Hello there! I have finally managed to get this ready! I can only apologise for how long this has taken, please enjoy!

Dear Mr Thornton,

I begin to think you are keeping the story of the snapped belt from me for other reasons than it being a perfectly boring story. Does it not show you in a flattering light? Did your workers find some amusement from it? I can truly think of no other reason to guard the story so closely. If it is so, it is positively cruel of you to keep it from me, when you should want to provide some laughter. But perhaps you are perfectly serious, and it truly is a boring story. I think you should tell me, so I may judge for myself.

I should like to see the looms properly. I regret all the more for not taking your mother up on her offer of a tour when I first arrived in Milton. Even with your explanation it is difficult to understand just how they work. I am not sure watching them in action would help, but witnessing the process would certainly make it easier to recognise the machines I have read of and heard of from the workers. I do hope I get the opportunity to visit one day, for I find there is a lot I miss in Milton. And while a visit would not stop my own longing to be there again, it would certainly help cheer me for a time.

I am surprised that Nicholas knew about Frederick, but the longer I think on it, the more I realise I am silly for being so. Mary was often at the house fetching for us, it is not so extraordinary that she would have seen and heard more than we thought. She is such a quiet girl, it is probable there were times we did not even realise she was in the house. It is not so astonishing, however, that Nicholas though to shock you with that information. Why he would share it now, I have no idea, but I can imagine his relishing the thought of discomposing you. Do tell me that you managed to shock him instead? I can not think that Nicholas is often the one who looks in the dark.

Has he been true to his word? He is not causing trouble for you, is he? Tell him I shall be very disappointed if I find he is disturbing your mill. I should hate for the two of you to fall out, so he must not be a nuisance, and you must ensure you do not get too angry if he does come to pester you.

Is there anything I may do for Tommy? Perhaps I may send some books for him and the other children to learn from. He is not the only one who needs to learn as much as he can, and he is setting a good example to his younger siblings. Is Mary able to teach them? I fear with so many, and with such different ages it may be difficult to impart what she knows. Again, if there is anything I may do, please let me know.

Of course my nephew is a delight! He could not be otherwise with two such amiable parents. His nursemaid is devoted to him (barring those devious little naps I suspect her of) and while it is still a little early to see exactly the kind of man he will become, at the moment he is perfectly willing to share all his playthings with me. I imagine he will make an ideal elder brother should he ever be blessed with a sibling. I do admit to a fair amount of favouritism, but what else is an aunt to do but think the world of her only nephew?

I am incredibly thankful to you for speaking of your father. While I am not so egotistical to think that I am the only person to ever lose a parent, I have often felt alone and misunderstood. Your words have once again allowed me to feel welcome. I truly do not know if you have realised how great an effect they have had on me; each instance of communication between the two of us has made me extremely happy. I was not easy when we were at odds and cannot begin to tell you of my relief now it has been resolved.

I too sometimes forget that they are both gone. I saw such a wonderful rose bush in someone's garden the other day that I could not help but think how much my mother would like to hear of it. Or when listening to a conversation between my cousin's husband and his friend, how much my father would long to discuss it with you. I have seen far too much change in too short a period of time, and sometimes it is hard to catch up. Did you find the same? Or were you able to distract yourself from your grief? I imagine being so young made it that much harder for you, no matter how hard you worked.

I am still worried about forgetting my father's features, but I am cheered but your remembrance of your father's essence. I suppose they will never truly be forgotten if I remember how they were, rather than what they looked like. Thank you for making me feel better.

There is another shocking lack of business in this letter, Mr Thornton. Perhaps I should resign from commerce all together, but then I suppose we lose our excuse for writing. I shall try very hard to think of a question before I receive your next, in case you think to accuse me of merely dabbling.

Your very lacking business partner,

Margaret

There. She had done it. She had written a letter that was far more personal than she had any right to be sending, but it felt liberating to finally treat Mr Thornton as a true friend, rather than acting under the façade they built for themselves. Hopefully, if Edith was correct (and Margaret dearly hoped she was), he would respond in kind.

"Are you finished?"

"Yes. Here, you read it while I write to Mrs Thornton."

Passing the letter to Edith's waiting hands, Margaret refused to feel any trepidation over what she might think. Turning back to her desk, she began her reply to Mrs Thornton.

