Notes:

I have humbly borrowed some dialogues from the book. Credits go to Mrs. Gaskell. The text is italicized.

...

Margaret returned home. She was still bewildered by his presence in the bookstore. She tried to push the other unpleasant thoughts back in her mind. Papa was busy in his study as usual but on seeing her he asked where she had been. She told him that she had gone to fetch books as Mrs. Brown had asked. He was glad that Margaret had enough distractions at least for the present to keep her grief at bay.

She went to help Dixon in the kitchen. Later, she would visit Mrs. Brown and assist her further with the Easter preparations.

...

"Mamma, did I tell you that my Watson will be getting me an ostrich egg for Easter? I don't know what sort of bird it is, but it seems like it is a rare and exotic one! I shall make sure to display it in the sitting room, although I would have to get a silver or gold stand to place it."

Mrs. Thornton was exhausted to hear her daughter's Easter preparations and more so of Mr. Watson's gifts to his wife. She decided to bring her attention to another most pressing matter.

"Yes, my dear. This is the third time you are telling me. Tell me again and I shall ask Watson to get one for myself too. Do you want that? Now, let's talk about the Latimers invitation and how to get your brother to attend it."

Fanny was steered in the right direction.

"Oh yes! How can I forget it? Well, I am sure mamma, that John will not court and marry Ann! Why, he doesn't even talk to her and if he does it's in monosyllables! Or sometimes not even that but his scowl for a response! Ann keeps asking me every time but I keep assuring her to be patient. I cannot any longer though. Only if John comes to the Latimers on Sunday, he would understand the advantage of marrying Ann! Now that his hopes are dashed by Miss Hale and her Outwood fancies, I believe that poor brother of mine finds a more suitable wife, and one none other than our Ann!" Fanny tittered while smoothing her skirts and hair.

Mrs. Thornton agreed to what Fanny said and hoped for the same outcome. She prayed that her son would forget that disgraceful southern lass at once and get married to Ann Latimer. She was extremely wealthy. She knew the expectations of women in society and played her role well. She was an introvert unlike Fanny, but other than this their interests were the same- to go shopping, talk of wallpapers, dresses, furniture, and such silly things.

Mrs. Thornton wanted a daughter-in-law who would stay as quiet as she could at home and just fulfill her wifely duties to her husband. Ann Latimer seemed to be the best choice even though she knew that the girl was half empty-headed. But that was for good and most importantly in her favor.

Truth be told, the mother wished that she always remained the first in her son's affections. She had been his sole guide and support all these years, right from his days as a draper to the years as being a mill master. She reveled in the fact that her son was a catch in the town, but deep down she always feared being replaced in her own home.

This fear lay dormant and unbothered, that is, until the stubborn Miss Hale set foot in Milton. And ever since the day her son took the names of the Hales, her instincts told her that something might go awry and against her wishes.

And right her instincts were.

This Easter was the one and only hope the mother and daughter had to somehow bring forth a stronger connection between John and Ann. He must not get the idea that he was once again being pushed to visit the Latimers hoping for a connection.

The only time when Mrs. Thornton and her daughter joined as one team and did something together was in fact now– when they tried hard to push John to court Ann ever since Fanny's wedding. But it came to naught. Ann Latimer had been a frequent visitor at the mill house to help assist Fanny's wedding but also to attract John's attention. He, on the other hand, proved to be as disinterested as a plastered wall. After several attempts, Ann Latimer seemed to slowly give up her hopes on the mill master but somehow Fanny managed to assure her that he would come to understand the value of such a match. But she cannot be put on hold for long as she might need to get herself attached to a suitable and wealthy man soon enough. She was not in love with John but saw him as just a suitable catch. Similarly, John did not love her but Miss Hale, and to him, she was just Fanny's friend.

