I won't keep you here long – see the end of the chapter for full author's note.
Chapter 7
Delilah Shaw stared sceptically at this merchant friend of the Hale's as Fred performed the introductions, wondering at the sort of people Margaret had associated with while she was in Milton. She remembered when Margaret had first arrived, traumatised and beginning to ail. How she had wailed most pitifully for some person named Higgins, or some scrape called Mary. However, she remembered from her sister's sparse communication, that the Thorntons were people of import within Milton society, and that the son, Mr Thornton, had been gracious to her in her illness. They then could at least agree that Maria Hale was a woman worthy of the most tender care. She schooled her features into a polite smile and extended her hand to shake his, another scrap of information from Milton society she had gleaned from her niece and sister's letters.
Mr Thornton looked pleasantly surprised. He remembered his first attempt to shake Margaret's hand, and how disastrously that had ended.
"Margaret has been teaching us all Milton manners, Mr Thornton. You will find Mama and I have been excellent pupils," Edith explained, smiling pleasantly at Mr Thornton from her seat.
"Indeed, Margaret has been so eager to share her stories of her life in Milton, My dear sister also never had a cross word about her new friends in the letters she was able to send me, before her health became too frail," Mrs Shaw paused to dab at her eyes, still keenly grieving the sister she had been so fond of.
"I would have been grieved if she had. Mrs Hale was always so pleasant to myself and my family, I could only hope we showed her the same courtesy," Mr Thornton replied. He had already deduced that the best way to remain on Mrs Shaw's good side was to wax lyrical about Mrs Hale at any given opportunity. It was not too difficult. With reflection, it was easy to feel sorrow for the late Maria Hale. Wrenched away from the only life she had known, from her comfortable parsonage life in the clean southern air and all her nearest and dearest friends and relocated to what would have felt like the deepest darkest part of the north. Consumed with worry for a son she had not seen in years before he rushed to her deathbed, and the daughter she would not live to see married and well settled. She had died a woman burdened with sorrow and her daughter had narrowly avoided the same fate.
In death, Maria Hale was deserving of at least a little sympathy, and those who knew her could at least hope her spirit was appeased in the knowledge that her children were reunited and able to be a comfort to each other.
"Oh yes, Margaret told us of the gifts you would send her to cheer her and the help in seeking out treatments. I am grateful to you and yours, Mr. Thornton, for all you did to aid her in her final months," Mrs Shaw said, reaching out to firmly grasp his hand once more.
Mr Thornton, unsure of how to respond to this more emotional side of his host, returned the squeeze of his hand with a nod and a small smile.
No one needed to think of a way to carry on the conversation as Margaret then entered the room, having refreshed herself after an afternoon rest. She was laced into a dark blue dress with a cream shawl draped around her shoulders. She gave a small, elegant curtsy to Mr Thornton and held out her hand to shake his. Mr Thornton took it gently and shot her a wry smile.
"Your Aunt and cousin have been showing me their grasp of Milton manners, Miss Hale. It is clear to see how they became so proficient, with such an excellent teacher"
"You are too kind Mr. Thornton. I am sure anything they have learnt needed to be first gleaned from my many ramblings about anything and everything. They should first be congratulated for being able to pay attention for so long," she replied.
"I remember your conversations at our dinner parties well Miss Hale. You would be able to hold any room captive, I am sure"
Both then paused and blushed, fearing the boundaries of polite conversation had been slightly overstepped. Aunt Shaw and Edith exchanged appraising glances while John silently cursed himself. Whenever he spoke to Margaret, his tongue ran away with him as he had never known it to do before. This was not the way to speak to a lady, never mind one as frail and unwell as Margaret. He cursed his lack of delicacy and looked to Fred for more appropriate conversation. Margaret, however, was slightly quicker on the mark than her brother.
"Mr. Thornton, may I perhaps be impertinent enough to enquire after your mother and sister? How is Mrs Watson finding married life?"
