I can once again only apologise for how long it's been. I've had this written (I hand write everything, I find words flow better that way) for months, but I've never got round to typing it up! I hope you enjoy this after leaving you on that cliff hanger for so long!
"Milton! Do you really mean that, Mr Bell?"
"Of course, my dear. Why, it's been so long since you left and I thought you might like to visit your friends again."
"Oh, I would love to come with you!"
"Well then, leave it with me, Margaret, and I will send word."
Mr Bell left and Margaret went to find Edith. She was in the nursery when Margaret came across her and at Margaret's look, quickly jumped up to follow her out the room.
"Edith, you will not believe what Mr Bell has just said."
"Tell me!"
"He is taking me to Milton!"
Edith gasped. "Margaret! Really?"
"Yes! He is going on business and he wants me to accompany him."
"Oh, this is wonderful! You will get to see Mr Thornton again. Something may come of it!"
"I dare not think it, Edith. And they are struggling at the mill, do not forget. I could not expect much attention from them."
"Of course I had forgotten. But still, you will at least get to see them, if nothing else."
"Yes, you are right."
Mr Bell sent word the next day. They would leave for Milton in four days and spend a night in the hotel there, before returning to London the following day. Margaret received it with a flutter of excitement. She had not replied to Mr Thornton's letter, and assumed that Mr Bell would inform him of their visit as he had hinted that Marlborough Mill would be their destination. She looked forward to the journey and spent a good few hours over the course of the days she waited to discuss her trepidation with Edith.
"They will be happy to see you, Margaret. I am sure of it."
"But if they are so busy they cannot write, surely they do not have time to amuse me for a few hours."
"They look forward to your letters, Margaret. They will be glad to get to speak to you in person."
"I dearly hope so. I could not bear it if I was intruding."
"From what you have told me, they will not entertain you if they are unwilling to do so. You will know if they do not want you there."
"I suppose. But I should not like to feel unwelcome."
"You will not know until you go. You might as well not worry about it until you get there."
The day before they were set to travel, Mr Bell sent a disappointing letter to postpone the trip. He had been called back to Oxford on a matter of some urgency and would reschedule for in a week or two. Margaret received the news with a sigh. Her worries would have to keep for a little bit longer.
The weather had begun to turn in London, and Margaret's spirits were affected by the interminable downpour. They went out in the day far less frequently than they had merely weeks ago, and the home felt quite confining. Margaret longed to be on the move, either walking the streets or travelling the country with Mr Bell. She was not used to being so impatient, but found the week she had to wait for news from Mr Bell to be one of the longest of her life.
Eventually a note arrived and the date was set for the next week. Edith was a constant reassurance, pulling her from the house in moments when the rain ceased, making her walk her worry away. Margaret appreciated her effort and ensure that she knew it. Pushing aside her consternation one evening, Margaret went to her cousin and pulled her close. Edith was a little surprised, but accepted the embrace.
"I could not ask for a better cousin, Edith."
"Oh, Margaret. I only hope you get everything you wish for."
"So do I, Edith."
Finally the day came, and Mr Bell appeared at Harley Street, briskly whisking her away to the train station. She went eagerly, boarding with a spring in her step. The journey was a long one, they would reach Milton mid-afternoon, but Margaret remained focussed on the window the entirety of the train ride, only turning away to speak to Mr Bell. She sat up straighter when she spied chimneys smoking in the distance, watching even more intently as their environs became familiar to her. They were so close she could almost smell the smog.
The train pulled into the central station, and Margaret hopped out onto the bustling platform. A smile tugged at her mouth, only growing when she heard shouts in that darkshire accent she had missed so much. Mr Bell departed by her, warping her arm around his and leading her out of the station to a waiting cab. They settled themselves in at the hotel before setting out on foot into the noise of Milton. Margaret's heart was pounding as they walked by familiar shops and well-travelled streets.