During her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Thornton, the ever so sly woman that she was, managed to notice Miss Hale's discomfiture on seeing Ann Latimer holding her son's arm. The mother felt happy on seeing her reaction but it also came as a cause of concern. Was the southern woman harboring feelings for her son? Hadn't she a fiance or intended of her own? Why the unusual reaction? Why whisper to her father that she would like to go home as soon as she could? On the contrary, the guests had started to titter how the mill master and the banker's daughter may become a couple soon. This made Mrs. Thornton to hope but nothing came out of it. He simply said that he played the role of Fanny's brother in front of all and a hospitable host to not just Miss Latimer but to all. He didn't understand why people would bother assuming things when a woman just held the arm of a man.

Mrs. Thornton was bothered to hear her son speak so. She knew that he was ignorant sometimes on how appearances could look like. If people continued to talk of a possible connection between her son and Miss Latimer, and nothing came out of it, then that might be equally scandalous. It might put Ann Latimer's image in question and also her son's name might be dragged as fooling around with a young, wealthy woman's affections. Only she knew that John does not harbor a pint of care or feeling for Miss Latimer but it might become detrimental nevertheless. He would never marry Miss Latimer to suit propriety, because one- Ann is not (like) Miss Hale, and secondly, he never gave word or acted in a way that he cared for the woman.

"Don't worry, Fanny. I had told him of the Latimers' invitation to John. He didn't agree yet but he also didn't reject it. Let him think that it's just a formal gathering with acquaintances. Don't tell him anything about Ann Latimer. I shall see how to take this ahead."

Quite unexpectedly, the master of the house entered right then. Not without managing to hear a few tidbits of their talk.

"What are you going to take ahead mother?" John asked.

Both women bolted up. They shared a look.

"Well, we were talking of the Lat-"

"Nothing John. Fanny wanted to buy some more Easter cards and other things so she was asking me to accompany her if I wished."

John was vexed because he knew very well what the mother and daughter must have been talking of. He thought that the best way to keep their plans at bay was not to argue with them but to act in their own way.

"Oh, I see. I rather felt that I heard you speaking of the Latimers? And asking Fanny to keep her mouth shut I suppose. But maybe I was mistaken and heard wrong. You did promise me that you wouldn't push me anymore but let me make my own decisions. I know very well you would keep your promise. I am right, aren't I, mother?" His response was to warn them that this must be the last time he is used as a ploy in their fruitless matchmaking plans.

"You need not remind me of my promises, John. I remember it well. I am your mother and I know what's right for you. That's all."

It was Fanny's turn to spill the beans. "Ah, here we go again! Didn't I tell you that it was a hopeless affair? He already has a wife in the guise of a dirty, noisy mill, mamma! He will never marry Ann. But this time, it will be your loss, brother, not Ann's. She has enough prospects even from as far as the continent and a loaded purse to do what she wants! Her fortune would be useful to run the mill for several years but I see that you aren't the practical one as you think you are! Whine all you want for Miss Hale but she will not be yours, not when her interests are the opposite of decorum and honor. Stay assured of that!"

"I am obliged to agree with your sister in this case, John. Even if it hurts you to hear. You would not have approved of Fanny's being seen out, after dark, in rather a lonely place, walking about with a young man. Should you have liked your sister to have been noticed by a grocer's assistant for doing so? Miss Hale's character is in ruins, nothing but polluted out of half-witted actions with absolutely no hold on propriety. There, I said it!"

It was painful to John to hear Miss Hale's name but even more so, to hear her being gossiped. He knew that Fanny was an active participant in supplying Milton's gossip, much like a messenger's pigeon. But even his mother seemed to have taken her daughter's ways since it was Miss Hale in question.

"Her character! Mother, you do not dare—" he faced about, and looked into her face with his flaming eyes. Then, drawing himself up into determined composure and dignity, he said, "I will not say any more than this, which is neither more nor less than the simple truth, and I am sure you believe me,—I have good reason to believe, that Miss Hale is in some strait and difficulty connected with an attachment which, of itself, from my knowledge of Miss Hale's character, is perfectly innocent and right. What my reason is, I refuse to tell."