Harley Street

Mrs Thornton,

I am glad to hear you enjoy our correspondence, for I take great pleasure in receiving your letters. I do not have many friends I may write to, and I especially do not have any friends I can be so open with. Your friendship has been a great support to me, and I must thank you one last time now that I am feeling so much better. But there, I promise that shall be the last time you hear of my gratitude on this particular issue.

I would be glad to supply a list of the finest shops for Mrs Watson. I will also speak to my cousin and have her tell me the best times to attend the galleries, for occasionally there are events that are unmissably fashionable for that class of social elites who care about those kinds of things. There may be no intention of learning, but a museum is a museum. There is not a great selection of plays currently, but there is enough to satiate an appetite for anything London (although I cannot guarantee any esteemed personages will be in attendance).

I should enjoy it if Mrs Watson were to call here if she can find the time. She would be very welcome whenever she would like to visit.

You are confident the mill will recover fully are you not? Has this ever happened before? I have only ever seen these events happen in Milton, so I am unknowing of they can affect the mill. Did it take this long last time? It has been many months since the strike ended and I suppose I assumed that everything would go back to normal once the workers returned. That is obviously not the case.

Forgive me if I am prying, you need not answer those questions if I go too far. Do let me know if I may be of any help to Mrs Watson.

Yours,

Margaret Hale.

Edith was waiting for her as she finished writing. There was a smile on her face as she watched Margaret fidget over her verdict. They were quiet until Margaret could no longer stand it.

"Well? Is it a good letter?"

Edith laughed "It is eminently suitable, Margaret. I would enjoy receiving it myself, so I am certain Mr Thornton will like it beyond anything."

Margaret breathed a sigh of relief. "I am glad you think so. I do not wish to worry that I have overstepped."

"I do not think you could overstep where Mr Thornton is concerned." Edith raised a mischievous eyebrow. "I think he would be willing to let you step where ever you like."

"Edith!" Margaret flushed. "You have become indelicate since marrying."

"Oh pish!" Edith dismissed her. "Delicacy is for unmarried ladies and the drawing room. As I am married and we neither of us are in the presence of others I may speak how I wish."

Margaret pressed her hands to her hot cheeks. "You should still not say such things in front of me."

A giggle was her response. "You are too easy to tease, Margaret!"

She huffed. "You are very unfair to me, Edith."

Edith stuck her tongue out at her which prompted a laugh from Margaret.

"This whole affair has made us very childish, Edith."

"You have had too much cause for seriousness, Margaret. A little silliness every now and then between two young ladies is not a bad thing, and any who say otherwise do not know how to have fun."

"You are right. Besides, I should use up all my silliness now, while I am still seen as young enough to be so, before I am old and married like you."

"Margaret!" Edith hit her with a pillow. "You take that back!"

"Never!" Margaret retaliated by pulling the blanket from under her, nearly turning her poor cousin to the floor. "You are old and grey and a terrible influence on poor young ladies such as myself!"

"Slander!" Edith lifted her pillow and took up a fencing stance. "I shall not have such insult in my house."

"Admit it, Edith." Margaret mirrored her position. "You are an old lady now! I see no difference between you and Mrs Porter."

Edith gave a theatrical gasp of horror. "That is below the belt!"

Margaret admitted to herself that maybe Mrs Porter was a bit of an unfair comparison. Half blind, mostly deaf, their widowed neighbour was well over ninety years old, and showed every moment of it her wizened face.

"Perhaps that was a little unfair. Mrs Porter, after all, is still a handsome lady. Should you very be in the unfortunate position to remarry, I am sure she could steal the eligible gentlemen right from you."

Edith threw her pillow at Margaret's head. "You are a fiend, Margaret!"

"Now you know how I have felt with all your talk of flirting with Mr Thornton."

"But Margaret, your face was far too fun to watch when I did that."

"As was yours when I compared you to a woman four times older than you."

"Oh very well, I have met my match. Are we sending these letters now?"

"We need to make a list for Mrs Watson."

"Of course. Let me think on it for a while."

In the meantime, Margaret suggested a walk to the park with Sholto, and Edith happily agreed. They had a joyful afternoon and Sholto benefitted greatly from their raised spirits.