Marlborough Mill loomed large ahead of them, the wide doors open for carts to exit the courtyard. Margaret glanced around, spotting a few faces she recognised, but not seeing any she had really desperately missed. They approached the house, no one in the yard paying them any mind, and climbed the stairs. She took a moment to consider all that had occurred there, before turning to watch Mr Bell knock on the door. It opened a few moments later, a servant inviting them into the hallway and bidding them wait. They stood quietly until the servant returned, and followed her to the parlour, where Mrs Thornton awaited them.
"Miss Hale, Mr Bell. This is a surprise."
Mr Bell stepped forward with a smile. "I am here on business, Mrs Thornton, and could not resist inviting our Margaret here to come with me. But that being said, I have to reschedule slightly with Thornton, may I leave Margaret with you while I go to him?"
"Of course, Mr Bell. Miss Hale may stay with me."
"Thank you very much indeed, Mrs Thornton." He nodded to them both and disappeared out the door. Margaret turned to her hostess with a smile, reassured by her open demeanour.
"Mrs Thornton, I cannot begin to express how pleased I am to see you again."
"I am glad you have come. Please, sit with me."
They sat across from each other while Mrs Thornton called for refreshments.
"Mrs Thornton, I do hope I have not come at a bad time. I know it has not been easy recently."
"Not at all, Miss Hale. We've had a string of luck these past few weeks, so you come at a good time."
"Oh, I am so glad to hear that. I have worried so much after your last letter. But you are well? It cannot have sat kindly on your mind."
"I am perfectly well, yes. It certainly has not been easy these last months, but we have dealt with worse in the past, and we shall not be beaten by it."
The ladies smiled at each other as refreshment came and Mrs Thornton served them, setting some to the side for Mr Bell.
"I imagine Mr Bell will return soon if he cannot see John now."
"I do not know. He has not told me his plans, only that he has some meetings."
"It is likely he will reappear at some point then."
A moment later they heard the front door open and men's voices in the hall. Margaret's breath stuttered when she recognised them both, but she sought to hide it. She stood with Mrs Thornton as the parlour door opened, and she felt her heart pound as Mr Thornton entered, head turned back as he spoke with Mr Bell. He faced his mother as he held the door open and Margaret watched as he spotted her and his mouth fell open in shock. Mr Bell laughed as he sat down and reclined in his chair.
"There now, Thornton. I may have told you a slight lie there to get you back here, but do you not like my surprise?"
Mr Thornton's face had slowly grown into a smile as Mr Bell spoke, and instead of answering him, he stepped forward and took her hand.
"Miss Hale. You have no idea how happy I am to see you."
Margaret gave him a shy smile, all her usual equanimity deserting her. He had not released her hand after shaking it and she gave it a gentle squeeze.
"I am glad to be here again, Mr Thornton. I did say I depended on it when I left."
"You did indeed."
They simply watched each other for a moment before Mr Bell slapped his thighs and stood.
"Well I have much to accomplish today. May I trouble you to keep Margaret for the afternoon?"
"Of course." Mr Thornton answered without hesitation and without looking away. "We must have you both to dinner this evening."
"Ah, that is a fine idea, Thornton. What say you, Margaret?"
"I would be very glad to dine with the Thorntons, Mr Bell."
"Then it is settled. I shall return in time for dinner." Mr Bell left the room with a jaunty whistle, leaving Margaret alone with the Thorntons.
Mrs Thornton cleared her throat and Margaret and Mr Thornton suddenly realised how they were stood. They jumped apart, Margaret returning to her seat and Mr Thornton seating himself close by. Mrs Thornton poured tea for him as she questioned him.
"How long do you have before you must return?"
"I do not need to. I cleared my afternoon for Mr Bell, but he assures me he needs only a few minutes in the morning."
Mrs Thornton nodded. "Then you can entertain Miss Hale while I see to dinner. Fanny is to visit in about half an hour, should you wish to avoid her latest infirmity."
Mr Thornton laughed. "Is that a warning to escape the house, Mother? I can hardly leave Miss Hale sat here alone."
"Take her with you. You have supposedly been writing about your business together, I'm sure you can find something to interest her at the mill." It was said with a wry raised eyebrow, and Margaret blushed a little, knowing very well that Mrs Thornton was aware their letters were nothing of the sort. Mrs Thornton smirked at her and rose to see to dinner, ushering them out the parlour and into the hall. She left them and moved further into the house while they stood looking at each other. After a moment though, Mr Thornton called her name and offered his arm, which she gladly took, and steered her out the house.
