Chapter Two: Oxford

The next morning, John had breakfast with his mother as usual. When she spied his suitcase, she asked him why he was staying overnight in Oxford.

"Son, you are needed at the mill. Why are you staying overnight in Oxford? You can take the late train out of Oxford and be home by ten tonight."

John had hoped to avoid this conversation. "Mother, I am escorting Miss Hale and her servant to the services in Oxford. Mr. Bell felt it would be too much for Miss Hale to have to travel home to Milton tonight, so Mr. Bell has arranged lodgings for us. We shall return home tomorrow afternoon."

Hannah was outraged! Her son was sullying their family name with his connection to the wanton girl. Death or no death, the Thorntons had worked too hard to rise above the scandal of her husband's suicide, and she would not see their name dragged through the mud again due to that girl!

"John, you must not do this! You must think of your social standing in Milton. Do you not care about our good name?"

John found himself out of patience with his mother's pettiness and selfishness.

"Mother, I am doing what I believe to be right. I will see you tomorrow afternoon."

John kissed her cheek, picked up his bag, and left the house. He had arranged for a carriage to collect him, and it arrived in the mill yard just as he stepped out of the door.

On the short ride to Crampton, he tried to forgive his mother for her impertinence and lack of compassion. Hannah Thornton was a controlling mother, and even though he loved her dearly, her overprotective nature annoyed him. He and his mother were once very close, but now, he could not share his private thoughts with her. She hated Miss Hale and it was evident that her disdain for Margaret had only been magnified with time. It saddened him, he was a grown man and needed to make his own decisions about his personal life.


John cleared his thoughts as the carriage arrived at the Crampton house. He got out to collect the ladies of the house.

Miss Hale opened the door before he could knock.

"Mr. Thornton, thank you again for accompanying us to Oxford." John took note that Margaret was very pale and looked exhausted. Even so, he thought her breathtakingly beautiful. She wore a black bombazine mourning dress and a black bonnet.

Dixon had packed a basket of food for the train, so John loaded their luggage and the basket of food into the carriage before assisting both ladies. Margaret and Dixon sat on one side together, and John sat across from them.

Within ten minutes, the carriage arrived at the station, and John helped both the women into the car, handed in the basket, and then saw to the luggage.

The conductor had just called, "All Aboard for Oxford!" when John took his seat across from Dixon and Miss Hale.

At first, there was very little conversation as each passenger in their little party was lost in their thoughts. Dixon was thinking of her dear mistress, Maria Hale, and the sadness of the Hale's time in the North. Margaret was thinking of her father, and how sad she was that he would not rest beside her mother in the Milton Cemetery, and John was thinking of his own father.

Before long, Dixon nodded off and was snoring.

Margaret took out a book from her reticule and handed it over to Mr. Thornton.

"It is Papa's Plato. He made notes in it and some of them he added after your lessons together. My father often spoke of your intelligence and your eagerness to learn more of the world. He admired you greatly, Mr. Thornton."

Margaret's eyes met John's as she spoke, and John knew her words were in earnest.

"Thank you for gifting me his book, Miss Hale. I will treasure it, and I will never forget the many happy hours I spent in your home in his company. I considered him a second father, and I will miss him greatly."

Margaret felt the tears well up in her eyes again, and she heard the sincerity in Mr. Thornton's voice.

She watched him as he paged through the book, and he seemed lost in his memories of her father. When he came noticed her inscription on the inside cover of the book, he could hardly believe what he was reading.

Mr. Thornton,

Please accept this book as token of appreciation for all you have done for our family. You have been the most beloved friend to all of us, and your kindness will never be forgotten.

I wish you every happiness.

Yours, Margaret Ann Hale

John read her words more than once and wondered if she knew how much it meant to him to read such words of affection from her.

Margaret felt embarrassed that Mr. Thornton had read her words in her presence, but she meant every word she had written. He was so dear to her, but she had long ago lost the right to express what she felt.

Margaret's exhaustion soon claimed her, and the rocking of the train lolled her to sleep. She leaned her head in her sleep against Dixon.

John studied his beloved. Her eyelashes were impossibly long, and she looked angelic in her sleep. He often forgot how young she was. He was one and thirty, and she was not yet twenty. She seemed more mature than her years, and John was sorry to know how much she had suffered in her time in Milton. She had arrived a girl, but sorrow had made her a woman.

Now, she was alone in the world, except for relatives in far away countries. John knew that she would leave Milton, but with his whole heart, he longed for her to stay and be his wife.

He thought on all he had learned only yesterday of Margaret's brother. Margaret should go to Spain to live with him. He knew that if Fanny were in the same position as Margaret, he would be hurt and offended if she did not come to him. It was not only a brother's duty, but his right to care for the women in the family.

His heart ached to think of Margaret so far away from Milton. The only way she could remain in town was to marry him. He could not imagine her agreeing that. His mill was struggling, his mother and sister were terrible to her, and she had only known grief and hardship in Milton. No, she was lost to him, and he had to accept it.

