'Well I suppose you've made your mind up. I just wish you'd told me before you went gallivanting of to the south.'
Hannah Thornton's voice was as haughty as ever, her detest for her own sons decision faintly showing in the tone of her words.
John chuckled knowingly at his mothers response to him telling her that he was to marry Miss Hale.
'So you could have stopped me?'
Mrs Thornton sighed and cupped her son's chin in her hands.
'You're my son. I would not have wanted you running off to a place that would…' she paused for a second and looked at Margaret with a hurt expression.
'I'd seen you hurt already. I would not have let you go to a place that could have re-opened old wounds.'
Johns' expression turned blank and his voice gained that forced tone of civility he had often reserved for those tiresome mill owners he associated with.
'I appreciate your concern, Mother. But as you can see, going south did not re-open those wounds. It healed them.'
'Even so…'
'Mother, I would appreciate it if you would keep your opinions of my decisions to yourself. We came here simply to tell you of our engagement and that thanks to Miss Hale you will now be able to keep the house. So I would thank you to be more civil.'
'I'm sorry John. I hope in time I will grow to the idea and accept it.'
John stood up, taking Margaret by the hand. He kissed his mother on her cheek and smiled.
'Thank you mother.'