"It really is good to see you, Miss Hale."
She glanced up at him. He was staring earnestly at her so she smiled.
"It is good to see you too, Mr Thornton. I-" She paused for a second, willing herself not to flush. "I have missed you."
He smiled gently at her before straightening up. They were in the courtyard, where men were milling around, sending curious glances at the master of the mill escorting a young woman they did not recognise. Mr Thornton took it all in with his sweeping gaze, then turned to her with unmistakable mischief in his eyes.
"What say we give Higgins a little surprise?"
"Oh yes! I long to see him again."
"Come, I have been wanting to pay him back for that little shock of knowing about your brother for some time."
He led her up the stairs to his office and summoned the overseer and had him send up Higgins.
"This is unusual enough to make him worry. Now, you need to be out of sight when he gets here."
He had her stand by a cabinet that would obscure her from anyone stood by the door. She was desperately trying not to laugh as they heard footsteps on the stairs and Mr Thornton changed from amused to stern in the mere blink of an eye.
"Higgins! Is that you sulking about out there?"
Nicholas Higgins entered the office, back straight with his hat in his hands.
"Right so, Master. But a dun wan' any trouble, Master, an av bin causin nun myself."
"Is that so? The why have I been informed that I must speak with you?"
"I know of nun to accuse my, sir, an ad like to know me accuser an see if they'll say it to me face."
"Would you now?" Mr Thornton seemed to be unable to stop his smile. "Then I suggest you tur around."
Nicholas turned and Margaret dashed to him to take his hands with delight.
"Miss Margaret! Why I'd no thought o' seeing hoo again in Milton!"
"Oh Nicolas, I'm so glad to see you again! I have missed my friends here so very much."
"Mary'll be right glad to see hoo, if hoo can get the house."
"I will make sure I go in the morning, Nicholas. I could not miss seeing her for the world."
"You're a good 'un, miss. Hoo'll do right by us."
Margaret smiled and Nicholas tunred back to Mr Thornton.
"Hoo never said a word! 'avin me brought afore the master, I feared for me place."
Mr Thornton laughed. "I told you I would not let that shock go unanswered."
"Hood got me right!"
"Oh Nicolas, we should not have tricked you so meanly."
"All's fair 'ere, Miss Margaret, no 'arm done." He gave her a cheeky wink. "But I'm asure this'll not be t'end of it."
Margaret laughed at the twinkle in his eye and turned to Mr Thornton, who was smirking.
"You two!" She exclaimed. "I should never have pushed you together, you will bring Milton to its knees the way you carry on."
They both tried to deny her words, but she was too busy laughing to attend them. It felt wonderful to be with both of them again, and her spirits returned to playfulness.
"Well, Nicholas, how are you going to get revenge for your surprise?"
"Hoo'll see."
"Won't share your plans. Higgins?"
"Not wit' hoo."
Mr Thornton chuckled quietly and leaned against his desk, looking very inch the confident master in charge if his domain. Nicholas looked between the two of them with a sly smile and announced his departure.
"I'll be getting' back to work, Master. I'll bet lettin' Mary know hoo'll see her tomorrow, miss."
"Thank you, Nicholas. I look forward to it."
He gave her hands a squeeze and shuffled out of the office with a brief nod to Mr Thornton. Once his footsteps stopped echoing up the stairs, Margaret looked to Mr Thornton and found him already watching her. She smiled her thanks.
"I am so glad to have seen him again."
Mr Thornton nodded and stared out the window before turning back to her.
"Fanny has just arrived at the house. Now is the time to escape the mill if you wish to see any of Milton on you trip."
Margaret nodded eagerly. "It may seem strange, but I would like to visit Crampton."
"Then let us go."
He preceded her down the stairs and offered his arm when they reached the yard. Together, they walked to the road and started out for Margaret's old home. She looked around herself in wonder as they walked, and marvelled at how little had changed. She said as much to Mr Thornton.