Upon their return home, Margaret and Edith sequestered themselves in a private parlour. Margaret sat at the piano and tapped away at the keys, playing a bright, tuneful melody that reminded her of Helstone. It had been some time since she had applied herself to the piano, but her skill had quickly shed its rust, and she could play almost as well as she ever could.

Edith suddenly let out a gusty sigh. "Oh Margaret! How I shall miss you when Mr Thornton takes you away from me."

Margaret stopped playing and turned to her. "Edith, not in here! Anyone may hear you."

"Do not fear, Margaret. This parlour has squeaky floorboards outside it. I would know if anyone was close enough to the door to hear us."

"That is a useful feature."

"Why do you think I made parlour my own?"

"I assumed you liked the décor."

Edith laughed. "Oh certainly, it is handsomely decorated, but I do like my secrets from time to time, and I know I am safe in here."

Margaret gave her an appraising look. "How devious, Cousin."

"I have my moments."

Just then, a floor board outside the door gave a clear creak, and the door opened to reveal the captain. Margaret and Edith looked at each other, before descending into giggles. At the bemused expression the captain gave them, their giggles turned to laughter and they were both pink in the face when they finally managed to control themselves.

"I take it you two have had a pleasant afternoon?"

"Oh yes, Darling. We have had a lovely time of it today."

"Excellent. Then I hope to bring you even more good news. General Waller is to have a party two weeks hence, and we have all been invited."

Edith gave a cry of joy. "A party! Will there be dancing? And Music?"

"Yes, yes. All those things will occur. So, are we attending?"

"Of course we are!" Edith seemed put out that he could think otherwise. "You will come as well, Margaret, won't you?"

Margaret hesitated. She had not been to any dinners or parties since arriving London, and was unsure if it was appropriate. She was no longer in full mourning, but still felt that it may not be right to be gallivanting round ballrooms.

"Are you sure it is right, Edith? My Father-"

"Margaret, you know he would not have wanted you to hide away for so long."

"I am uncertain that has it been long enough. Would it not be seen as disrespectful to attend parties?"

Edith joined her on the piano stool. "I do not think it disrespectful to wish to enjoy society again." She took Margaret's hand. "Come with us. You need not dance if you do not feel it right, but I do not want you to stay at home any longer."

Margaret sighed. "Very well, I will come, but not to dance, and only to please you."

Edith gave her a tight hug. "We shall have a wonderful time, Margaret! It is just what we need to distract ourselves. We have just enough time to get new gowns!"

Margaret laughed and took her hand. "You have so many gowns, Edith! Surely we can manage with what we have."

"Oh no, Margaret. You have not shopped for new things in so long, we simply must get you a new dress. Everything you have is black, we have to find you some lighter colours. Lavender will look lovely against your dark hair, and it is still a mourning colour so you will not have cast off your shroud entirely."

There would be no winning against Edith like this. "You have me convinced. I am yours to command."

Edith clapped in delight. "We shall go tomorrow. Oh, I am so excited!"

"Just do not expect me to dance. I will attend quite happily if you allow me to avoid it."

"Of course, Margaret! I am simply happy to finally get you out of this house of an evening."

Margaret gave her a smile. She was still not ultimately convinced it was right, but was willing to allow Edith to pull her around London.

The next day saw the two of them, trailed by the captain, sifting through fabrics for new dresses. Edith was enjoying feeling all the fine, light coloured silks, exclaiming every now and then over a particularly pretty one.

"Margaret! Come look at this one. I think it could be perfect for you."

Margaret made her way through the shop and looked the fabric Edith was running her fingers over. It was a deep purple – in candlelight it would look almost black. In the daylight it had an almost maroon sheen to it. Margaret agreed it was a very good choice and would look very elegant as an evening dress.

Back in the carriage on their way to visit a tea shop, Margaret could not help but thank her cousin.

"I appreciate you recognising my wish to observe my mourning properly, Edith."

"I want this to be as simple as possible for you, Margaret. Your attire is one of the first things anyone notices. You would not want to be wearing anything light, no matter your agreement to lavender yesterday."

"You are good to consider it."

"Oh there is a selfish reason as well, Margaret. I want you there with me and I cannot take you if you refuse to leave the house!"

Margaret laughed. "Very well then."

