I realised this fic has to be slightly AU, in that Mrs Thornton never pushed John to offer marriage, so it's not so strongly on his mind. Let's say she was away from home the day of the riots, and never knew of Margaret's presence, so never pushed the proposal. Also AU regarding Bessie, but whatever.
Resolved to be more open and warm, Margaret invited Mr Thornton in to the sitting room with a smile, and offered tea.
"No, thank you, Miss Hale. I must soon return to the mill."
"Of course," Margaret replied "You must be quite busy cleaning up after the riots."
Thornton stared speculatively at Miss Hale, trying to determine whether this was in any way a veiled criticism. Seeing nothing of that in Margaret's friendly and open face, Thornton replied slowly "Indeed we are, Miss Hale. It is of yesterday which I which to speak to you. I would first offer my sincerest apologies that you were injured. I cannot help but feel responsible. Are you recovered?"
Margaret paused, and looked carefully at Mr Thornton. His somewhat more loquacious manner was making her resolution to be more civil remarkably easier. In turn, Thornton was glad that she had not taken the mention of the riot wrongly and begun another argument about the Irish workers.
Margaret offered a small smile. "To be sure, sir, I am quite recovered. Thank you for your concern, but pray do not trouble yourself. The fault was mine alone. I put myself before the crowd and was injured. The action was mine alone and so blame for the consequences should also be apportioned to me."
John readied himself for an awkward turn of the conversation "I must approach a somewhat indelicate matter, Miss Hale. You were seen holding on to me by many workers, some of whom may have recognised you. As such, I have some concern about your reputation."
"My reputation?" Margaret interjected.
"Yes, Miss Hale," John said, willing her with his eyes not to lose her temper. "I am concerned that there may be talk, as we stood so closely by one another. I merely wished to ask your opinion about how best to approach this situation. "
At first surprised and somewhat flattered by his seeking her opinion rather than telling her what to do, Margaret's stomach then filled with nervous butterflies, as she realised that the implication of such conduct being seen publically would be that they were to marry.
John watched Margaret's face carefully, seeing first the bloom of a pleased blush steal over her cheeks, followed by a sharp decline in her colour as she understood his words.
"I do not understand Mr Thornton. Are you saying we ought to get married?" The last word trembled.
Seeing how the idea was not pleasing to her, John attempted to be tactful, and, leaning forward so that his elbows rested on his knees, replied, "Indeed, no, not if you do not wish it. Rather, I was wondering at whether you believed such a precaution necessary, considering the circumstances. If you do not wish to marry me, Miss Hale, I would not wish you unhappy. However, I would not want to see your reputation ruined by vicious rumours about us. I merely thought we should discuss this."
Margaret's eyes darted about the room as she tried to absorb this turn. Mr Thornton was prepared to marry her, to save her reputation? That her reputation was indeed in trouble had not even occurred to her. Thornton's forethought and offer of protection had a profound effect on Margaret, and she began to realise the true worth of the man sitting in the chair opposite her.
"I thank you sir, for raising this matter to my attention. I appreciate your concern on my behalf. If it is not too much of an inconvenience, sir, could be discuss this further tomorrow? Once I have had the chance to think, and we may have a clearer idea of whether anyone recognised me, and whether an engagement would be necessary…" Margaret trailed off, frown lines on her forehead.
Standing, Mr Thornton bowed. "I am at your service. I shall return tomorrow, at the same time."
Margaret too stood, to see John to the door. "Thank you, Mr Thornton."
And so, with a mind full of thee possibilities and implications of her conduct, and eager to hear of any words being spoken against her, Margaret saw John out, before gathering her hat and gloves and heading to see the Higgens'. Bessie, slightly recovered from the last time she saw her, greeted Margaret warmly, and spoke to her of the excitement the previous day. Bessie detailed the sighting of a mysterious and unidentified woman who was injured, and speculated as to her identity.
That night, Margaret, confident of her identity remaining a secret, thought of the conduct of Mr Thornton. Again, everything he had done had been in the service of another, namely, herself. He had been polite, more talkative, with improved manners and mode of address. And his eyes… Margaret fell asleep that night knowing that she could not in good conscience accept Mr Thornton's proposal on the current grounds. However, she knew that she indeed wanted to spend more time getting to know the tall man with the deep voice and pleasing manner.
At Mr Thornton's visit the next day, Margaret calmly and dispassionately expressed her view that an engagement was not necessary, while thanking John for the honour of the offer. On seeing John's scarcely concealed disappointment, Margaret wondered if perhaps his offer was based on more than just courtesy, and that he may have feelings for her. Observing him closely as he picked up his gloves to leave, and catching his longing look in her direction, Margaret saw the opportunity to ensure she saw more of John.
"Will my father have the pleasure of your company for your lesson tonight, Mr Thornton?"
Thinking that perhaps her rejection, however sweetly worded, was still too raw, John hesitated. Then Margaret interjected.
"If it would not be too much trouble, I should like to be present. I am eager to hear more of your views on the workers, and perhaps, convince you of my own views," she said archly, a smile arising on her lips.
John could not help but laugh, and Margaret could not help but stare at his exposed neck as he did so.
"Indeed Miss Hale, I should not like to deprive you of any opportunity to convince me of your superior reasoning," he said, settling his mirth. "I shall be here at eight for my lesson."
Margaret smiled, and they held eyes for a few moments. "Good day, then, sir. I look forward to your company."
And so it went, that each week, in a rational and thoughtful manner, both Margaret and John displayed their common sense and common courtesy towards each other in Mr Hales study. And after a period, when both parties realised that those times were the highlight of the week, and Miss Hales opinion of John was so improved that she now considered him the best of men, feelings were hinted at, expressed and reciprocated, and an engagement was set. The young couple faced many hardships during their engagement, Miss Hale losing both her mother and father and Mr Thornton only retaining the mill by the fortune of a particularly hot summer. However, the couple were so confident in the love and faith and fidelity of the other that their misfortunes did not but strnegthen their mutual dependence and regard.
A/N: Just wondering, should the third shot be the engagement, or set a few years later? Could do both, let me know which you'd prefer though.