"I am happy that my memory has served me well."
"Milton has been this way for some time. The town underwent dramatic changes fifty years ago, but the last years have seen it steady."
Margaret fell quiet has the approached her old street. When they stood in front of the house, she stared silently up at the windows. After a minute or so, Mr Thornton reached over with his free hand and placed it over hers on his arm. She gave him a weak smile and sighed wistfully.
"I know life was not always easy while I lived here, but I was happy. Even when it was just my father and I, we were content with our lot."
Mr Thornton nodded quietly, his thumb gently stroking over her knuckles.
"It took me a long time to accept being in London. I love my cousin, but I do sometimes wish back here with my family intact."
"That is entirely natural, Miss Hale."
She nodded and looked to him. "I cannot remember if I ever apologised for being the reason you stopped visiting my father. I know you enjoyed his company."
Mr Thornton was shaking his head before she even finished speaking. "It was not your doing, Miss Hale. And I think we have apologised enough for our actions, did we not agree to put it all behind us?"
"You are right, Mr Thornton, we did. And I also believe I claimed I would shake your hand if I could."
"You did indeed, Miss Hale."
She released his arm and faced him properly.
"Then let us shake on it."
She stuck her hand out and grasped his firmly as they shook. Smiling widely at each other they did not release their hands, with Mr Thornton merely adjusting his grip to tuck hers back into the crook of his arm.
"Where would you like to go next?"
"Is it-" She paused, but forged on. "May we visit my mother's grave?"
"Of course."
They set off again through the streets of Milton in a companionable quiet that was occasionally broken by a comment or question. It did not take long for them to reach the church. Entering the grounds, they made their way to the grave yard, stopping at Maria Hale's grave. Margaret felt a swelling of emotion when she saw that someone had placed flowers on her plot. She stared up at Mr Thornton with bright eyes, not wanting to voice her question in the quiet. He was staring down at the gravestone solemnly, but caught her eye when she looked up at him.
"Did you place the flowers?"
He hesitated but then nodded, looking back down at the flowers.
"Thank you." Her eyes welled up and spilled over at his thoughtfulness.
"You asked me to visit."
"I did not expect you to do so much." Her voice wobbled a little and he turned to her fully, watching her with some concern.
"Miss Hale?"
"Forgive me, I did not mean to get upset."
He shook his head and his free hand seemed to make an aborted movement towards her. Instead he reached into a pocket and pulled out his handkerchief. He was about to pass it to her when she gave a wet laugh at the sight of it.
"I kept your last by accident, sir. You will have none left if you keep comforting me."
He gave her a soft smile and reached out to dry her tears himself. She held her breath as he gently wiped at her cheeks with his handkerchief, his fingers lingering where they brushed against her skin. It was only then that Margaret realised he was not wearing gloves. They stayed like that for several moments, Mr Thornton's hand against her cheek, until their trance was broken by the squeak of the gate announcing the arrival of others to the grave yard. They stepped back to a respectable distance and began to walk away. As they left the church grounds, Margaret found her voice.
"You know, I did not realise at the time that you were at my mother's funeral."
"Did you not? I did not hide my presence."
"I know. I was so focused on my father that I barely recognised anyone at all. And I did not expect you to come, so I did not look."
"I told myself I was there for your father only, but even then I could not hate you."
"You were kinder to me than I deserved."
"I think we both know that is not true."
"I truly believe it. When your mother gave me leave to write, I was so grateful that I wrote that letter as soon as I arrived in London. It was the early hours of the morning when I finished it, and I prayed that it would excuse my behaviour."
"I must admit to being relieved when I read it. But it did make me feel guilty for way I treated you."
"I gave you no reason to trust me. You have no idea how awful I felt when I realised you knew I lied. But Fred was still in the country and afterwards I feared you would be too upset to listen. And then you no longer came to the house and I had to resign myself to your bad opinion."
"I wish beyond anything that I had given you reason to trust me."
"I did trust you. But I was so confused after my mother died, and all I could think was that you were a magistrate. I thought you had already acted once to help me, I did not want to burden you with the knowledge that we were essentially harbouring a criminal."
