returns that will keep all of us wealthy for the coming years."
The last word Mrs. Thornton wished to hear in her life was speculation. Her anxiety and disappointment grew thickly, clouding her face. No wonder John was angry.
"And he knew well I would never agree to such immorality. What he offered next made me the most angry, mother".
"What did he say?", asked Mrs. Thornton eagerly.
"To marry his daughter. To accept her daughter as well as the hefty dowry she would bring so that the mill can be safe from ruin".
Mrs. Thornton knew such a discussion would come some day. The Latimers and almost every family in Milton which had a suitable unwed daughter kept the acquaintance of the Thorntons' for the sake of ensnaring her son under their whim. She took pride in this fact but now, she became quite weary of it.
"I see. This is a surprise but at the same time, it isn't. I dare not ask what you would have said in return."
"Obviously, mother. And he went on to insult Miss Hale as well. Sick man. Says that he is ready to give his daughter even if I might have had some attachment with Miss Hale!"
Mrs. Thornton was unhappy hearing the banker having commented on her son and Miss Hale together. She again convinced herself that before Miss Hale's gossips start gravely affecting her son as well, something had to be done. Soon.
"That's disgusting indeed. How dare that banker think you as low as that! Yet I am not surprised to know what this town is thinking of the poor woman".
Poor woman? Miss Hale was of course dear to him despite her faults, but to hear his mother showing sympathy towards her was quite out of the blue. Yet he didn't question.
"Wait till you get to hear what Fanny has to say mother."
"Fanny is anyway about to come today. She has gone shopping to buy draperies, when her home is already full of those garish wares. But I don't understand what you mean."
Just then, the mother and son heard a loud bustle and rustle of skirts following hurriedly through the corridor. Both of them tried to act natural, trying to show that the visit was unexpected.
Fanny entered with an impatient air, almost gasping. Jane followed her holding several bags of draperies.
"Mother, oh Johnny, you too here. Well you must be, for I can't narrate the same thing twice! You will be shocked to know who I happened to see today. Miss Hale, of course!"
"Continue Fanny, we are all ears", said Mrs. Thornton, picking up her sewing once again with a sigh.
"So I, Ann and her mother went shopping for draperies as the new season is about to come. We were just about to enter Grimsby's store, when I saw Miss Hale with that maid of hers, that daughter of the union leader about to enter a store. I immediately called out to her. The Latimers cast a low look on her, not that she doesn't deserve it for her outrageous display at Outwood…"
Mr. Thornton was annoyed. "Get out with it Fanny. Ain't no time have I for your big tales." He said impatiently yet with a stare.
"There, you see mother. He will never accept her impropriety! Well anyway, we went towards her. We greeted each other and quite unexpectedly, Mrs. Latimer indirectly insulted Miss Hale saying that she didn't expect her to come out shopping after her misfortune. Miss Hale was confused and asked what she meant. And Mrs. Latimer went on to humiliate her, again none that she doesn't deserve." She cast a winning look at her brother, who was staring at her dangerously.
"And just then, Miss Hale, with no shame at all, told Mrs. Latimer to mind her business and not interfere in affairs she hardly has any idea of! How confident and full of pretense she is! Doesn't care a fig about how her character appears in society. And to think of her as a woman of prestige having hailed from London!"
Mrs. Thornton cast her son a questioning look only to see him emotionless. She understood that her son was already aware of what Fanny had come to gossip about.
"Ann was quite angered yet maintained her poise as she should! Not like Miss Hale to speak high and above! Poor Ann was sad to hear her mother being defied, when all that she tried was to advise Miss Hale of her impropriety!"
Mrs. Thornton spoke next. "Why would she want to advise Miss Hale when you three had gone to shop for your drapery collection? You should have kept your distance and entered the store instead of giving way to such an ill conversation".
"And why would I not, mother? She is quite proud of herself, thinking she is right in everything. You too had gone to counsel her of her indecent actions, hadn't you? Also, I just found out that you have invited her for tea as well!"
"Yes, but at least I acted on behalf of my promise to her mother, Fanny. Ann Latimer and her mother hardly tried to make Miss Hale's acquaintance. They don't have any right to advise her of her actions. And yes, I did invite her to keep company as she might be in need of it. Whatever Miss Hale does, she is the sole responsibility towards it, not that she does things on an impulse and excitement. She will wade through her troubles well if there's any chance of her being in the right. That's all".
Mrs. Thornton picked up her sewing and exited the sitting room. Both brother and sister sat jaw-dropped hearing their mother's words in mild support of Miss Hale.
