'Margaret, could you come into the sitting room for a moment. I have something important I need to discuss with you.'

Margaret was troubled by the soberness of her father's face. She had noticed how much older he was looking of late. Her mother's death had undoubtedly taken its toll, and Margaret sometimes worried for her father's health. He had largely withdrawn from others - excepting Mr Thornton and his other students. Indeed, for the latter he would see as many pupils as he could manage, but the income was not always as reliable or well-paid as his earnings as a country parson – meager as it had been. Margaret only wished her father's pride would tolerate her taking a paid position as a teacher or governess herself in order to help make ends meet. But Mr Hale would not hear of her abandoning her 'charitable mission to improve the lives of those less fortunate' as he had once said.

Margaret followed her father into the sitting room and sat down before him. She noticed that he held a letter in his grasp. The script was unfamiliar to her. Mr Hale obviously wanted to talk about the contents. 'Papa?'

Mr Hale sat down and looked at the words on the piece of parchment in front of him. 'I have had a letter today. From Senor Barbour.'

'Barbour..Is that not Frederick's..'

'Father-in-law, my dear. Delores and Frederick were recently married it would seem.' There was a hint of sadness in Mr Hale's voice.

'That is wonderful news Papa – yet you do not seem happy about it?'

Mr Hale sighed. 'I am happy for Frederick. Of course I am delighted that he has found love and a family to be a part of.' Mr Hale squeezed Margaret's hand.

'I think I understand you Papa. You regret that you cannot be present with him - to share in his happiness. But perhaps we may travel one summer to Spain to meet them all? Frederick cannot risk coming here, again. But surely we can go to him? Mr Bell would accompany us I think?'

Mr Hale stood up then to stoke the fire. 'Margaret..' He was searching for words. 'Margaret, Senor Barbour wishes..he has asked if we would like to make a more permanent arrangement in Cadiz.'

'I'm sorry Father? I do not understand your meaning.'

'Senor Barbour is offering us a house and an allowance if we will move to Spain. It would seem that the Senor is a very rich and a very generous man and wants to do everything he can to secure the happiness of his only daughter and son-in-law.'

Margaret was taken aback. She had not anticipated this. To leave Milton? The school? To leave John?

It was not long ago that the chance to live anywhere but this cold and smoky town would have appealed to Margaret. But now it seemed unthinkable.

'What are your own thoughts on the matter Papa?'

'I hardly know my dear girl. On one hand I feel such remorse that one removal has cost me my wife. She will be here; I feel it my duty, my penance almost, to stay out my appointed time.'

Margaret admonished him quietly. 'No Papa. You should not say that.'

Mr Hale waved away her sympathy. 'No Margaret. Do not protect me for there is an equally selfish side that relishes the thought of living out my days in comfort. Basking in the sun. Being taken care of so that I need not worry about what will become of me or what will become of you.'

'Me?'

'Yes my dear. I do so worry about you. Who will provide for you if something happens to me?'

'Aunt Shaw would surely take me back to Harley Street.' Margaret tried not to show her distaste at the thought of returning to the tedium of London life.

'Yes, I'm sure she would. But no one would love and care for you like your own brother, Margaret. Aunt Shaw has Edith to concern herself with. In time, if you were not to marry, you may become ...'

'A burden? I would not want that either Papa.' Margaret then sank to her knees to sit by her father's feet. 'But Papa, you have many years left, I am certain of it.'

'Yes I am sure you are right my dear.' Mr Hale patted Margaret's head affectionately. 'But still, I think I will write to thank Senor Barbour for his kind offer and tell him that we will take some time to consider it. I fear I was too hasty in my decision to come to Milton. I will not make the same mistake in my decision to take leave of it.'

Margaret leant her head against her father's knee in contemplation.

'How have the children settled into their new school building?'

Though feeling unsettled by her father's news, Margaret fought to wear a brighter face. 'Marvelously. And I dare say the Reverend is pleased that he now has the Sunday school room back.'

'Yes, indeed.' Mr Hale chortled. 'So what is next for you and the ladies committee Margaret?'

'Well now that Mr Thornton..' Margaret felt strangely self-conscious just saying his name out loud,' now that he has improved the premises, we can also start on the charity store. Mrs Phillips and I are going to visit many of the prominent homes of Milton this week to solicit donations of unwanted items that may be sold to the workers of the town for a small sum. We are quite excited about it.'

'That is wonderful news. Another worthy pursuit.'

'Yes and the money we make should secure the future of the infant school.'

Mr Hale sat forward as if he had a sudden thought. 'Speaking of Mr Thornton Margaret, have you heard when he is likely to return from London?'

Margaret blushed that her father thought she should know more about Mr Thornton's whereabouts than he. 'No Papa. But it has been two weeks now. I do not think it should be long.' Margaret hoped her father would not detect the longing in her voice.