Mr Thornton nodded. "I understand, but I still I wish it could have been different."
"I agree. But we have managed well enough, have we not?"
He smiled widely. "We have indeed."
They meandered back to the mill, walking with no particular purpose, merely enjoying each other's presence. They were still some minutes away from the mill when Margaret began to question him.
"Mr Thornton, is he mill doing better now? Your mother assured me that we not be pulling you away from anything essential."
"It is doing better. We are still not safe, but I have more hope this week than I did when I sent that last letter."
"Did your mother recover easily enough?"
"Yes. She finally submitted when I threatened to send her to Fanny."
Margaret laughed. "It is unfair to use your sister in such a way."
"You did not live with her for twenty years." He muttered it under his breath, but Margaret still heard it and admonished him good naturedly.
"Mrs Watson is merely a little exuberant, that is all."
"You may excuse her all you want, but you cannot deny that you made your escape with me and left my mother to fend for herself."
Margaret could not deny it and did not attempt to. She merely pressed her lips together to hide her smile (she failed) and sniffed. She felt more than heard his laughter, and did not protest when he drew her arm closer to him. They entered the mill yard as the workers shift finished and the men were piling out. Margaret watched as many of the men doffed their caps to Mr Thornton and marvelled at the respect in their faces when Mr Thornton nodded back. Once the majority of the men had cleared the yard, Mr Thornton pulled her towards the mill door instead of the house. Entering the vast room, Margaret once again could not believe the power contained within. The looms were still and the size of the machines blew her away.
Mr Thornton led her forward to the middle of the room and then gestured towards one of the looms. When Margaret looked at him in confusion, he smiled.
"That there is the source of the story you have been attempting to blackmail from me."
Margaret gasped. "The snapped belt?"
"The very one."
Margaret stared at him expectantly but he said but he said nothing.
"Mr Thornton!" she exclaimed, "You cannot tease me like this. I shall go mad if you bring me so close to getting that story."
He laughed, a deep resonating sound that echoed in the empty room. "Very well. I promised myself I would tell you if you ever happened to be Milton, and so I will."
He pulled her closer to the loom and pointed to a long brown belt that ran from the machine to a shaft attached to the ceiling.
"That is our culprit. The men came and informed me it was wearing thin. Naturally I inspected it. I agreed that it was indeed wasting thin, and it would definitely need replacing. Some of the men volunteered to help me change it out, since it takes more than one man to install it, and then several men to run the loom to check it has been properly fitted. It is fiddly work to fun the belt to the roof, but it is a straight forward process.
"We had successfully fitted the new belt with no issue and started up the loom properly. Unfortunately for us, we had neglected to work the loom up to full power to check the integrity of the belt. The loom was started up at full speed, and seconds later, the belt shredded. We found later that it has essentially rotted in storage. But the belt shredded, then snapped, flinging leather across the room. You can see how long the belt is. It come down on top of several looms, smashing several mechanisms on top."
"Really? Leather managed to break metal?"
"You should know the speed the belt rotates. If you catch a finger in it, you will lose your hand."
"My goodness. But was anyone hurt?"
"Naturally the men scattered when the belt came down. The ensuing panic may have caused a few of us to trip over one another, and four of us ended tangled in the floor."
"Oh dear."
"Indeed. On man broke two fingers, another was knocked silly, and the other waltzed away bruise free."
"And you?"
"Hmm?"
Margaret laughed. "You are still keeping secrets! Tell me what you did."
"Oh, I was completely well."
She squinted at him. "I do not believe you."
"I am perfectly serious. I escaped our little unharmed, until I tripped trying to inspect the belt and fell face first into a loom."
Margaret gasped. "Were you hurt?"
"Hurt? I thought I had lost all my front teeth! Fortunately I escaped with only a broken nose and damaged pride."
"Dear me!"
"Those were not the words I said when I stood up, I assure you."
"Mr Thornton," she laughed, "you should not admit profanity to a lady!"
He chuckled. "You are right, forgive me. I was of course perfectly pleasant about the whole thing, and did not complain when my mother tried to touch my nose."
"I cannot wait to ask her about that."