At the tea shop, Edith sat back with a sigh and turned to her. "We need to make that list for Mr Thornton's sister. We have quite forgotten to do it."

"We do. I had thought to leave it up to you, I do not know the people here about well enough to be useful to Mrs Watson."

"She likes music?"

"Yes. She professes a great love of music."

"There is a small concert in a few weeks I'm sure she would enjoy. I think there is a run of a Shakespeare play as well happening soon that I shall enquire about."

"Are there any exhibitions? Mrs Thornton would like to think that her daughter is doing something beneficial."

"The museum recently opened an exhibit on Indian architecture. It is quite fashionable to use it as inspiration for decoration at the moment."

"I'm sure Mrs Thornton would appreciate knowing her daughter has attended the British Museum."

"I shall keep thinking and make the list when we arrive home. I will also issue an official invitation to visit."

"You should know Mrs Watson is very different from her brother."

"I will not judge your Mr Thornton on his sister, do not worry."

"Edith!" Margaret hissed, glancing at the captain. Fortunately for her he seemed lost in thought and was not attending their conversation. "Not here."

Edith did seem a little guilty. "Apologies, Margaret. I forgot myself."

Margaret was merely relieved she did not have to answer any inquisitive questions from the captain. "It's alright, Edith. Let's keep that conversation to the house."

Edith nodded and changed the subject to what dances they thought the General's party might have.

When they finally arrived home, Edith set herself to the task of finding the entertainment on offer for Mrs Watson. Margaret was staggered by the amount of possibilities. The season had ended a few weeks earlier, and this time was usually spent in Helstone. Her cousin usually toured the continent, and so did not write to her of London events. Mrs Watson would have no deficit of activity when she arrived.

It was two days before Edith had received all her answers, which she compiled into a list for Margaret, and wrote an invitation to add to the letters being sent to the Thorntons.

It was a weighty envelope that was sent out that afternoon, but no one questioned it, and Margaret allowed the last of her apprehension over someone noticing the length of her letters to Mrs Thornton to leave her.

Three days before the party, their dresses were delivered to the house. Edith immediately bundled Margaret upstairs so they could try them on, and they spent the afternoon trying different hairstyles to see what would best suit. Come the day of the party, they were ready in plenty of time and congregated in the front parlour to while away the minutes they needed to wait to be fashionably late.

"You both look lovely tonight, ladies." The captain looked rather smart in his uniform, and Margaret could agree that they would make a charming group.

Mrs Shaw joined them, and they all boarded the carriage. The General did not live far away, and they soon pulled up outside the grand door. Margaret felt a frisson of nerves run though her, for it had been some time since she had attended any sort of gathering, and even longer since attending an evening out in London. She half feared she would forget herself and offer to shake someone's hand. But then she remembered Mr Thornton's parting and smiled. No, she would not forget.

They all spent a few moments admiring the elegance of the hall they were welcomed into while a servant helped them with their outerwear, and they were lead further into the house to meet their host.

General Waller was a cheerful chap, greeting them all with a gleaming smile and introducing his wife to them. They moved on into the ballroom, and directed their steps to a convenient collection of chairs where the dance could be observed quite easily. Margaret and Mrs Shaw sat, while Edith spotted some friends across the room and joined them.

Margaret was still taking in the room when an acquaintance of Mrs Shaw sat with them and began speaking of her travels. Margaret kept half an ear on their conversation, but was enjoying viewing all the new sights and allowed herself to not attend.

Her attention was captured by the lady asking Mrs Shaw of Milton. Turning to her properly, Margaret watched Mrs Shaw's eyes flicker over to her. It was clear she was battling her natural dislike of the place to keep from saying anything that would upset her. She was thankful for the effort, and amused by her struggle.

Her aunt demurred instead. "I was not there long enough to form an opinion. My niece, Margaret here, lived there for a few year though. Margaret, this is Mrs Hopper."

After the introduction, Mrs Hopper turned to Margaret and questioned her instead. "Well Miss Hale, what is Milton like? An associate of my husband has just journeyed there for business and my poor friend – his wife – can get nothing from him about the place!"

"I believe there is a great deal there to keep a man of business well occupied, Mrs Hopper. It is a busy town."

"But what of the entertainments?"

"There are regular musical evenings in the music hall there. They do not have a theatre, but there is a thriving lecture hall."

