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Chapter 3

Hannah Thornton gravely disapproved of Margaret Hale that much was evident to both John and Margaret. They had spent a month courting, before John broached the subject of marriage again. Mrs Thornton, not yet wanting to give up her reign of the house, thought it was too soon for John to be thinking of marriage. For surely there would be better prospects for her hardworking son, than a clergyman's daughter.

"Margaret, the last time I asked you this question, you wanted us to learn more about each other. We have spent every day together for the last month. I thought it unimaginable, but my feelings for you have grown exponentially in the past month. The one hour I get to spend with you each day is the only thing I look forward to. You've given me purpose, made me a better man, a better master to my men, a better brother to my sister..." Mr Thornton drifted off as he saw tears in his beloved's eyes.

Margaret stood him up from his knees and kissed the trembling fist in her hands, she then pulled his face down to her level and kissed his cheek, wiping his tears away, before whispering a happy 'yes'. She didn't want to torment a proposal out of him for she knew how much he loved her.

The relief he felt was monumental as he almost crushed her in his embrace. After a few moments, he let her go just enough for her to gasp in some air. They both sat back down before Margaret started talking again "John, please do hear me out - I do love you, maybe not as much as you love me, but I do love you. I feel this ache in my heart every time you leave, and oh you must think of me wanton when I say this, I dream about you sometimes and wake with a pulsing ache in my stomach. I don't know what it all means, but if you still want me for a wife after knowing all of this, then I'm yours."

John for his part couldn't be happier for he knew that her love for him would grow with some time and patience on his part. Greater still was his joy in the knowledge of his love dreaming about him. There hadn't been a night since he met her when he hadn't dreamt of her. Each night he woke, facing the cruel reality of an empty bed.

"I am not letting you go, my love, not for anything in the world. To know that you love me, and dream of me is enough. I hope you don't wish for a long engagement, for I don't think I could bear being parted from you any longer."

Margaret patted his arm, her eyes sparkling "Oh, no I do not want a long engagement at all, 6 months sounds good to me."

John missed the expression on her face as he thought about a six month long engagement "Maybe we should just elope?" He asked hopefully.

Margaret's laughter rang out "On the other hand, I do believe a week will suffice. Do you think you can wait that long?"

"Being married this second wouldn't be soon enough, darling. I wish we were married the second we met!" John replied, playing with one of her escaped curls.

"But surely not! I was so horrible to you then." Margaret argued.

"Which is why I fell so hard for you. The women I met before you were sheep, they didn't care about my character, or what I did for a living, all they cared for was my wealth. You couldn't care less for my wealth, for you seem set on making me the kindest Master in all of Milton."

Mr Hale walked into the living room, puzzled by all the ratchet, and saw his daughter and pupil sitting close together and holding hands. As much as he approved of the match, such impropriety! Yet the smiles on their faces, could it be? "What's going on here?" His voice boomed, pulling the couple out of their daze.

"Father!" Margaret was startled, but recovered, a smile gracing her face once again "Mr Thornton has asked me to be his wife, and I accepted."

"Oh dear, that is great! I am truly happy for you both." He had tears in his eyes as he pulled his daughter and his new son into an embrace. He could finally rest in peace knowing that his little girl would be taken care of.

"Father, we wish to be married in two days." Margaret spoke to the surprise of both men.

John took both her hands in his "Truly? I am so overjoyed I don't know how to express myself! I will get a marriage licence straight away." He kissed the back of her hand.

She truly understood him. The house on the mill was somehow filled with misery. Maybe they would move somewhere in the suburbs after marriage. He would find a place with a large backyard so their children would have the space to play and grow.

"If you wish Maggie, but you must write to your aunt and cousin, and oh dear I need to write to Mr Bell" Mr Hale was muttering about young love all the way to his study. As an afterthought he called out "Please do leave some kissing for after the wedding." Both Margaret and John turned lobster red.

A/N:The wedding will be in the next chapter. Please do follow the story for regular updates. How much detail do you want for their first time together? I don't imagine they were too creative back in the day... Let me know in your review.