Margaret opened the front door almost as soon as she heard the knock. 'Doctor, thank you so much for coming. My mother has taken a turn for the worse again I fear. She is in great pain and has a fever.' Margaret hesitated, looking outside before she closed the front door behind the kindly physician. 'Where is Mr Thornton?'

'He thought it best, in the circumstances, to go home.' The doctor motioned towards the stairs. 'Your mother is upstairs in her bedroom I presume?'

Appearing bewildered Margaret said, 'Yes doctor, yes we must hurry, she is in terrible pain.'

Margaret followed Dr Donaldson up to her mother's room. Dixon was sitting beside the patient, wiping her brow and making gentle cossetting noises like a mother trying to sooth her baby. 'The doctor is here now ma'am – he will make you feel much better. I will leave you now, but I won't be far. I promise.' As the matronly lady stood up she wiped her own tears away before moving to make way for the doctor.

Margaret reached out to hold Dixon's hand momentarily trying to give comfort where she could. Both ladies watched on as the doctor felt Mrs Hale's pulse and after checking her for fever, administered the last of the opiates.

'Mrs Hale,' the doctor spoke loudly as if trying to rouse the lady from the delirium she had slipped into. 'Mrs Hale, you will feel better soon. Try to sleep once the elixir takes effect.'

The doctor turned around, and nodded to Margaret to signify that he had done all he could tonight. Margaret once again accompanied him back down the stairs.

'I will come again tomorrow morning to check on your mother before I begin my rounds. Your father is not home?' Dr Donaldson looked into the dining room as he passed in case the gentleman of the house had arrived whilst they were upstairs.

'Papa had to go to town on urgent business today Dr Donaldson. I expect him later this evening. I know he wishes to speak with you regarding payment for Mamma's treatment.' Margaret did her best to stay composed.

'Yes I am quite anxious to speak to him about the very same topic.' A small smile twitched at Dr Donaldson's lips. 'Well, good night Miss Hale. I shall see you in the morning.' Before he walked away the doctor turned thoughtfully and said 'You know, you have a very good friend in Mr Thornton. '

'Indeed we do,' said Margaret, uncertain of the doctor's meaning but finding herself agreeing in complete earnestness.

Margaret closed the door with a heavy heart. Everything now hinged upon her father's success in convincing Mr Bell to pay for the treatment for her mother. Margaret had witnessed her mother in unbearable pain tonight. It was hard enough to watch her die. But to watch her die suffering was its own torture.

As Margaret returned to her parent's room, there lay her mother, with an unmistakable look on her face. She might be better now; she was sleeping, but Death had signed her for his own, and it was clear that ere long he would return to take possession. Dixon, the eternally faithful servant had resumed her watch and was sitting by the mistress's side, caressing her cheek, holding her hand.

Margaret had never felt so exhausted. She was physically and mentally wearied from the ordeals of the last few days. She felt a desperate urge to cry. To lie down and cry until she could cry no more. But she knew she needed to stay strong – for everyone's sake.

Margaret left her mother in Dixon's care and went down to the little kitchen to boil some water for tea and wait for her father's return.

Later as Margaret was sitting reading in the front room, she heard the door open and close. "Papa is that you?'

She stood to greet him, waiting for him to first hang his coat and hat. As he faced her Margaret could tell that the news was not good. Mr Hale sat down in his chair, slumping like a man defeated.

Margaret went to kneel by her father. 'Papa?'

Mr Hale shook his head.

Margaret felt cold. 'Mr Bell will not lend you the money?'

Again Mr Hale shook his head. 'No, it was a wasted trip I feel. Mr Bell was not there. His manservant said that he has gone north on business and will not return for at least a fortnight.'

'Oh Papa.'

'How was your mother today Margaret? Is she resting comfortably.'

Margaret's lip trembled as she relayed the events of earlier this evening. She stopped short of telling her father how frightened she felt by the severity of her mother's turn.

Looking at her father, Margaret thought how old he looked tonight. 'Papa you look tired. Shall I make you some tea?'

Mr Hale petted his beautiful daughters head. 'No, my dear. I am weary. I think I will retire. '

Margaret bit her lip. 'Papa, Dr Donaldson says he will come in the morning before his rounds. He wants to discuss the payment for Mother's treatment.'

Her father exhaled. 'Yes, we cannot avoid that topic I am afraid.' Mr Hale was contemplative for a moment before saying reluctantly, 'Margaret, I think I will go and see Mr Thornton tomorrow.' He held up his hand as Margaret motioned to speak. 'I know you do not think it sensible, but my dear there is nothing else to be done.'

Margaret looked sympathetically at her father. 'Papa, you misunderstand me. I was not going to stop you. I was merely going to offer to go to Mr Thornton in your place.'

Mr Hale looked quizzically at her. 'That is unexpected Margaret. Why would you do that?'

Margaret felt uncomfortable by her father's scrutiny and laughingly said 'Call it women's intuition. I don't know Father. Maybe it's just…Perhaps Mr Thornton may be more sympathetic to a woman?'

Mr Hale pulled a dubious face and said, 'Let's discuss it again in the morning my child.' Easing himself out of his chair stiffly, he kissed Margaret on the cheek before shuffling from the room.

Margaret found it close to impossible to sleep that night. Nothing could erase the thoughts of what must be done. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest and her body felt damp with perspiration as she tossed and turned.

Eventually in the early hours Margaret gave up her battle, dressed and went to the kitchen to light a fire and make herself some tea. The nerves in her stomach would not tolerate food so she sat and sipped the hot liquid staring into the flames until the first light of dawn.

Writing a quick note for her father, Margaret let herself out of the tiny house and joined the few strangers already going about their business for the day. The market people were busy setting up their wares. Margaret's nose wrinkled at the pungent smell of fresh horse manure intermingled with the salty stench of freshly slaughtered pigs piled on top of one another ready to be butchered. Reaching for her lace handkerchief to cover her nose she admired the blooms the flower lady stacked into her cart. Margaret wished she had enough money in her coin purse to buy some for her mother's bedside.

Margaret ignored the inquisitive looks from the market people. She knew it must seem peculiar to them that a lady such as herself was on the street at this hour. But Margaret knew that she would not be easy until she had completed her errand.

Many people would consider it impolite to call upon a respectable gentleman at this hour. But Margaret sensed that Mr Thornton was an early riser. She had little doubt that he would be toiling away at his business, perhaps even been at his desk for some time already this morning.

Margaret also preferred that this particular call be made without the notice of his many employees. It would likely be another hour until the mill was buzzing with activity. She also prayed that her visit would go unnoticed by his mother and sister if it could at all be helped.

Margaret could feel her hands start to tremble as she approached Marlborough Mill. Her heart was now erratic, so much so that she was starting to feel a little dizzy. Trying to calm herself she took some deep breaths as she rang the bell at the gate that usually sat open during the day. She waited a few moments before trying the bell again. A moment later she heard a familiar deep voice call out, 'Yes, I'm coming.'

Margaret stood tall and once again inhaled deeply. She wanted to run but determined she would not – not now she had come so far. As she heard the rattle of keys, Margaret braced herself. Smoothing out her dress in apprehension, she waited for Mr Thornton's appearance.