"Are there many dances?"

"There are enough private dances to keep one busy if you are part of that circle. But public assemblies are rarely heard of."

"All the better for keeping the rabble out, I say. How demeaning it must be to suffer the presence of your employees of an evening."

Margaret was attempting to hide a frown from Mrs Hopper's notice, though she was sure Mrs Shaw could see it. Before either of them could respond, Edith appeared in front of them, and begged leave to steal her away. Going gladly, Margaret excused herself and followed her across the room. Upon reaching the captain, she was introduced to Edith's friends and spent her time happily conversing until the dancing began and she returned to her aunt, who was now blessedly alone.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Margaret?"

"I am, Aunt. Edith's friends are quite amusing, and I do enjoy watching the dancing, even if I will not join in."

"You still could, you know. The night is young."

"I know, Aunt, but I think I would prefer to stay away from the dancing at this point. I am still in mourning after all, and I would not like to appear unseemly."

"Your consideration does you credit, my dear."

"Thank you, Aunt. I am glad you think so."

They turned back to the dancers, watching as Edith and the captain made their way up the room. Edith was an elegant dancer and the captain had the grace that accompanied and active, confident man. Together they made an attractive couple and Margaret enjoyed watching their private smiles. She admired their devotion to each other and considered herself fortunate to get to witness their caring relationship daily.

She settled herself down for the wait until her cousin could re-join her, thoroughly captured by the swirling skirts. It was only when her name was called some minutes later that her eyes left the dance. A friend of Edith's had approached during her distraction, and as Margaret stood to greet her, it became apparent that the reason for the address was to facilitate an introduction to young man lingering behind her.

She was asked very gallantly to dance, but gently refused him.

"Forgive me, Mr Smith, but I am not dancing this evening."

"Ah, but such a lovely young woman should not be sat out alone during such festivities!"

Margaret heard her aunt huff behind her. She forced herself to hide the amusement it induced.

"I thank you for your compliment and offer, but I must refuse. I am in mourning and it would not be proper."

"Oh, no one thinks of those things anymore! Come now, allow me to escort you to dance."

"I simply cannot, sir. Now please excuse me, for I am my neglecting my aunt."

She sat herself down and found her aunt glaring at Mr Smith. Under the combined weight of one's indifference and one's annoyance, the gentleman cut his losses and left them.

"That was well handled, Margaret."

"Thank you, Aunt. I was worried he would not give in for a moment or two there."

"To not accept a ladies refusal is remarkably rude."

"He must think he would be doing me a favour."

"Well, all he has done is make it awkward for you. You should not dance with a man like that, they will push you for more than you are willing to give."

"Oh Aunt! Are you implying he is a rake?"

Mrs Shaw sniffed disdainfully. "I would not be surprised. A true gentleman would have accepted your first refusal."

"I would prefer to think of him as merely bad mannered, rather than a libertine."

"Do that if you must, but do not trust men like that."

"I will remember your advice, Aunt, thank you."

Her aunt nodded, and they both turned back to watch the end of the dance. A flushed Edith returned to them while the captain was waylaid, and she spent a good few minutes exclaiming about how much she loved to dance. Margaret smiled indulgently. While she enjoyed being in motion, dancing never held any particular appeal to her. Running through her woods in Helstone felt far more freeing that spinning about a ballroom.

Edith sat out every other dance so she could still enjoy her time with Margaret, and Margaret was grateful for it. She met more of Edith's friends during the night and found them all welcoming and amiable. Supper passed in excellent conversation, and when they finally staggered into their home in the early hours of the morning, Margaret could not deny that the evening had been wonderful.

The next day, bleary eyed and yawning, Margaret and Edith sat together for a late breakfast discussing their night out.

"I certainly enjoyed myself, Edith. Even without the dancing."

"You must have disappointed a few gentlemen last night, Margaret. I know at least two who wish to ask you to dance."

Margaret laughed. "I am flattered by their attention, but I would not have been swayed." It was true, for there were three others who had approached her during the night. They all accepted her refusals with far more grace than the first.

As they finished their breakfast, the post was brought in to them. Their eyes lit upon the envelope placed in front of Margaret, and both rose as one to seek the privacy of Edith's sitting room.

Margaret pulled out Mrs Thornton's reply first, and began to read.