Fanny broke the silence. "What has come to mother? She, the one who loathed the southerner?"
"Are you done, Fanny? If yes, then you could continue marching to your home with your wares."
"Yes obviously, I can't risk them getting spoiled with your mill dirt! But tell me, am I to congratulate you brother?", asked Fanny with a wink.
"Congratulate me? Why? For my mill trudging towards ruin?"
"Nay, but for receiving a proposal to marry Ann! She's the best match for you, has feelings for you more than that parson's daughter ever shall! She will not be interested in the likes of you and now that the mill is going under, she will not attach herself to you. She has shown her impropriety too, so why should you feign hopes? But Ann will put an end to all of the mill's troubles too, and I shall be happy to have my dearest friend as my sister-in-law…"
His sister's words were not surprising, for she always spoke without caring for others feelings. But when she said that Miss Hale will never care for him, his heart broke, yet once again. That Miss Hale, his Margaret, would not even consider him anymore as he is about to return to his old life scared him. But what's the use? She already has a lover to dote on her, a young handsome lover unlike the coarse and shrewd man that he was…
"Thank you Fanny, but I will not marry just anyone for you to have your friend close. My mind is set against matrimony, and as for the mill, you never showed care. So why now?"
He left for the mill, leaving his sister irritated to the core.
Also, now he realized that the Latimers had planned it all together! The stupid father must have purposely invited him to meet while his wife and daughter were away. Well done. But no matter what, Mr. Thornton decided that he wouldn't fall for such a plan. Neither speculation nor the Latimers will be needed to save him from misery. His downfall will be his own to bear, and he will fight till the last day of the mill's functioning. Then he would quit his field with dignity, even if he will have to start again from the ground.
But now, he would go and meet Mr. Bell. Maybe, the cunning landowner will assist.
Margaret and Mary quickly reached home after the dreadful event of the day. Both women hardly spoke to each other. Mary was still angered by the audacity of the silly woman for hurting her friend's actions. But she was overjoyed to hear her give a fit response to the lady in return. Also, she didn't entirely assure the woman that there wasn't anything between her and Mr. Thornton, hadn't she? Mary felt happy to see the Miltonian side of Miss Margaret coming to the surface.
As for Margaret, she barely knew what to think. Her mind was blank as a slate. She had gone beyond the limit and humiliated the Latimers, not that they were civil with her. They had every right to avoid including her in their circles. But they had no right to disparage her in such a manner, especially for something that she was completely innocent about.
But what on earth possessed her to speak about Mr. Thornton in such a manner? To say that whatever happened between them would stay between them! And to not promise the foolish lady to not fall for him if he proposes to her again! It was spontaneous, but still, Margaret wasn't able to regret what she had said.
Another part of her chastised her stubborn self. Why would Mrs. Latimer so openly come to her suggesting a hopeful attachment between her daughter and Mr. Thornton? That obviously meant that her doubts were correct indeed. Hadn't she seen how Ann Latimer possessively claimed Mr. Thornton's arm during his sister's wedding? He was quite neutral at that time, but that didn't matter as he was always an introvert and hardly showed his emotions. He was too formal and private a person. That shouldn't stop him from getting attached to the beautiful Miss Latimer. It was only right that he wed her, as it would also help his business. Margaret knew very well that marriages occurred on part of social status and position too. Mr. Thornton being a famous mill master would go in that way too, undoubtedly, after she rejected him.
Margaret locked herself in her room. She was distraught by heated discussion which further pushed her to lament.
She wished to explain to Mr. Thornton who she was with that night at the station. But would that matter anymore now? Even if she told the truth, will he renew his feelings for her? Margaret knew strongly that Mr. Thornton was unlike any other; he was not the one to speak until he firmly believed in what he thought. The distance between them had started to increase every single day. Now it would be only prudent to stay quiet and hope her fears don't turn for the worst.
She wished she had declined her father's offer to attend the discussion tomorrow. She should have politely said that she had work to do and went to the store then. But what's done is done.
Mr. Bell was quite bored in his hotel room. He wished he had accepted the invitation offered by the Hales to stay at Crampton. He declined thinking his hotel stay would keep him near to his business and properties. But all day and night, he was amidst agreements, invoices, and only made him bored and annoyed. More so, he yet had to do something concerning his goddaughter and the grouchy Thornton.
He thought of the devil and in came he!
"Ah, Thornton! Hardly expected to see you. I was quite bored as such, so your mill issues might keep me occupied."
"My mill issues aren't like your romance classics to keep you so engrossed. But yes, I have come here to speak about something important."
