Notes:

This is my second North and South fanfic, after "What's a rose without its thorn?" This time, I took Easter as a prompt. Unlike my previous story, this one will be short. Reviews are welcome! Happy reading. And happy Easter to you in advance!

...

A better resurrection

I have no wit, no words, no tears;

My heart within me like a stone

Is numb'd too much for hopes or fears;

Look right, look left, I dwell alone;

I lift mine eyes, but dimm'd with grief

No everlasting hills I see;

My life is in the falling leaf:

O Jesus, quicken me.

My life is like a faded leaf,

My harvest dwindled to a husk:

Truly my life is void and brief

And tedious in the barren dusk;

My life is like a frozen thing,

No bud nor greenness can I see:

Yet rise it shall—the sap of Spring;

O Jesus, rise in me.

My life is like a broken bowl,

A broken bowl that cannot hold

One drop of water for my soul

Or cordial in the searching cold;

Cast in the fire the perish'd thing;

Melt and remould it, till it be

A royal cup for Him, my King:

O Jesus, drink of me.

-Christina Rosetti

...

The season of Lent was on the brink of a conclusion. Easter would be here soon and the town of Milton would be abuzz with celebrations and holiness.

Margaret was unaware if the town did anything new for Easter as she was accustomed to those in Helstone. She was reminded of the yesteryears when her small but content family celebrated Easters along with Frederick. It was always a quaint affair. She along with her father, who was then a clergyman still, would visit the parish community offering sweets and delicacies. Margaret used to participate in Easter egg hunts just as other young children. Her brother Frederick would always win the treasure hunt but at times, would lose solely for her to win.

Now her mother was dead and Fred had gone back to Spain. Only her father and Dixon were all that she had in her Crampton home. Father had indirectly told her that he did not have the inclination to celebrate since he was in grief. However, he pleaded with her to not stop celebrating on his account. He said that she and Dixon together can make arrangements that they wished and could also include the Higginses if both the parties wished. He also asked Margaret to make sure to send a basket of the preparations to the Thorntons as a goodwill gesture.

Margaret had the practicality to understand him. She herself suddenly felt too old to celebrate events when the ones she loved were far far away from her, either resting in peace or in another land altogether. Her mind was too heavy with sorrow and several other situations she was forced to handle. What bothered her the most these days was that she had fallen into a deep abyss of disrespect and untruthfulness in Mr. Thornton's eyes, after the unfortunate Outwood incident.

She prayed that this holy Easter, all will be well and she could win back her respect from Mr. Thornton.

...

Mrs. Brown was a prominent lady in the town of Milton. She was wealthy and genteel, but she wasn't one to boast of her wealth and standing. The Browns hardly attended any social gatherings arranged by other families in the town. They had also declined the annual gathering arranged by the Thorntons. They were socially reclusive but nevertheless meek and kind. They only blessed others' with their presence during church services and other rare occasions. She was the sole in charge of the choir and other relevant activities in the St. Theodore Church of Milton.

Mr. Brown was a friend of Mr. Hale. It's no wonder that a friendship would be possible between the two, as both men were quite similar in their views, although Mr. Brown did have a streak of sarcasm in his persona. When he got to know of Mr. Hale's daughter and her charitable acts, he mentioned it to his wife. His wife, who hardly bothered herself with other young ladies and their whims, was unable to believe that such a kind girl existed, especially in the smoky, money-minded part of England.

Soon, she met Margaret and despite their differences in age, they became remarkable acquaintances. Both women had many similarities of their own. Margaret understood why the Browns weren't able to mingle with the haughty society of Milton.

It was one day when Mrs. Brown asked Margaret if she wished to help her with a few Easter rituals for church and the Sunday school. Margaret was overjoyed with the request as she had experience in these activities, and moreover, she herself was in need of a diversion to keep her spirits away from grief.

The task was to select short stories and poems based on Easter for young children and the choir. She was happy that the St. Theodore's Church that stood proud in the hill, would be decorated beautifully and her help was also expected in that.

...

One fine morning, Margaret started to walk towards the Macmillan Bookstores in Clinton street. She had heard that the shop was gaining name amongst readers and literary enthusiasts alike. One can rent books for a nominal fee monthly or buy them at a much better rate. It was owned by Macmillan Publishers, who were becoming prominent in publishing distinct works of literature, thus helping new authors and poets from different backgrounds rise to fame.

She was greeted by Mr. Martin, the in-charge of the library and shop. He was a young handsome man with a great deal of knowledge about books and literature. He asked if he could help her with her selections and Margaret agreed.

They went through various sections and racks. Mr. Martin suggested her various poetry collections and works that would fit the theme of Easter. But Margaret, although surprised at his vast intelligence and quick wit, couldn't help to accept the choices. The in-charge was quite taken with her austere beauty though Margaret did not realize that she was being admired by him. He had heard about her several times when people praised her as well as censured her charitable deeds.

