As he continued through the empty streets of Milton with Margaret, John felt the burden of weeks of pent up jealousy, anger and suspicion lifting off his shoulders. Though he still could not guarantee her affection – especially after all that had occurred between them – John felt there was again reason to hope.

He could tell that Margaret was cautious. That was to be expected he supposed given the circumstances. But although things were a long way from perfect between them, they both seemed to be making an effort. They were both making amends. And that pleased him.

John had enquired after Margaret's next 'project' but she would not reveal the particulars saying she would prefer to show him when they reached their destination. She did however tell him that it related to a gift Mr Bell had bestowed before returning to Oxford.

John followed her until they arrived in front of a row of dilapidated shops in one of Milton's original streets. The building appeared to have been vacated long ago. Most of the paint had flaked away and there were a number of windows missing panes of glass.

'What do you think?' Margaret's face was lit up with enthusiasm.

John couldn't help but smile though he was no wiser as to what he was looking at.

'Welcome to the Maria Hale Infant School – or at least it will be when I can afford to refit it.'

John took a deep breath and shook his head. He did not wish to curb her enthusiasm but he wondered if she had thought it through. 'That is admirable Margaret but the rent alone will be more…'

'Mr Bell has given me free use of the building. As you can see, it has been without tenants for some time so he thought perhaps I could put it to good use.'

John's discerning eyes began to look for the possibilities in the structure.

Margaret opened a door with a key she pulled from her drawstring purse. 'It used to house a milliner and a dressmaker. When New Street became more attractive for businesses, they ended their lease with Mr Bell. The front is more suited to a shop, but out the back….'

Margaret walked through to a large hall that undoubtedly had stored bolts of material and accommodated seamstresses. John imagined the workers hunched over sewing assignments, working in the dark to meet endless demands.

'This area will be converted to classrooms.'

John looked around. Other than for the layers of dust and the lack of natural light it was a useful space. 'You will need more windows, and it could do with a fresh coat of paint.' He continued through to the adjoining milliner's space. 'And these rooms?'

Margaret's face became thoughtful. 'It will not be for some time, but I will either expand the school..'

'Or?'

'Well what I would really like to do is establish a shelter for destitute women and children.'

Her simple wish affected him more than he could have anticipated. Painful memories invaded John's thoughts as she said those words. He turned to study a some old candelabra.

'I have too often seen women and children abandoned or forced to endure untenable situations when they have no other means of assistance. A shelter would give them somewhere to stay and food in their bellies - for a few days at least in dire circumstances.' Margaret sighed at the enormity of it all. 'But before I can even think about that I want to have the school funding itself, independent of charitable benefactors. '

Recovering his countenance John asked, 'How do you plan to do that?'

'I am going to establish a second hand store in the shop front. I am confident I can rally the town's richer families to donate unwanted clothing and provisions like blankets and perhaps even furniture. Then, by selling them cheap to the less advantaged in our community, not only will it be providing a great service to the people who frequent it, it should also deliver a steady income for the school.

John returned his gaze to Margaret. 'Remarkable,' he said quietly.

'Not really,' said Margaret. 'People just need to be close enough to see a problem, understand how they can help fix it…'

'No, I meant you.' John looked with marvel at the young woman.

Looking away shyly, Margaret continued. 'Once the shop is established and I have relocated the children we will hold a bazaar to celebrate the opening and raise more funds. And then all going well we will then hold a gala ball later in the summer.'

John held up his hand, 'Stop Margaret. I am exhausted just listening.' He smiled at her. She met his eyes but did not turn away this time. He suddenly became aware of how alone they were in the abandoned building. He noticed a tendril of hair caressing her pink cheeks and was surprised by how much he longed to sweep it back behind her ear. To touch her face right now would be heaven. But he needed to be sensible. He would not be so bold until he was sure it was what she wanted too. He told himself that they needed time. He wanted to be certain that they could successfully overcome their differences without quarreling again. Especially if they were ever to be partners in every sense: as man and wife; as friends; as lovers. The last thought sent a shiver of desire through him that he had little experienced before. All he knew at that point was that he needed to exit the situation before he acted rashly. 'Shall we return you to Crampton?'

Margaret's face contorted slightly before she nodded. Stepping back out into the sunlight she stopped suddenly. 'Oh, I should lock the door.'

John took the key from her fingers. 'Allow me.' After securing the lock he turned to offer Margaret his arm. He slid the key into his coat pocket rather than returning it to his companion. 'So tell me your plans for this bazaar. I can't say I have ever attended one.'

Margaret gave John a side-glance and smiled. 'They have been quite fashionable in London for many years. My Aunt Shaw belongs to the Royal Benevolent Society and arranges one annually – for one cause or another. They may be as small or as large as can be, with a range of stalls selling fancy goods or useful articles. It is like a marketplace, except for the purpose of charity rather than commerce.

'How does it work?' John enquired with interest.

Stalls are let out to merchants or individuals to ply their wares. The organising committee may then use some of the money to provide entertainment and sell refreshments thus promoting a merry mood. Indeed such amusements makes charity so entertaining that people tend to forget they are parting with their money at all!'

John chortled. 'Wicked scheme, indeed.'

'It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to mix outside of one's family or usual social circle. Some bazaars even have fireworks at the end of the day, or a dance.' Margaret frowned. 'Alas we can only afford to do what our pocket book allows.'

'How will you advertise it?'

Margaret pursed her full lips in thought. 'I had thought we could put notices at the church and in some obliging shop windows. Word of mouth should do for the rest. I will leave Mrs Phillips in charge of that.'

John laughed, nodding in agreement. 'Capital idea. Mrs Phillips will be exemplary.'

'And then I hope to get a prominent person – perhaps the Mayor – to open it.'

John shook his head. 'You are fearless Margaret.' They walked a little way further towards Crampton before John decided to raise a concern that was beginning to trouble him. 'I am full of admiration for your efforts. And I have no doubts that many people will benefit from your work…'

'Oh dear, I can tell by your tone that there is to be a 'but' appended to your words,' Margaret said dryly. 'But?...'

John grimaced. 'Do you not fear for your reputation – becoming so involved as you are?

Margaret looked at him questioningly.

Glancing at the sky almost as if seeking divine guidance he continued. 'You are entering spheres that few women in a place like Milton have entered before.'

'I'm not sure I know what you mean. There are many women who successfully work in or operate businesses here. There are women who are in professions like teaching and nursing. They are very involved in the town.'

'Yes, but…'

'How am I any different?' Margaret waited for his response.

John hesitated before answering. 'Most of them are married, have been married or if not have no hope of ever being married. Few of them are as young, attractive and conveniently unattached as you are.'

Margaret rolled her eyes in irritation.

Feeling uneasy about her reaction he then urged, 'Now please do not misinterpret me. I am merely cautioning you that not everyone will look upon your drive and ambition with the approbation it deserves. There will be some who will inevitably criticise you, claiming you do what you do for the attention and notoriety rather than for a noble cause.'

'Is that what you believe Mr Thornton?' Margaret said solemnly

John was mortified. 'No, of course not.'

Margaret gave him a wide grin. 'Well then, I have nothing to fear. I am determined only to worry about those opinions that matter to me the most. And as for the rest…let's just say that nothing else can be more important to me than the children whose lives it is within my power to improve.'

Margaret stopped suddenly, slipping her arm out of his and turning to face him. 'Unless of course you think my conduct will reflect poorly on those connected with me. That they may be tainted by association?'

John took her arm again and tucked it firmly under his to recommence their walk. 'If I did think that Margaret, I definitely would not be worth your concern.'