I'm so sorry for my absence, I promise I haven't given up on this. I've just had a lot of work and then have spent all my downtime watching Anne with an E. Have you guys seen it? It's wonderful! Perhaps I'll write one for it after this story is finished. #renewAnnewithanE

Anyway, I hope you enjoy. There should only be a couple more chapters of our tale to go. At least two. Thank you all for sticking with me!

xxx

Margaret was woken abruptly by the sounds of the train grinding to a halt and she wondered idly how much longer of her journey she had to go. It wasn't until she heard the familiar 'Milton!' called out from beyond the compartment that she realised how long she had slept.

She hurried from the compartment and out onto the smoky platform. She paid no mind to any of the few people there as she made her way out of the station. With a few hours of daylight left, she made her way to where she knew a hotel could be found and secured lodging for herself for at least that night.

After having some time to acclimatise to her new surroundings, she wrote a quick message to Fanny and sent it with a servant. She knew that the lady would be unlikely to be available that day, so she had asked for a time to be set for the following day.

Taking to the streets once more, Margaret was overjoyed to be following the familiar path to the Higgins' house. She longed to see Nicholas and Mary, and she hoped that her presence would be a welcome surprise.

When she reached the door, it was slightly ajar, and she knocked tentatively.

'Who is it?' a familiar, gruff voice replied.

Margaret smiled and pushed the door open slowly. 'It is only me'.

Nicholas, who she now saw was laying across one of the beds, leapt to his feet and hurried to the door.

'Goodness Miss, we didn't expect to see you here,' he greeted with a smile and gestured enthusiastically for her to come inside.

'I confess I was not sure if you would be home. I quite forgot the hours of your work at the mill'.

Nicholas' expression sobered. 'No more work, Miss'.

'Did something happen between you and Mr Thornton?' she asked immediately. 'I had thought that you were getting on well'.

'No, nothing like that, Miss. Although, I'm a bit surprised you don't know, as it is your property now'.

'Don't know what?' she asked, but she already knew what he was going to say.

'Buyers couldn't pay, and we couldn't keep up. Thornton had to close up'.

'How long ago?'

'About four weeks'.

'Goodness,' she whispered.

'If you've come to Milton looking for Thornton, I've not seen him since me last shift'.

'Mrs Watson invited me to come,' Margaret blurted. 'But I cannot deny that I was hoping to see him'.

Higgins gave her a sly smile. 'I knew you would. I knew you couldn't stay away'.

Margaret bowed her head as a rosy glow spread through her cheeks. 'I have quit society, Nicholas'.

'I didn't realise you could do that?' he replied with a short laugh.

'I know that London is very different to here, but surely the same is expected of widows here as it is anywhere…' she trailed off.

'I think you've chosen the right place to come if you're not wanting to be judged, Miss,' Nicholas said softly. 'We here don't abide by such things. It's hardly fair to expect a young lady such as yourself to live a life of isolation'.

'I fear that my family may not understand so readily,' she sighed. 'But how did you hear of my circumstances?'

'Thornton,' Higgins nodded gravely. 'There was some talk about it between the masters one night. He couldn't be sure though, as his source wasn't exactly reliable'.

'I suppose they were this time'.

'Look Miss, I've heard you talk enough about your marriage to know that you probably shouldn't have been married to begin with. If you were to remarry, just know that you'll not have any judgement from us, and you'll always be welcome here'.

'Thank you, Nicholas,' Margaret smiled softly. 'But I think there is little chance of that. I am already living a scandal being out'.

'Not here though, Miss. Like I said, the people here have much more important things to worry about,' he turned his head to the sleeping forms of several children.

Margaret's eyes followed his. 'Do they always sleep so early?'

Nicholas shook his head. 'The eldest has just started work at Hampers. I didn't want to send em there, but with Thornton's closed, I had no choice. I just hope I can get them someplace better before what happened to Bess…'

'Oh Nicholas,' Margaret whispered and reached across the table to take his hand. 'She knew you did you best for her. You could not have known'—

'But I do now,' he growled. 'The poor child is exhausted. Hamper is not nearly so kind as Thornton'.

'Did the money I gave you help any?'

'Aye,' Nicholas nodded. 'Thank you again for your kindness. I've used a piece of it to help the little one go to school some. Thornton reckons he needs a good education. Took a real shine to him, he did'.

Margaret smiled softly. She adored learning more about the kindness of Mr Thornton's heart. She already knew he was caring, but she truly loved hearing that he had began to peel back the hard exterior that he presented to those around him. As a master it was expected and understandable that he present an authoritative figure, but his softness was so much more respectable in her eyes.

xxx

The following day, Margaret awoke to the familiar sounds of people in the street below. She stretched lazily and wandered over to the window, letting her soft curls fall about her shoulders. For the first time in many months, she felt truly free to do as she pleased. She carefully prepared herself for the day and slowly descended the stairs.