"She is finding it suits her well Miss Hale. She is enjoying the opportunity to decorate Mr Watson's
home with more garish wallpapers than Mother would ever allow her to adorn Malborough with. She is in London herself with Mother, perhaps she may call upon you and regale you with all the intricate details herself?"
"That would be most agreeable, I think we have no plans for the week?" she glanced to her Aunt for confirmation, and continued upon receiving a small nod "Tell your mother and sister they are welcome here at their pleasure"
"I will gladly bear the message to them Miss Hale"
Finally, Dixon came through to announce that luncheon was ready to be served. Margaret and Fred led John through to Aunt Shaw's splendidly furnished dining room. They were all seated and served a course of soup. Mr Bell, who had until this point been rather silent, now turned to Margaret and Fred.
"I forgot to mention, my dear godchildren, that my acquaintance in Helstone has written to me, and they are ready to accept us Monday next" Margaret and Fred exchanged delighted looks.
"That is wonderful news Mr Bell. My new dresses should be delivered tomorrow as well, so you will find us well prepared"
"You are leaving?" John blurted before he could check himself. Sometimes he wondered if he should just seal his mouth closed and be done with it. All eyes turned to stare at him, and he willed the ground to swallow him up.
"We are leaving for a short holiday back in Helstone Mr Thornton," Margaret explained, "The seaside air and sun will do us all the world of good, and Fred and I are so looking forward to exploring our old childhood haunts again"
"I see. I do hope that you have a… pleasant trip," John replied lamely, feeling more foolish by the second.
"With company such as these delightful young people, I am sure it shall be a marvellous trip!" Mr Bell replied jovially.
"You are too kind to us by far Mr Bell. Migsy, which do you think we should explore first? The cave we found on the beach with Father, or the tree Mother forbade us to ever climb again after I tore my best coat snagging it on a branch?"
"I don't know what made her angrier, that, or that I got mud all up my new church dress!"
John was content to sit in his chair and listen to these tales. It was strange to hear of a childhood so carefree and without hardship, but he was glad that Margaret had had such a childhood, for all the struggle she had endured in her adult years. He was also at leisure to study how the joys of recalling such treasured memories lit up her face, and how flickers of her old self began to shine through. John could once more appreciate the crinkles around her eyes that appeared whenever she smiled so widely that it consumed her whole face.
It just made saying goodbye later that afternoon all the harder.
He returned to the hotel, his mind all full of rather muddled thoughts to find his mother and sister waiting for him to go to dinner.
"Thank you for waiting for me. Did you ladies have an enjoyable day?"
"Oh there was enough to occupy us. We went to all the most fashionable shops to look at some clothes for the baby, and some dresses for myself when I grow larger. Do not look at me like that Johnny! Watson gave me more than a generous allowance to buy myself some things. I even offered to buy Mother some things, but she turned her nose up at almost everything! I'm in despair of her ever wearing something fashionable!"
Hannah Thornton rolled her eyes hard at her daughter's impertinence and turned to her son.
"How was your afternoon with Mr Bell? Did you see Miss Hale in the end?"
"It was productive. I will speak further on that front with you later Mother, I've had some good news for the mill. I did see Miss Hale, and she is recovering very well, all things considered"
It had been decided to tell Fanny that Margaret had suffered from a bad onset of flu, rather than reveal the full extent of her illness and risk Fanny's loose tongue wreaking havoc for them all.
"I do hope so! You are sure she is no longer contagious John? Watson would never forgive me if I lost the baby by exposing myself to disease!"
"She'll have had the best care in London Fan, calm down. Hysterics can't be good for babies either," John snapped back.
Fanny opened her mouth to argue back but was shut down with one hard stare from Mrs Thornton. John always thought that every mother in England should learn that look from his mother. It had ended many a childish squabble over the years.
"I'm intrigued by this development for the mill John, you can tell me over dinner. I think we could all do with some respite from talk of babies and nurseries"
Hannah Thornton, as ever, always had final say.