They continued to look further, when a deep baritone voice called her out, one which never failed to send shivers down her spine.

"Miss Hale?"

Undoubtedly, it was Mr. Thornton.

She was taken aback but managed to greet him in return politely. She found it hard to not stare at him but also couldn't help but notice how handsome yet stern he looked. He had his usual scowl on his face but somehow his composure reminded her of the time when they had met in the Great Exhibition. He had scowled at Henry Lennox the way he did now in front of Mr. Martin. Margaret was far too innocent to understand that the two men wanted the other to move away from her and help her themselves.

"Are you searching for some books, Miss Hale? May I know which one or your preference?", asked Mr. Thornton.

Mr. Martin jumped in with his ready response.

"Well, she is searching for poetry collections and books related to Easter. I am helping her out, Mr. Thornton. I can ask the assistant to help you with yours…"

"Aye, there won't be any need for it. I have got what I want. I can help Miss Hale if she wishes."

Just then, the assistant asked Mr. Martin to help the other few customers in the shop. He silently cursed the assistant for his unwanted interruption but he had to get done with their business.

"Miss Hale, can you please wait for a moment? I need to attend to the needs of other customers. I will be back in a few minutes."

"It's totally fine, Mr. Martin. I think Mr. Thornton can help me well."

Her answer brought a grin to the mill master's face although it drained the light from the other's face. Mr. Martin went with a huff not without staring daggers at Mr. Thornton.

She hesitated a moment to finally see him after many days. The last time they had spoken breached their relationship a great deal. He had taken back all his affections from her while not giving her a chance and time to explain her side of the story.

Mr. Thornton too was in a fix. He was in the bookstore to get a new copy of Plato and a few books to give Mr. Hale and Tom Boucher as Easter gifts. When he saw Miss Hale in the shop, his heart pounded especially with guilt because of the words he had thrown at her the last time they had met. He thought to go away and not disturb her, lest she become uncomfortable in his presence. However, when he saw Mr. Martin, the store in-charge sharing coquettish and amorous glances at her all the while in the name of assisting her, he could not bear to stay away. A part of his brain berated him for even conversing with her, while the other forced him to be near her even when she might have another man to care for her.

Finally, they talked and when he got to know of her requirement, he busied himself. He offered his choices and suggestions and needless to say, Margaret loved them.

"Christina Rossetti. I haven't had the pleasure to come across her poems before. But I love it, Mr. Thornton. Thank you so much for your suggestions."

"No mention, Miss Hale. Are you preparing for Easter? How is it going?"

"Not really. Father is not in a mood to celebrate. But I and Dixon would prepare something simple for the day. By the way, how is Miss Thorn– sorry, Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Thornton?"

"I see. They are fine. My sister is robbing Easter greeting cards from every store she could find. Mother is busy with her own list. Since it's a Sunday I will be free too, at least for a few hours. We have been invited by the Latimers so will probably visit them."

The latter part of his response did stir something uncomfortable in Margaret. Truth was that she was stifling her discomfort whenever she came across any news concerning Mr. Thornton with the Latimers with an air of indifference. There were a few times when she had to endure watching him with Ann Latimer and control her feelings, because Margaret was not one to feel in such a manner. She was confused if something would come out of this, just like Mr. Latimer had once hinted when they had met on the street, a marriage between his daughter and the handsome mill master.

Mr. Thornton stood looking at her face which was battling several thoughts all at once. He couldn't understand her sudden silence but somewhere in his mind, he felt that the very name of the banker's family must have put her off. This wasn't the first time he saw her uncomfortable, the same had happened when they had met on the street with the Latimers and the ever so meddling Mr. Bell, prying on women's secrets and such. Even during Fanny's wedding, he had to endure the sly Miss Latimer's constant presence beside him, but he did get a feeling that Miss Hale was watching him. But why? Does it matter to her? He didn't know what to make out of this.

Their purchases were paid. He wanted to ask her dearly if he could escort her back home but found his jealousy and hopelessness coming to the surface once again. They bid each other good day and started walking in opposite directions. But after a few moments, both looked back at each other at the same time.

Notes:

For this story, I did research on how Easter was celebrated during the Victorian era. Seems like the practice of sending Easter cards, Easter egg hunts, and Easter bunny pretty much existed during this particular time as well.

Macmillan Publishers, as you all may know, is a British publishing firm. It was founded in 1843 and published the works of Thomas Hughes, Christina Rossetti, Tagore, Lewis Carroll, Kipling, Matthew Arnold, etc. The years when their works were published are much later than the time frame of the story, but still, I borrowed a poem written by Rossetti.