His thoughts turned to Henry Lennox. Would Margaret choose to go her brother, or would she choose to marry Lennox? If she went to Spain, it was unlikely she would ever return to England, but if she married Lennox, she would not have to leave the country she grew up in. She could visit her family in Greece, then live in London at some fashionable address as the wife of a successful barrister. She would gain a mother in Mrs. Lennox. John remembered that Bell had said that Margaret was very close to Mrs. Lennox.

John had been so lost in his thoughts that he lost track of time. They would be in Oxford in less than two hours. He was pleased to see Miss Hale still fast asleep. He would rest as well while he could.

About half an hour later, both Dixon and Margaret woke. Dixon was hungry, so she took food from the basket to share with Margaret. There were also jars of water, and Margaret made sure to save one for Mr. Thornton.

As it happened, Mr. Thornton was a light sleeper and even though Dixon and Margaret had been quiet, he woke up.

Margaret had surveyed the contents of the basket and saw Dixon had packed cheese, bread, and fruit. "Mr. Thornton, we were about to have something to eat. May I make you a plate?"

John appreciated Dixon's forethought to pack food. As on cue, his stomach grumbled.

John was embarrassed, but Margaret said, I am hungry, too, Mr. Thornton. She arranged his plate with slices of freshly baked bread, slices of aged cheddar cheese, and ruby red grapes.

She handed him a jar of water and napkin. John enjoyed her attention and smiled his thanks to her.

Margaret made Dixon a plate, and then herself one as well. The three hungry travelers enjoyed the repast. When they had all finished eating, Margaret packed the remaining food and the plates away. She would wash everything when they got to their lodgings.

"Mr. Thornton," Margaret asked, "How long until we get to Oxford?

John took out his pocket watch, "Miss Hale, we should be there by 11:00. Once we arrive in Oxford, we will go to our lodgings, eat lunch, then attend the service."

John looked at her sympathetically. She was bearing up well, but John knew the pain of her loss, and he wondered how long she could keep her emotions inside.

The rest of the journey passed in relative silence, but it was a comfortable silence.


Finally, they arrived in Oxford. John hailed a cab, got them to their lodgings, and found their rooms. He was situated next door, so he left them to get settled in before lunch. He told them he would return for them in a half hour.

When John got to his room, he was grateful to Adam for his request. Miss Hale was strong, but it might prove to be too much to say goodbye to her father this afternoon. He would be her strength if she would allow it. The day his own father was buried, he was only fourteen years old. His father had committed suicide and left his family to face the consequences of his actions.

Richard Hale had been a gentle man. He was a bit obtuse at times, but always kind. He raised a fiercely independent daughter who was a champion of social justice. John knew that he had never had a better friend than Richard Hale.

At the appointed time, John knocked on the ladies' door and escorted them down to lunch. None of them were very hungry due to having the light repast on the train, but John encouraged Margaret to eat some soup and to have some tea. She complied with his request. Her stomach was all in knots thinking of the service in just a short while, so Margaret had little appetite.

At quarter to the hour, Dixon went back upstairs to rest for the afternoon. She did not agree with Margaret attending the service, but she did not try to discourage Margaret from it.

When they left the café, John offered his arm, and Margaret gladly took it. As they got closer to the chapel, she learned on him.

John felt such love for her, and such sympathy. He knew she was being as brave as she could be, but her strength was waning the closer they got to the chapel.

When they arrived at the chapel, they were met by Adam Bell, and much to Margaret's surprise, Henry Lennox.

Henry was displeased to see Margaret on John's arm, and he noted that she was walking closer to him than was proper.

Mr. Bell spoke first, "We were waiting for you, Margaret. You will sit on the front pew of course. You will be pleased to see that a number of your father's old friends are in attendance today."

Margaret nodded her head in understanding.

He turned to Mr. Thornton, "Thank you for bringing Miss Hale to Oxford."

John nodded his head.

Henry addressed the woman he loved, "Margaret, I was at my club in London yesterday when I heard the sad news of your father's untimely death. I cannot tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I have always liked your father."

"Thank you, Henry for coming, and thank you, Mr. Bell for all you have done for Papa. Mr. Thornton has given up much of his time to escort me here, and I am blessed to have such friends as the three of you."

Mr. Bell said it was time to go in, and he led the way. Margaret held on tight to Mr. Thornton, and she turned to him with sorrowful eyes, "Mr. Thornton, will you sit next to me?"

John said, "Of course, Miss Hale."

Henry was annoyed, but he would assert his claim on Margaret later after the funeral.

Margaret did not shed a tear during the funeral, but when they lowered her father's casket in the ground, she struggled to control her emotions. John covered both of her hands with his and squeezed them. He bent down and whispered in her ear, "I am here for you."

After the funeral was over, and Margaret was able to thank all who came to the service, Bell invited them all for supper that evening at his home. A time was agreed upon, and John said that he needed to get Margaret back to her room to rest. Henry was still vexed that Thornton had taken such a proprietary role with Margaret, but he would have a private conversation with her after dinner tonight.