The next morning, Margaret and Edith were waiting by the window for the carriage bearing the Thorntons and Mrs Watson to arrive. Edith was almost amused to see Margaret had taken rather more care with her dress and toilette this morning than of late, and even now was anxiously smoothing down her skirts and fidgeting with her shawl. She took her cousins trembling hands in hers and squeezed them, holding them until she felt the shaking subside.
"I'm so nervous Edith. Fanny Watson is not famed for her gentle tongue. What if it is too much? What if I cannot hide my illness from her?"
"Dear cousin, this is your home. You may meet this Mrs Watson on your terms. She will leave at whatever time you desire, and not a moment later. Mama and I will be here to help you, and protect you from her more snide remarks"
"Thankyou dear cousin. In any case, I may yet escape unscathed. Simply keep her talking about her married life and tea party plans, and we should be alright"
Edith let out an unladylike shriek of mirth, no doubt exaggerated by the stress she felt for her cousin and held out her arms to give her a gentle and supportive embrace. They hugged, and then turned back to the window at the sound of whinnying horses and the rattle of carriage wheels.
Edith peered out of the window to see these new guests as they alighted and had a most amusing commentary.
"Is that the mother? My God, Migsy, she looks just as dragon-esque as you described!"
"Does Mr Thornton always look so stern? It does make him look so foreboding – I was so nervous yesterday!"
"Dear goodness, that must be the famed Mrs Watson! I can barely see her for her skirts!"
Margaret stifled a giggle with her fist at these more uncharitable observations. For all the uncouthness of the language, there was truth in Edith's observations.
Margaret gave the waiting tea tray a once over to check for anything missing. Satisfied with the assortment of cake and biscuits available to their guests, she and Edith took seats to await their guests.
Presently, the parlour door was opened by Dixon, and the three Thorntons shewn in. Margaret arose to perform the introductions.
"Mr Thornton, it is a pleasure to see you again. And it is so pleasing to see you again Mrs Thornton, Mrs Watson," she curtsied to each person as she spoke their name, "May I introduce my cousin? This is Edith Lennox" Edith rose, and curtsied gracefully.
"A pleasure to welcome you back Mr Thornton, and lovely to meet your mother and sister at last. You are most welcome here ladies. Please forgive my mother, Mrs Shaw for being absent, but alas she finds herself indisposed today"
"We thankyou for your kind welcome Miss Hale, Mrs Lennox. I hope your mother recovers soon Mrs Lennox" Mrs Thornton replied with her usual cool politeness.
"It is our pleasure. Please do all be seated," Margaret replied, gesturing to the circle of seats.
Mrs Watson made a great performance of adjusting her skirts to sit down, and if possible an even greater performance of fidgeting in her seat, rubbing her back and moving about, appearing unable to get comfortable. Margaret and Edith stared at her, puzzled, while John and his mother exchanged exasperated looks.
"Forgive me Mrs Watson, but are you alright? Is the seat not to your liking?" Margaret asked politely.
"Oh it is nothing Miss Hale. It is just so difficult to make yourself comfortable with a burden such as mine," Fanny replied with a long-suffering tone. Margaret merely looked more puzzled, while a slight glimmer of understanding lit up Edith's face.
"I am sorry, I'm afraid I don't understand Mrs Watson"
"I thought my brother would have told you Miss Hale. I am now expecting!" Fanny finally announced with a flourish, placing both hands upon her stomach. Margaret managed to fix a rather stunned smile to her face.
"Oh, that is marvellous. I…. I …. offer my congratulations. To you and Mr Watson," she managed to reply.
"I too have a child, Mrs Watson. I have a cushion that I placed upon any seat to ease my discomfort. I will gladly have it fetched for you," Edith offered sympathetically, bidding a maid to go and retrieve it.
"Why thankyou Mrs Lennox, it is so pleasing to speak with someone sympathetic to my toils," Fanny replied with a hard look at her mother and brother.