Marlborough Mill

Miss Hale,

I must thank you and your cousin for your help with Fanny's upcoming trip. It has greatly eased her mind knowing what entertainments are available in London. I believe she has written to Mrs Lennox to accept her invitation, and so it is likely you will see her. She is to arrive next week.

"You should have a letter from Mrs Watson, Edith."

"I should? I must have left it behind, I will go look for it now."

The mill has struggled to catch up on the orders put back due to the strike. It has been an amalgamation of issues that have made it so hard, but we are in a better position now than we were a few weeks ago. Now that the weather is warm, business should pick up, and we should escape our troubles. We are different to the other mills, which is why it seems to have affected us more than the rest. But John knows his business, and I have no doubt he will pull through.

Have you been enjoying the warmer weather? I confess I am glad the winter has finally ended. It was rather colder than it normally is this year, and it seemed we would never escape the chill. Milton has a much brighter outlook in the sun. Even I will admit that it can be a gloomy looking place sometimes.

I followed your example and walked up to the hills last week. I had almost forgotten the way Milton looks from above. In the sun it was almost picturesque. It also helps that I went on a Sunday, and there was not as much smog lingering as there normally is.

Do you plan to stay in London throughout the whole summer? I presume your cousin would not normally stay past the season, as you have never mentioned it being an option for you before. I believe Fanny is a little surprised at there being so much for her to do when she visits. She thought there would be nothing worth doing as all the "fashionable" people would have left for the country. But I am glad for her sake that she will have enough to be occupied with for the duration of her stay.

I hope you are keeping well.

Yours,

Hannah Thornton

Margaret was distracted from her thoughts of the mill by Edith's return.

"Found it! It arrived a few days ago, but I did not see it."

Margaret smiled. "I assume she has accepted?"

"Yes." Edith was reading as she spoke. "She is very grateful for the list we provided."

"Mrs Thornton said it eased her mind."

"Well I would not have any guest of mine uncomfortable, even if they are only in the house for one evening." Edith looked up at her. "Have you read Mr Thornton's letter yet?"

"No, just Mrs Thornton's."

"Then I will remain silent and let you read in peace, though I shall warn you, I am bursting with excitement."

Margaret laughed and unfolded the remaining pages.

My Lacking Business Partner,

I see what you are about, Miss Hale. You will not trick me into sharing my story, nor shall I let you guilt it from me. I am made of far sterner stuff than that. No, you shall simply have to wait until I feel it best to tell you, and no needling on your part will sway me.

Your attempt to persuade me to divulge did make me laugh however, and my mother gave me such a look that a weaker man would have crumbled. Having grown up with such glares has made me immune to them, and I carried on oblivious to her stare (I will admit to perhaps trembling slightly, but that is a very great secret indeed, and I must beg you to never tell anyone that John Thornton is afraid of his mother).

I showed Higgins the part of your letter admonishing him to behave. I felt it would have more effect if it came from you, for I fear he may not actually have believed me. He took it in good humour, and has asked me to tell you that he makes no promises not to annoy me, but will not do anything to affect my mill. I think it a very good deal considering the circumstances and give him leave to be as annoying as he please, so long as he does not complain when I give him the duty to muck out the mill privy. I think we can come to an excellent compromise now we both know where we stand.

I took the opportunity to ask Mary if she required anything for the children. I think I may have scared her out of her wits for she was not very forthcoming, but then I showed her your letter, and while she still did not answer the question, she did ask me very earnestly to tell you that she is thankful to know you are thinking of her and the children.

Should I procure some slate and chalk for them? I do not think they have enough for all of them, and it is something that is inexpensive and will be easier for them to accept. What do you think? I worry that they will find new books too much. Have you any other ideas? I am happy to provide anything you think they will like and let them know it has come from you.

I believe Fanny is to visit you in the next week? She has spoken of nothing else these last few days, and I think I may know the entirety of her itinerary, so often has she told us the minutiae of her plans. I hope she enjoys herself. She will not have to fear relying on her busy older brother to escort her to wherever she wants to go. I feel she may have found me a little morbid last year during the exhibition, and I am glad she will get the chance to explore London how she wishes.