The same man greeted her at the front desk and handed her a small piece of paper. It was a return note from Mrs Watson, thanking her for her prompt reply and expressing her wish for her to join them for tea at 10 o'clock. It also included the address which although unfamiliar to Margaret, was undoubtedly in the area of the town away from industrial work. It surprised her that Fanny would be so easily settled in Milton, but Watson was a businessman and he clearly had the final say.

As Margaret made her way in the direction of that area, she was met with greetings from several of the workers in the streets. They had not forgot her kindness in past days, it seemed, and Margaret was touched by their recollection.

The tight streets gave way to larger plots of land with houses of increasing size and extravagance. None of them were as ornate as those that housed the richest in London, but they were all sizable and very elegant. As Margaret reached the end of the street, she noticed a house with a tall iron fence ahead and looked once more at Fanny's note for reference.

The place was perhaps a little gaudier than some that she had passed, and she knew at once that she was at the correct address. She opened the gate and entered the yard with trepidation. What if Mr Thornton had decided to visit his sister? While she found it unlikely that he would spend his days with her, Margaret knew that she wasn't thinking rationally in that moment.

A servant answered the door and invited her inside. Margaret could not help but stare as she took in the entranceway to the home. A wide staircase took prize position in the room with ornate bannisters and carpeted stairs. Above it hung a large portrait of the couple with an ornate golden frame. Thick, heavy, blue curtains hung from the windows, and the floors were polished to perfection.

The servant directed her up the stairs and Margaret followed silently as she was led down a wide corridor to a set of double doors. The doors lining the corridor were all a rich mahogany and the ceiling was embellished with swirling designs. Their footsteps echoed on the polished floor as they walked, and Margaret couldn't help but feel that the place was cold and unwelcoming. Even the Thornton's home had been more welcoming, and it was still rather dark.

Margaret was shown through the doors into a brightly lit parlour and asked to wait a moment. Looking around the room she noticed a distinctly more feminine touch to the décor. This room was undoubtedly Fanny's pride and joy.

After several minutes, the lady herself emerged, wearing a delicate gown of light pink with white embellishments. She smiled warmly and greeted Margaret with unbridled happiness.

'I'm so glad that you could come so soon. Watson said you wouldn't come as you're still in mourning, but I knew you would if I asked'.

Margaret smiled. 'Of course. I was very glad to receive your invitation. It is good to see married life treating you so well'.

'Yes,' Fanny agreed, and her smile faltered. 'I was sorry to hear about your husband. As you may know, my father did the same'.

'I did not know that,' Margaret confessed, 'though I am very sorry'.

'It was many years ago now,' Fanny nodded. 'Such is the danger of business'.

Margaret found herself caught by surprise at Fanny's mature words. Perhaps marriage truly had helped her grow up. Maybe having anything she ever wanted had helped her realise the importance of other things in life.

'I heard about Marlborough Mills'.

'Yes, poor John,' Fanny sighed. 'I tried to tell him that the speculation would work, but he wouldn't risk it'.

'Would it really have helped so much?'

Fanny shrugged. 'I wouldn't know the figures, but it would have helped'.

At that moment, the bell rang outside and Fanny leapt to her feet. 'Goodness, there is mother already'.

'Your mother is coming here?'

Fanny nodded. 'She spends a little time here when she has time. Of course, the house is likely to be let soon, so she does not wish to be there all the time alone'.

'Where is Mr Thornton?' Margaret asked curiously.

'My brother left for London some days ago,' Fanny explained as she stood to wait for her mother's entrance.

Margaret wondered to herself what he could be doing. Perhaps he was seeking funding for the Mills. That would make sense. There was no chance he was there for her, was he?

'Mrs Lennox,' the familiar voice of Mrs Thornton greeted. 'I did not expect to find you here'.

'I suppose not,' Margaret bowed her head in a respectful nod. 'But I came nevertheless'.

'Come to look over your possessions?' she asked gruffly. 'He's worked his whole life for them, and you swept in and took them'.

Fanny faded into the background as Margaret faced Mrs Thornton with a strength, she never knew she possessed. 'I would never do such a thing. If that is what you believe, madam, then you know very little about my character'.

Mrs Thornton did not immediately respond, but Margaret was almost certain she saw the shadow of a smile behind her expression.

'My son has gone to London to seek funding for the mills. I would appreciate if you didn't turf us onto the street before he has the opportunity to return'.

Margaret shook her head and sighed. 'You misunderstand me completely, Mrs Thornton, but I would like a chance to explain myself to you, if you would permit it?'

The older woman looked a little confused but nodded. It seemed that Fanny's house tour was going to have to wait a little longer than she'd hoped.

xxx

Alrighty, that's another chapter out into the void. Enjoy, dear void. Thanks again for all your support. I really do appreciate your reviews. They make me smile :) Until next I post ;)