"Take your seat and go ahead".
"Thank you". Mr. Thornton was quite agitated and his pride poked in having come to plead to his landowner for time to pay the dues. He had never before asked for an extension, but now he had to since in a day or two, the idiot banker will issue a notice asking him to pay his loans immediately.
On the other hand, Mr. Bell assumed that Thornton might have come to speak something about the Hales, more so about Margaret. Both men had conversed before of Richard's guilt and grief, his sensitive nature to overlook troubles at hand. He expected the mill master to finally pick up the topic concerning him and Margaret.
"I will not stir the matter and speak straightforward…"
"As you are known for, Thornton. I know you are here for help, if I am right. Tell me."
Mr. Bell's pliant nature, which was quite unusual as the man always teased and plotted, helped Mr. Thornton to open up the issue at hand.
"I have come to ask if you can offer an extension in the payment of the dues. Three months time. The mill still has some orders to go with, and I give my word to pay you in the next term".
Mr. Bell's assumptions were thrashed. But then, it was only foolish of him to hope the man in front of him would speak about anything else other than his so-called wife- his mill. He knew that business was unstable currently, and only thought Thornton could come out of it somehow, as he always did.
"Well yes, don't worry about it. Your request is granted. I gathered that business is quite at risk right now, what with the strike and all. But yet, I thought you will be safe from the consequences."
"Yes, you are right. The mill is quite unsafe now, just a hair's distance from closure."
"You will come out of the downs, Thornton. Moreover, I don't give help if I cannot receive the same from others."
Mr. Thornton was confused by this response. What help might this rich old wealthy godfather need from him?
"Don't overthink and ask what help I want from you".
"What help do you want from a failing master, my landlord?
"Haha, how good it feels to hear you speak so. Well, it's not a help as such but I want you to confess your feelings. Your feelings for my goddaughter, whatever it is that is holding you and Margaret back from happiness".
Mr. Thornton flinched. Why does everything spiral back to her? Why can't he keep himself away from her no matter how hard he tried? It was no surprise however that the old godfather asked such a question. He was wise, wiser, and the wisest of Milton if not cunning and sly as well.
"Absolutely nothing, if I might say so. But yes, I was rejected. It was expected, as someone as genteel as her will not have a tradesman as me."
"When did you make your proposal?"
"After the strike."
"Ah, so I was right! I was always right!"
"Right about what? That I am fit to be rejected by her?", Mr. Thornton asked with a scowl.
"Nay, man. I was right about the stone. So it was Margaret who was hit by the stone while she tried protecting you from harm. Wasn't she? Only she would be bold enough to go between a mob to save a grumpy cat!"
"I ain't a grumpy cat and more so, you are right in your assumptions. As usual. I hope I have confessed enough. I take my leave."
"Why the haste? You haven't answered me properly. It was quite long back that you proposed and were rejected. Her opinions of you, I swear cannot be the same as then. Have you tried knowing what her current stance is?"
"No. I need not. For I know she will not have me as her husband."
"And what woman will steal secret glances from a man if she isn't in love with him? Come now, Thornton, you and I know very well that both of you are meant to be one. Both of you let your pride come in between instead of talking openly…"
"I can't speak more about it. I am done. Let me tell you that it is a great help that you have done to me. I also know that it was you who recommended me to the Bartley's. They have become my client now. I am grateful to you."
Mr. Bell decided not to press the matter further. The mill master was clearly frustrated with problems at the mill.
"Don't be. I know your skill and work. I will need to draw some papers though which require your and my attention. We can meet at Crampton tomorrow and discuss there itself."
"Crampton? Oh, yes. Well, see you tomorrow then".
Mr. Bell noticed the light flashing through Thornton's face- like a glimmer of excitement and hope. He saw him walking out and hoped for some more revelation tomorrow at Crampton on what keeps both lovers apart.
Mary finished her chores at Crampton. She ate her lunch with Dixon and Margaret. She hardly ate together with people other than her father and now, the Boucher children. But now, this new routine was loved by her. After lunch, she bid Margaret goodbye and headed to the mill. She had to make preparations for the day's supper at the canteen.
Just when she reached the mill, Mr. Thornton was himself coming back from his meeting with Mr. Bell. He was discussing with Higgins about the orders and the cotton bales in the storeroom. Both men saw Mary walking towards the mill. Mr. Thornton decided to question her about the conversation they had with the Latimers. He asked himself if he should directly interfere and ask, but he knew he must. Miss Hale would have been surely humiliated by the two women.