"You are very cruel, Miss Hale."
"You are lucky Nicholas was not there."
"I was. Unfortunately the hands gossip like fish wives and everyone knew by the first break bell the reason I came to work with a swollen nose and two black eyes."
"And the belt?"
"Was replaced in due course by the overseer."
"I am not surprised you gave up on the endeavour."
"Yes, well, like I said, my pride was the only other thing injured in all of it."
Margaret took another look around the room before turning to him. "I am glad you kept me waiting, Mr Thornton. I think this has been far more entertaining than if you had written."
"And I am glad my pain amuses you."
"Mr Thornton! That is not what I meant!"
"I know, I know. But I needed something else to torment you with now you have my secret."
"You are very cruel, sir."
"I know," he said, with an almost fond note to his voice. He pulled out his watch and guided her back to the door. "Dinner is almost upon us."
They entered the house and found Mrs Thornton in the parlour. She welcome them home and asked them about their afternoon.
"Mr Thornton has kindly escorted me to visit all those places I still hold dear. I have missed much about Milton."
"Then I am glad you seem to have enjoyed yourself. Once Mr Bell arrives, we will go into dinner."
Mr Thornton asked about his sister's visit and they spoke of Mrs Watson for a few minutes before Mr Bell announced himself into the room. He settled himself into a chair and asked Margaret how she was.
"Have you been well looked after, Margaret?"
"Yes, Mr Bell. Mr Thornton has been very attentive."
"Excellent! You have been exploring Milton I presume? I was sure I saw you walk by earlier."
"We visited Crampton and Mother's grave. I am glad to have seen the town again."
"Well, thank you, Thornton, for escorting Margaret."
"It was my pleasure, Mr Bell."
"I'm sure it was."
Mrs Thornton stood and invited them all through to the dining room. She raised an eyebrow when Mr Bell gallantly offered her his arm, but accepted it and allowed him to take her through. Margaret and Mr Thornton shared an amused look and followed them, seating themselves at the table. Dinner was served and conversation filled the room.
"Your colleagues have been telling me of your latest venture, Thornton."
"Which one do you refer to?"
"Your little scheme with the dining room."
"Ah. I have very little to do with it."
"And yet, it is by your blessing that it operates."
Margaret looked between the two men in confusion. "What is the dining room, Mr Thornton?"
Mr Thornton turned to her with a sigh. "Higgins came to me a few weeks ago with an idea to pool resources to purchase meat wholesale. It can be difficult to purchase good meat for a family when money is tight. The men put together and it is cooked in an old storage shed where the men now dine. It benefits us both. My men get a hearty meal, and I do not have workers falling into the looms from hunger."
Margaret gave him a soft smile. "I see."
He shook his head with a knowing look. "I know well what you are about, Miss Hale."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. You will not convince me I have done this for any reason other the longevity of my hands."
Margaret's smile turned from soft to amused. "Of course."
"You do not believe me."
Her smile grew. "Do I not?"
"I know you, Miss Hale. You will not allow me to be the master that I am."
"Even when you are the only master to do these things?"
"Just because I am not as short sighted as the rest does not mean I do it for any reason not related to my business."
"So you installed the wheel and help provide food to your workers merely to reduce cost?"
"Indeed."
"I would love to see your sums, Mr Thornton, compared to before you put these schemes in place."
She was teasing him and she could tell he knew it. He was fighting a smile as he stared at her.
"Old habits, Miss Hale?"
"It is unfortunate that my instinct is still to argue with you, but I find you are very willing to argue back, so I do not feel guilty for it."
Mr Thornton laughed. "I will admit I have missed arguing with you."
They smiled widely at each other, forgetting they were being watched by their company.
"Well, I am pleased to see you two are still friends. Hale would be glad to see you getting along so well."
Margaret turned back to her food, a blush staining her cheeks, and tried to ignore Mr Bell's knowing look from across the table. Clearing her throat, Margaret looked to Mrs Thornton, ignored the small smirk on the woman's face, and tried to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"You did not get to finish explaining Mrs Watson's new dining room earlier, Mrs Thornton. I take it she is pleased with the result of her renovations?"