"I have offered you plenty of advice and remedies to alleviate your discomfort Fan. You are not the first woman in history to have borne a child you know," Mrs Thornton sternly reminded her daughter. Margaret and Edith exchanged glances as they sipped their tea, having to look away before they both burst out laughing.
"Yes, well… now that that is all out of the way," Fanny waved a dismissive hand, now eager to change the subject "I must say Miss Hale, you are not looking so dreadful as I expected, if not far too thin and pale. The London air must not be so refreshing as they say"
Edith opened her mouth, but Margaret placed a hand on her cousin's arm, bidding her to keep peace.
"I thankyou Mrs Watson. I am in far better health than I was. My brother and I are taking a trip to Helstone next week with our godfather Mr Bell, and I hope the sun and sea air will do much to restore me fully"
"Yes I have heard the tale of your brother! Is he here, it would be fascinating to meet him," Fanny peered around as though expecting Fred to leap out of the teapot.
"He is meeting with Mr Bell to review some legal documents, but they should both be returning shortly"
"Oh that all sounds dreadfully dull. What sort of legal things could they have to discuss?"
"Mr Bell is now our legal guardian, following the death of our parents. However, we are now both about to reach our majority, so he is preparing to sign over some property and monies left by our parents in their wills," Margaret explained, not wishing to divulge the true nature of her inheritance to the famously loose tongue of Fanny Watson.
Fanny had no reply to that, so subsided back into fidgety silence, only opening her mouth again to gush her thanks to Edith when the maid returned with the cushion.
John observed the unusual highness of the collar on Margaret's dress, no doubt to conceal the worst of her wounds from Fanny's sharp tongue and his mother's steely eye. He did not like it. It made her look so stiff and uncomfortable. He would rather she be able to be herself and not suffer cruel and invasive remarks. She caught his eye, and he hastily glanced down into his teacup, lest she somehow be able to surmise his thoughts.
"I hope your meetings with my brother and Mr Bell have not been too taxing on you Mr Thornton. Mr Bell can be quite eccentric when he wants I am afraid," Margaret offered with an apologetic smile.
"It's been no burden on me Miss Hale. I know enough of how to deal with him from my longstanding acquaintanceship with him. I am enjoying getting to know the younger Mr Hale. He has many interesting stories to tell me, and he has a fine sense of humour, although a little odd at times," John replied with a sage smile. Margaret let out a small chuckle.
"I must say, that is the most accurate summary of my brother I have ever heard. I am so pleased that you have been able to form an acquaintance with him"
"I have yet to meet a Hale I have been displeased by. It is enjoyable to converse with him," John yet again cursed his inability to speak sensibly in front of Margaret. Both his mother and sister stared appraisingly at him. He, the tallest one in the room, attempted to shrink into his seat like a child.
To his small relief, they were interrupted by Sholto bursting into the room, his ever put upon nanny hot upon his heels. To his mother's surprise, he clambered determinedly into the lap of his aunt, clamouring for affection.
"Hello my dear Sholto. Please be gentle darling, do not grab. No Sholto, we do not grab there – aah!"
In his haste for hugs from his aunt, Sholto had seized the delicate lace of her high collar in his little fist and accidentally torn it almost clean off. John started in alarm. The vicious red marks adorning her throat had been cut almost fresh open during some fresh episode, some still weeping a small amount of blood. She stared in horror at her guests, not even sure how to begin explaining.
Edith however immediately took the situation in hand. Scooping her son up to press into the arms of his nanny, she pulled Margaret to her feet and ushered her out of the room, urgently whispering soothing words to her.
In their wake, there was only shocked silence. Fanny stared at her brother and mother.
"What on Earth is happening here?"
I did enjoy writing Fanny announcing her pregnancy to Margaret, I feel like she would go for Maximum Drama Queen energy.
So I finally had the time/energy/sanity to work on this story. The response to my other story was slightly lacklustre which was a bit of a bummer. No worries. I have a firmer outline for this story plot so updates should be a bit more forthcoming.
Hope you're all keeping well and safe.
Sid x