"Higgins, mind if I talk to Mary about something important? You can come too".
"Ye master, there she is".
He gathered his courage and tried to be direct yet soft in his approach, lest he scared the poor girl.
"Mary, coming from Crampton, I suppose".
Mary, who was quite afraid of Mr. Thornton's presence, even if they hardly spoke a word, shrieked in surprise before answering. She saw her father standing next to the master. He was not as intimidating as before, he looked exhausted yet focused.
"Talk lass, he won't bite your head off", Higgins teased.
"Good noon, master, yes, I am learnin' much from Miss Margaret and Dixon. Now going to the canteen to prepare the supper".
"Well I hope it does you good. Everyone appreciates your cooking and you make your father proud."
Mary blushed softly. She was embarrassed and shy all at once. She suddenly thought if she should inform him of what happened today at the shop, but was afraid of annoying him by interfering. She had seen him standing at a distance staring at Miss Hale, though.
"Thank you master. The hands are grateful to ye. All credit goes to ye kindness".
"No mention, Mary. Now if I am not so privy, I wish to ask what Mrs. Latimer and Miss Latimer conversed with Marg– Miss Hale today at the drapers' street."
Higgins was surprised. He knew that the Latimers were too nosy on others' affairs and the most unkind of them all.
"Mind if I say the truth, master? Even if they your connections?", Mary asked meekly.
"I will not stand away from the truth no matter who is or isn't my connection. Go on, tell me what happened. I know those women might not have said one good word to Miss Hale".
"Ye, that's true. So I and Miss Margaret went to the drapers, stopped by ye sister Mrs. Watson. She came to us with her friends, the Latimers. Ye sister talk'd well, but the mother Latimer started to indirectly quip Miss Margaret. She in turn hit back with her words, sharp as it is. The women were shocked and moved away".
"I knew this much. My sister was kind enough to rush back home immediately to convey all this to me and her mother. What happened next?"
"They moved away and Miss Margaret was close to cryin'. She somehow gained courage but then again stopped by Mrs. Latimer! That woman then talked about ye."
"Me? What did she say?"
In one go, Mary narrated everything that happened-
"Said her to be away from ye, now that you and they gon' be family soon or later. But then went ahead and asked Miss Margaret if ye ever asked for her hand. Miss Hale was angry and said the truth… said yes. The woman was shocked, mouth wide open. She asked Miss Margaret to promise not to accept ye ever in life if ye ever go to her back".
Mr. Thornton was wide-eyed with shock. How stupid the woman was to already decide such an intimate connection between him and his daughter! He feared now more than ever that Margaret would believe that he was forming an attachment with Miss. Latimer. Moreover, he knew that Margaret would have boldly promised the woman back since she didn't love him at all, and would never accept him. Both Higgins and his daughter stared at the thinking master.
It was Higgins who spoke- "Well, she must have promised the same. End of story, isn't it lass?"
"Nay da' how will she? She instead threw the woman her haughtiest look and said that she will never make such a promise ever! The woman turned red as a tomato and gaped at her. Miss Margaret said whatever happens between ye and her will stay with ye and her. She asked the woman why the hell she so afraid of her if she so confident about her daughter and ye!"
Higgins laughed a satisfying guffaw. He knew that Miss Margaret was a staunch woman, no less of Thornton himself. Maybe more proud and strong in certain ways than him. But this amused him to the core. Mary giggled as well before walking towards the canteen.
And Mr. Thornton! He stood as still as Michelangelo's David.
"What did I just hear?", he asked himself, loud enough for Higgins to hear.
Higgins stood in silence. He waited for the master to respond. But he stood unmoved, allowing Marys' words wash through his brain and heart.
"Thornton", Higgins spoke, "ye have got the answer ye were seeking all this while. That's all I shall say". And he went away to inspect the storeroom.
Mr. Thornton was still stunned. He wanted to laugh loudly as he could. This was the most "Margaretly" Margaret can ever be. How mirthful yet witty she had been! Her words seemed somehow speaking of them as together, her speaking as if she was his, and it's their business- good or bad, not others to poke their noses at.
Confusion and uncertainty, however, washed through him again the next minute. But why? Why would she behave so? Was he to hope again? Not that he had stopped loving her, no, if at all anything else, he was quite sure that his love has only increased along with his agony, however. Or was he to take this at face value? Margaret could have simply retorted to safeguard her injured pride and give a taste of the same medicine to the Latimers themselves.
He was confused more than ever. Yet, he found the entire situation humorous. Miss Hale was not one to mess with for sure!