"Yes she is pleased with it. If she knew you were here I am sure she would have demanded you return with her. Unfortunately you just missed her earlier."
She heard Mr Thornton muffle a snicker. "It is a shame I did not get to see her today. I do not think I will have time to visit her tomorrow."
"She will be disappointed to have missed you. She did recently mention your proficiency on the piano. I believe you are more skilled than you let on."
"I assure you, Mrs Thornton, my prowess has been exaggerated."
"My daughter was quite insistent. She was very surprised by it."
"I merely have had more time to practice of late. I am no great prodigy."
"I believe practice is the key to playing well, Miss Hale. Dedication makes you a good player, not innate talent, which, while doubtlessly helpful, will only get you so far."
Margaret bowed her head. "Then I thank you for the compliment, no matter how much I do not feel I deserve it."
Dinner continued companionably until they had all finished, and they moved to the drawing room. Before they all sat down, Mrs Thornton gestured to the piano in the corner.
"Miss Hale, it has been some time since our piano has provided any enjoyment. Would you do us the honour?"
Three pairs of eyes stared hopefully at her, so she capitulated far more willingly than she have done. As she seated herself on the bench, a presence at her side announced Mr Thornton had followed her.
"Do you require a page turner, Miss Hale?"
"Are you offering, Mr Thornton?"
"I am indeed. Although I should warn you that I have no musical training and I cannot read music."
"I think we can muddle through together." She patted the bench and he settled himself next to her. Their shoulders bumped as she rifled through the music Mrs Watson had not taken to her new home. Finding some music to her taste, she set it on the stand and looked to Mr Thornton. "Shall I nod when you are to turn the page?"
"Please do."
She smiled and began. She was very aware how of close Mr Thornton was to her, their knees brushed as he shifted to reach for the music. He must have had some knowledge of staff notation for he always say in readiness to tune the page a few bars before her nod. The piece she chose was a few minutes long, and when she finished, she received appreciative applause.
Mrs Thornton called out to her. "My daughter has not exaggerated, Miss Hale. You play very well."
"Thank you, Mrs Thornton. It was a great comfort to have something to focus on when I first moved to London. Now I merely enjoy the activity."
"Will you play again?"
"If you all wish it."
Mr Bell nodded eagerly and Mr Thornton murmured in her ear that he would like to hear her again. She found another piece she liked and set to it. Across the room she could hear that Mrs Thornton and Mr Bell had struck up a quiet conversation, and it became apparent that Mr Thornton was no longer watching the music. He was not ready for her nod and scrambled to turn the page. She glanced up at him with some amusement as he sat back, and found him staring intently back at her, She fumbled slightly at the keys, but kept playing and refocused on the music, aware that he had not looked away. Somehow, by the time she finished the piece, they were pressed close together, Mr Thornton having turned towards her as much as the bench would allow to reach the pages. Their position meant that, if he wished, he merely had to raise his arm to practically surround her. She tried not to let it affect her, smiling at the compliments of Mr Bell and accepting them gracefully.
Swallowing, she turned to look up at Mr Thornton, refusing to think about how they were in contact from shoulder to knee, finding him nearer than she expected. She did not lean away however.
"You play very well, Miss Hale."
"Thank you, Mr Thornton."
They stared at each other until their moment was broken by Mr Bell standing.
"Well, I have had a fine evening, Mrs Thornton, Thornton. Margaret and I must take out leave sadly, but Thornton, I will see you tomorrow."
Margaret went to Mrs Thornton and thanked her sincerely. "I am so glad to have seen you again, Mrs Thornton. Thank you for your hospitality. I have had a wonderful afternoon."
"You are very welcome, Miss Hale, though I cannot claim to be the one who entertained you this afternoon."
Margaret blushed while Mrs Thornton smiled knowingly, turning away to allow Mr Thornton to approach. He smiled warmly at her, taking her hand to shake it.
"I have enjoyed your visit, Miss Hale."
"As have I, Mr Thornton. I have dearly missed much of this place, it is very good to be back."
"You leave for London late morning?"
"Yes."
"May I accompany you to the station?"