He flinched hard and his audience were duly scared of his wrath. He continued- "Miss Hale is at liberty to please herself… I myself was a draper's assistant, the mere circumstance of a grocer's assistant noticing any act does not alter the character of the act to me. And in the next place, I see a great deal of difference between Miss Hale and Fanny. I can imagine that the one may have weighty reasons, which may and ought to make her overlook any seeming impropriety in her conduct.I never knew Fanny have weighty reasons for anything. Other people must guard her. I believe Miss Hale is a guardian to herself."

"A pretty character of your sister, indeed! Really, John, one would have thought Miss Hale had done enough to make you clear-sighted. She drew you on to an offer, by a bold display of pretended regard for you,—to play you off against this very young man, I've no doubt. Her whole conduct is clear to me now. You believe he is her lover, I suppose—you agree to that."

He turned round to his mother; his face was very gray and grim. "Yes, mother. I do believe he is her lover." When he had spoken, he turned round again; he writhed himself about, like one in bodily pain. He leant his face against his hand. Then before she could speak, he turned sharp again:

"Fanny, I never asked for your help in finding me a spouse." Not when you have found a pompous, lazy, selfish lout as Watson for yourself, he wished to add but he bit his tongue just in time. "It surprises me that you both seem to get so ahead of yourselves confidently when knowing very well that you would fail miserably. I ask you to stop it before it goes out of hand, lest another person's image gets questioned due to your own doings. Do not give any friend of yours hope on my behalf. As you said, our dirty, noisy mill shall be my only companion for life."

Fanny was terribly annoyed while Mrs. Thornton was thinking of other ways to convince her son. But before they could say anything he finished the discussion.

"And to add to your notice, I think it best to stay in my mill office on Sunday. I am not inclined to visit your dearest friend's home. Not when neither they nor I would be at any loss of each other's absence, you see. Now Fanny, go ahead and get as many Easter cards as you wish. Make sure to choose the most gaudy ones. Goodbye, mother."

And he strode out hastily.

...

"Thank you so much, dear! I knew you would come up with the best suggestions for Church. You see, some others I know often choose something that suits their idea of religion rather than catering to the needs and ideas of children and masses as equal as possible."

Mrs. Brown was happy to seek Margaret's assistance. She enjoyed her company and her lively discussions. She understood that the town folks must have disliked her energetic spirit and nature. Margaret was equally glad of the acquaintance. She only felt bad that they didn't know sooner. They were now walking together to the marketplace to buy greeting cards.

"No mention, Mrs. Brown. I am glad to help. Keeps me distracted and useful. Although I must say that I was myself assisted by a gentleman in making the choices."

Gentleman. Months ago she had humiliated him for being ungentlemanly but now she thought him as the best of men. She felt oddly proud to speak of him to people.

"And who was it? Mr. Martin, I suppose? I did hear of his interests in books but never had the opportunity to converse with him."

"Oh no, Mrs. Brown. I meant Mr. Thornton. He was also there in the store and he suggested most of them."

"I see. My husband often speaks of him, Margaret. His interests lie in trade but equally in literature and the arts as well. Well, your father would surely know better. When he was a lad, we often used to visit each other's home. Although, it all changed when his father died. He and my husband were good friends. Anyway, I wonder how he, being the catch of Milton, manages to escape!"

Mrs. Brown noticed Margaret's silence for a moment and thought it best to drop the subject. Their acquaintance was still young but in all these weeks, she did notice Margaret quite often. Her thoughts were always based on her own idea of right or wrong, which made her stubbornly strong. And sometimes, as a woman, she seemed to be yet naive, without any interest in things that keeps other young and fickle women engaged. She did get to hear a bit of the scandal but it didn't bother her like it did to the other upper class women, who were anyway hardly civil with her. She pitied her loss of mother and absence of womanly counsel, exactly why she stepped in as Margaret's friend.