Henry walked a while with Mr. Bell. "What do you know of Thornton's intentions toward Margaret? Surely, he cannot expect to offer for her. Margaret will not want to remain in that dirty and smoky town."

Adam liked to stir the pot, so to speak, so he said, "Lennox, I think our Margaret has to make the choice for her future without any pressure from those who care for her."

The two men parted ways and Henry went back to his lodgings.


John and Margaret got about a block down the street before she asked him to stop.

"Mr. Thornton, may we go back to the cemetery for a moment? I want to say goodbye to my father in private.

"We may, Miss Hale." As they got closer to the cemetery, Margaret's tears began to flow. John offered his handkerchief, and she took it gratefully.

John left her at her father's graveside and walked a respectful distance away. The sight before him tore at his heart. Margaret was on her knees weeping. He tried to stay away, but she was in pain, and so alone. He would offer what comfort he could.

When he got to her side, he lifted her up and gathered her in his arms. She wrapped hers around him and sobbed. When the torrent of tears finally stopped, she looked up at him without leaving his arms. "Mr. Thornton, you are the kindest man. I do not deserve your kindness, but I appreciate it all the same. For just a moment, she snuggled closer in his arms, and laid her head on his chest. He wished to always hold her like this and to be her shelter from life's storms.

Margaret collected herself and left the comfort of Mr. Thornton's arms. She could barely look at him. Ladies do not lose control of their emotions like she had just done in another's presence. What must he think of her?

"I am very sorry, Mr. Thornton. I have dampened your coat and embarrassed myself."

John lifted her chin, so she had to look up at him.

"Miss Hale, you are the bravest woman I know, and I am glad that I was able to offer you some measure of comfort. You have nothing to be embarrassed about."

Margaret just nodded, took his arm, and they walked back to the hotel without conversation, and Margaret felt comfort in his presence. She was not alone today, and she was grateful.

That night at dinner, Adam Bell asked Margaret what her thoughts were on her future. As her godfather, it was his duty to see that her wishes were fulfilled.

Margaret wanted to speak of Frederick, but was unsure if Mr. Thornton knew of her brother. Maybe Mr. Bell had told him about Frederick. Mr. Thornton had assured her yesterday that he knew her to be a virtuous woman.

Henry thought he would assert his more intimate knowledge of the Hale family, and it was he who brought up Frederick.

"Margaret, as both the London family and your brother are out of the country, I have another thought for you to consider. My mother is to return home to Scotland in just three days, and I will escort her myself. If you want, you can go to Scotland to stay with Mother for awhile. You will have some time to grieve properly before you make a decision about your future."

"I love your mother, Henry, and that is certainly a fine idea. I may take you up on it. When are you returning to London?"

"Tonight, on the last train out. Margaret, my mother considers you a daughter, and I am sure you would be welcome to live with her for as long as you need."

Henry and Margaret's use of their Christian names grated on John's nerves. There were family, by marriage, and were afforded such familiarity. It was not lost on John that Mrs. Lennox was an asset in Lennox's pursuit of Margaret's hand in marriage, and his mother was most certainly a liability.

Adam Bell felt he had to intervene. "Margaret, if you wish to go to Spain to your brother, I will escort you and Dixon to Cadiz myself."

Adam addressed both John and Henry, "My godson has a cotton plantation he thinks I need to invest in, so I had planned on going to Spain soon anyway."

Mr. Bell continued, "If it is Greece is where you wish to go, I will escort you there instead. The choice is entirely yours, my dear. My offer stands to escort you either place, even if you choose to visit Mrs. Lennox for a time before making the voyage to either country."

Henry had one last card to play, "Margaret, my mother and sister are planning to go to Greece in two months' time for the birth of Edith and Maxwell's child. If you want to go with them, I will escort you ladies myself, and Mr. Bell, it will save you the long journey."

Adam Bell turned to his beloved godchild, "My dear, it seems you have much to consider. For now, you will go back to Milton, help Dixon decide what personal items you want to keep, and within the week, you must decide where your future lies. It is not proper, nor safe, for a young lady to live alone."

Margaret nodded in agreement, "Yes, Mr. Bell. I know you are right."

Mr. Thornton had one more choice for her, and he had to put it forth.

"Miss Hale, I hope you will consider staying in my home as my mother's guest while you decide where your future lies. You would be most welcome."

Bell had to hold his tongue. The last place he wanted his dear Margaret was with Mrs. Thornton. The woman was unkind to Margaret, and Bell heard enough about it when he made his regular visits to Milton. Too bad Fanny Watson and Margaret had never been friends. It would have been another alternative for Margaret to stay in Milton while arrangements were made for her to travel to her relatives.

John could see Margaret was both tired and overwhelmed.

"I need to get Miss Hale back to her rooms to rest. It has been a long and tiring day. Thank you, Adam, for making the arrangements tp honor Mr. Hale today.

John first extended his hand to Adam Bell, then to Henry. Henry hesitated a moment but shook Thornton's hand. Both men knew they were rivals and neither intended to concede anything to the other.