"Of course."
"Then I will see you in the morning."
Mr Bell shooed her out of the home with some amusement, patting her hand with an enigmatic look as they walked to the hotel.
"Did you have a good time tonight, Margaret?"
"I did, Mr Bell. I have missed my friends in Milton. It is nice to see them again."
He hummed in response. "Still determined you're just friends?"
"Mr Bell!"
Mr Bell laughed and pulled her along, ignoring her outraged look. As the left each other to enter their own rooms, he called out to her.
"Goodnight, Margaret. All will be well."
She nodded and murmured goodnight back before closing her door. Once in bed, she allowed herself to smile, thinking on all she had to tell Edith once she returned to London.
The next morning she rose early with Mr Bell and set out for the Princeton district while her godfather went to finish the last of his business. She revelled in to the cool air as she trod the familiar path to the Higgins' home, looking out over the town as she crested a tall hill. Mary had been watching for her and the door to the house opened when she was still some ways away and the children piled out to greet her. She met them with joy, listening to them clamour for her attention as she herded them back to the house.
She embrace Mary when she finally made it inside, both declaring how good it was to see the other, with different degrees of eloquence. The sentiment was clear however, and they sat and spoke of the children. Margaret marvelled at how much older they all seemed, not least of all Mary, who was still in that awkward stage of being more than a child but not quite a woman when she last saw her. She had matured into a young woman who, while shy, cared for the children with a firm but loving hand.
She stayed with them for over an hour, checking over the children's letters and listening to them read. They all stood on the doorstep and waved as she left, calling out their lisping goodbyes. Back at the hotel, Margaret waited for Mr Bell to return. It was not long before his knock came, and they walked down to the common area of the hotel where Mr Thornton was waiting for them. At the approach, he looked up from where he had been staring intently at the floor. Margaret smiled, but he was so solemn that she faltered. He seemed to shake himself at her confusion, and gave her a small smile, opening the door and leading them to a waiting carriage.
They journey to the station passed quickly, but Margaret merely listened to the men as they continued some earlier conversation. Mr Thornton would occasionally catch her eye but did not speak. The train pulled up as their carriage did and Mr Thornton nodded to Mr Bell as he boarded. Margaret waited for him to take her hand but he seemed unsure of himself, merely staring at her. She was thrown by the difference in his manner from the day before.
"Mr Thornton?"
He stepped forward suddenly and took her hand in both of his.
"I bid you farewell, Miss Hale."
The whistle blew before she could respond, and she stepped onto the train before the door was closed. She dropped the window and it began to move.
"Goodbye, Mr Thornton."
They watched each other while until the station fell from view, and she collapsed into her seat across from Mr Bell. He was gazing at her sympathetically when she looked up, still confused by Mr Thornton's lack of enthusiasm to see her."
"You have not realised, have you, Margaret."
"Realised what, Mr Bell?"
"I had to tell him of my illness."
Margaret frowned. "Yes, I assumed you would, but what have I not realised?"
"Margaret. You are my heir."
"Yes?"
"I am his landlord, Margaret. And by the end of the week, all that is mine becomes yours."
Horror sank in her stomach.
"Do you understand now, Margaret?"
She paled. "I own Marlborough Mills."
He nodded sadly. "You own Marlborough Mills."
She watched as all her hopes for the future were dashed on the train tracks. She would never be able to greet him as an equal ever again. What on earth was she going to do?
I once again must thank you all for your lovely comments! I'm so glad you've enjoyed what has happened so far, and I hope this chapter is just as enjoyable! And now it's time for my excuses: I'm a student again! I've returned to the wonderful world of education after a few years out of it, and it's left me with zero time to do anything that isn't course related. My little confession here is that I actually wrote this chapter, and the next chapter AND half the following chapter in august, and it's literally taken me this long to find a few hours to type up the first one. I'm hoping it won't be long before I the next one done (fair warning, the next chapter is a fair bit shorter than the ones I have been putting out), but that one should be properly checked. Any mistakes you find in this chapter are a result of me wanting to be rid of it as quickly as possible! But I hope the wait has been worth it, and you all want to continue reading :D