"Margaret, if I might be allowed to say that you shall always have a friend and guide in me, whenever you need. I know that you have your own mind but nevertheless, I don't want you to feel alone in this town."

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Brown. It means a lot to me. But I just want you to know that if our acquaintance ever brings you trouble or inconvenience, then please feel free to tell me—-"

"Nonsense! I shall never pester you about things which are solely personal to you, except only when you wish. And I seldom care for others' opinions just like you, so no worry, dear."

Margaret felt tears stung her eyes. Mrs. Brown tapped her arm and they smiled.

They had reached the store.

Margaret was surprised to see that the shop was adorned with a wide range of assortments for Easter. She had always made it a point to be at Helstone for Easter, so she hardly knew much about the London ways. There were Easter eggs of varying sizes beautifully painted, each kept on display. Some were made of papier-mache, while some were made of sweets. A few were covered in gold sheets, making it look like gold itself. There were also eggs decorated and painted with scenes from various fairytales and fables, especially for children. Also, there were several Easter greetings to choose from. Each card was marvelous in its own way. Some cards featured the Easter bunny, while some featured the ascension of Jesus Christ. The greetings too, varied in different sizes. Another section of the store had egg shaped molds and cups to hold the egg. Those were made of copper or silver.

Mrs. Brown went on to explain certain traditions and customs to Margaret. She had suggested to Mrs. Brown that Easter cards be distributed to children who never had celebrated such festivities in life, to which she had readily agreed.

Overall, she could very well see the excitement in people's faces. No wonder the shops were crowded.

That was until they met Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Thornton in the store.

"Mamma, look here! It's Mrs. Brown and Miss Hale!"

They greeted each other politely. Fanny was wondering what Miss Hale would have to do in such an expensive store.

"Mrs. Thornton, it's been a long time since we met. And Mrs. Watson, how are your Easter preparations going on?"

"I have come to buy a few greeting cards. I got to know this shop had the most embellished and expensive ones." Fanny said with a mocking glare towards Miss Hale. "Oh, Mrs. Brown, do you know what my husband would be getting for me this Easter? An Ostri—"

Before Fanny started to prattle about the damned ostrich egg, Mrs. Thornton thought it best to stop her, much to Fanny's dismay.

"Mrs. Brown, Miss Hale. Nice to see you. I presume the church activities are going well?"

"Oh yes, Mrs. Thornton! This time, Miss Hale is assisting me. I am glad of her help. I bet this time everyone in the congregation will notice Miss Hale's efforts for sure."

Mrs. Thornton was surprised that the Browns were acquaintances of the Hales. They were extremely private people, and not to forget, wealthy as well. And anyway, Miss Hale was a parson's daughter after all, so maybe that must have brought the connection.

She turned to Miss Hale and tersely said- "I am glad you are offering our town's church your assistance, Miss Hale. I hope it all comes to good."

"Thank you, Mrs. Thornton." Margaret responded.

"Oh yes, Miss Hale also told me of your son's assistance to her!" Mrs. Brown started.

"My son? In what way?" Mrs. Thornton and Fanny were all ears now. Margaret glared at them with hesitation and hoped this wouldn't cause any trouble to either of the parties.

"You see, I had asked Miss Hale to suggest stories, books, and poems related to Easter for children. Mr. Thornton was kind enough to help her in the bookstore. She loved his suggestions and so did I! Do let him know my thanks".

Mrs. Thornton was displeased but managed to somewhat hide it. Fanny was stunned. A few moments later, they parted their ways.

Margaret knew very well that both mother and sister would pester Mr. Thornton in and out. She only hoped that he wouldn't budge. She forgot about it and helped Mrs. Brown in choosing from the greeting cards. She bought a few for herself as well. She will send one each to the Higginses, the Thorntons and the Browns.

Notes:

Ostrich eggs and even emu eggs were rare and displayed in gilded silver cups. Much of the items mentioned in the store existed as prominent Easter items. Although, a few must have come into existence in the later 19th century and not probably in the 1850s.