Mrs Phillips, with her usual level of exuberance, assisted Margaret to call upon the best families in Milton to request their assistance. Before the week was over items began piling up on the doorstep of the Margaret Hale Infant School.

'What shall I do with it all Mary?' Margaret said to Mary one morning.

'Begin selling it Miss – what else?'

'I suppose you are right. I hadn't planned on opening the store for another month at least. But with all of this?' Margaret picked up a gown that looked like it had barely been worn. She held it in front of her and pretended to dance.

Mary laughed. 'Perhaps you should buy that one for yourself Miss. You would look like a proper bit of frock. Not that you need it miss. You are beautiful without it.'

Margaret embraced the girl before a splendid thought occurred to her. 'Here, you have it.'

'No Miss, I can't..'

'Yes you can. Besides, it looks like it is a better fit for you. You can wear it to the gala ball next year.'

Mary held the gown, her face in awe. 'Oh Miss, I never had anything this beautiful. Father will think I stole it!'

'Well you be sure to tell him to talk to me if he dare say anything of the sort.' Margaret said with mock indignation.

Just at that moment, Margaret noticed a carriage pull up outside. Looking at Mary with curiosity she hastened out to greet it.

Stepping down, in all her recently purchased finery, was Fanny Thornton. Never in her life had Margaret seen so many frills. Her skirt was so wide that Margaret feared Fanny would not fit through the door. Only Fanny's hair was unadorned, tied back in a matronly knot in tribute to her upcoming nuptials.

'You are back from London Miss Thornton?' Margaret's heart immediately leapt to think that John must have returned to Milton too.

'Yes. John probably told you that I went to London to buy wedding clothes. Nothing compares to London for fashion. I believe I must convince Mr Watson to take a house there for I am sure I shall never be able to buy gowns in Milton again.' Fanny looked upon Margaret's day clothes with not so veiled derision. 'Anyway, I have bought so many beautiful pieces that I cannot bear to look at my tatty old things any more. Mama told me about your little..ah..shop,' Fanny referred to the store with a wave of her fingers, 'and I thought you could make use of these.' Just then a servant appeared with an armful of gowns. 'There are some hats too.'

'Thank you Miss Thornton. This is very generous of you.' Margaret turned to see Mary still watching the goings on. 'Mary will you show this young lady where to put everything?' Mary smiled knowingly at Margaret and led the girl into the store.

Fanny fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable in her starched skirt and tight bodice.

Margaret, although feeling a little ashamed, could not help but secretly enjoy her discomfort. 'Miss Thornton, is Mr Thornton returned to the Mill?'

'No, I travelled back to Milton with a family friend. John is still in London. And I daresay he will not be in a hurry to leave either.'

Disappointed but eager to find out about John whereabouts, Margaret asked, 'Why do you say that Miss Thornton? Surely he must be anxious to return to his business?'

Fanny was clearly eager to share her reasons. 'Not at all. You know Miss Hale, I always said that John would never marry. But I am not so sure anymore.'

Margaret felt her throat constrict, her heart thumping. 'Oh? And why is that Miss Thornton?'

Fanny leant in as if to share a confidence. 'If I am not mistaken, John has become quite taken by my friend Miss Latimer. They were thrown together in our travels to London and it now it would seem they have formed an attachment. John is smitten.' Fanny laughed in triumph. 'It is a good match for us Thorntons. Mr Latimer – Anne's father – is John's banker and trusted advisor. And I must confess that nothing would give me more pleasure than to call Anne my sister.'

Margaret thought her legs would give way underneath her. Tears were pricking at her eyes as she forced a smile to her face.

As the servant girl returned, Fanny turned to step back into the carriage. 'Come Jane. I am soon to be a married woman and do not have time for standing about. And besides, I want to be back before Mama notices the horses missing.' And then to Margaret. 'See you at my wedding Miss Hale.'

As the carriage disappeared, Margaret sat down on the nearest crate, winded and disoriented.

'Are you feeling all right miss?' A concerned Mary knelt down by Margaret. 'You look upset?'

'No, it is nothing. Miss Thornton just gave me some news that surprised me, that is all.'

'If you don't mind me saying miss, I wouldn't credit anything Miss Thornton has to say. She is not so kind and decent as some. Jane says she is not so bright either..'

Margaret raised her eyebrows and managed a weak smile for Mary. As Mary returned to the classrooms, Margaret tried to recall Fanny's words. "Miss Latimer." "..formed an attachment." Her mind was racing with the calamity of the situation. Could it be true? Would John transfer his affection so quickly? Was it Miss Latimer's money that attracted him? Or had Margaret with all her unguarded and imprudent behaviour finally driven him into the arms of another? What else could be keeping him in town?

Margaret suddenly felt the chill of the early winter air. It sent a shooting pain through her chest.

She could only hope that Mary and Jane were right about Fanny.