How do you find London in the summer? I imagine it is not that different to Milton in most places. We do not have that class of elites that can escape for the country during the off season, so Milton never really changes, as I am sure you will have seen. I admit I occasionally envy those who have the opportunity to travel during the summer, for apart from business trips to Le Havre, I have never left England, and rarely travelled within England for pleasure.

I am glad that letters are so much more cheerful now. I prefer to think of you smiling, and it is good to know it is the reality. You will tell me, I hope, should you feel any different? I will do all in my power to help (except give you the story of my snapped belt before you ask) should you need it.

I shall attempt to aid you with your business questions so you do not feel so guilty. I would give you more about the looms, but I think the best course of action there would be to simply watch them. Instead, I shall give you some vague and confusing statements that will simply require expanding on to make any sense. Please feel free to use any of them in the future.

Last week I was forced to shut down the spinning room when a young lad pulled a brick out of the wall.

My men informed me that they would be working past their time despite my inability to pay over their hours.

I had to argue with my clerk over the decision to invest funds into the new machinery.

I had to argue with my clerk over the decision to pay the Irish workers we kept on after the strike.

I had to argue with my clerk over the decision to not send product with issues in the weave to my customers.

There, do you think that is enough? I have hopefully provided for several letters of so called business so you need not worry for some time. Of course, as I first suspected, my mother has never acted on her threat to check the contents of these letters and I am certain she never will. If you feel the need to dispense with the ruse altogether, I certainly shall not tell.

I look forward greatly to your next attempt to wrangle my secret story from me.

Yours,

John Thornton

Margaret realised she had smiled all through the reading of the letter when she saw Edith giving her a knowing look. But rather than get flustered as she had previously, Margaret merely smiled wider. Edith giggled at her and clapped her hands gleefully.

"I take it you enjoyed that letter, Margaret."

"Oh Edith! It is better than I could have hoped. Look how he jokes at the start."

Edith moved closer and read the page handed to her. Her eyes lit up as she read, and she looked back to Margaret with joy.

"There can be no question for you now, Margaret."

"No, I have come to the conclusion very soundly that I should simply agree with you in future, Edith, to save myself a fair bit of bother."

"You are too wise, Margaret."

They both burst into giddy laughter. When they eventually regained control of themselves, Edith took her hand.

"I am very happy for you, Margaret. For all that he must be serious, he is warm and open with you. I do not think I could wish for a better man to take you from me."

"You have not met him and you are so willing to speak of his good qualities! What makes you so sure?"

"He loves you, Margaret. That makes him very good indeed in my mind. And you love him, and you would not love a bad man, so he must have many first rate qualities. His letters are evidence enough for me to like him very much."

"You shall have to be very good friends if a miracle somehow unites us."

"I do not think a miracle will be needed. You are both determined people. I am sure you will end up together in less time than you fear."

"I will bow to your expertise, Edith."

"I am greatly looking forward to meeting his sister."

"I really should ensure you know that she is nothing like him. I genuinely do not know how Mrs Watson is so different from both her mother and brother, but she is."

"I will not assume Mr Thornton's personality from his sister. I may, however, ply her with questions and see what her thoughts are."

"Oh, you may not think him quite so good if you do!" Margaret laughed. "She makes no secret of her dislike of Milton and all her brother stands for."

"Well we can't all get on perfectly with our siblings as you did. I shall merely take anything she says with a pinch of salt and assume that you are the most faithful narrator of his virtues, biased as you are."

They shared another laugh before Edith jumped up and pulled Margaret with her.

"Come! We must plan for Mrs Watson's visit. She is to come in the afternoon and return for dinner in the evening. Do you have any idea of favourite dishes?"

Margaret followed Edith from the room and spent the afternoon planning for Mrs Watson's visit. She did not have time to re-read her letters until that night after dinner. The second read through did not lessen her pleasure, and she fell asleep that night with the letter clasped in her hand.

Please forgive how long it took me to get this up! I've had a nightmare with work these last few months (the long and short of it is I've quit) and it's been difficult to find the time to update here. This ends a little abruptly, but it's the best place for me to break before the next chapter. We're starting to move along a little now! And thank you again for all your lovely comments. All of them have given me a reason to smile during a very stressful few months! I can't promise a time frame for another update, but I will certainly try to be quicker this time. Please let me know what you think of this new chapter. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, and I hope you all enjoy the new year!