'It was very good of the Thorntons to send a carriage for us, don't you think Margaret?'

Margaret, seated next to her father, glared ominously across at her Godfather. She was thankful for the poor light of evening. 'Yes, it was very generous of them.'

Mr Bell chuckled with enjoyment at her reaction. 'Although, don't you find this whole idea of a ball two days before a wedding a little excessive?'

Mr Hale nodded. 'It is a little unusual, I grant you.'

'A last dalliance for Miss Thornton perhaps before she is tied by the bonds of matrimony? Or rather her last chance to wear her favourite muslin gown before she is marked as a married woman?' Mr Bell grinned.

Margaret restrained a giggle. 'You are incorrigible Mr Bell.'

Mr Hale shook his head. 'John told me that the ball is his wedding gift to his sister. With many friends and relatives travelling so far for the ceremony he thought it a good opportunity to receive them all at once.'

'Really?' said Mr Bell glancing Margaret's way. 'A very romantic notion from the normally reserved young master. I wonder what has come over him?'

Margaret looked out of the small window of the carriage, refusing to meet Mr Bell's teasing gaze.

'I did read in the papers that the Mayor's son is to marry the Latimer girl. A contrived match if ever there was one.'

Mr Hale shrugged. "So long as they are both happy and they have the support and sanction of both their families, I see no harm.'

'Says the man who married for love.' Mr Bell smirked. 'Who is on your dance card this evening Margaret my dear?' Mr Bell waited for a response with interest.

'I expect to dance with both of you gentleman, if you will oblige me?'

Mr Hale patted his daughter's hand. 'I am sure there will be more desirable partners than us old men Margaret.'

'Oh Papa, you will always be a favourite with me. As will you, Mr Bell.' Margaret smiled at her Godfather, forgiving him his mischief.

Mr Bell put his hand on his chest. 'Ah, the man you gift your heart to Margaret will be a lucky one indeed.'

Margaret caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror as she took off her coat in the cloakroom of the town hall. Dixon had outdone herself this evening: her curls had been skilfully tamed, held in place by a silver comb with tiny ruby rosettes. Her scarlet ball gown, a gift from Aunt Shaw for her 18th birthday, befitted the occasion - although Margaret noted with some mortification that her girlish figure had given way to more ample proportions since she had last worn it.

Finding her father and Mr Bell again, they joined the line of guests preparing to greet the Thorntons.

Margaret saw Fanny and Mrs Thornton first. Fanny was embellished in a vibrant royal blue gown with peacock feathers adorning her waist and her hair. Mrs Thornton was her usual austere self, although her usual dark day clothes were replaced by a moiré silk in pale lilac.

Margaret could hear John's baritone voice before she could see him. Her heart thudded. As the party before them stepped forward, Margaret spied him. He was in an evening suit she had not seen before. His low cut, glossy black waistcoat accentuated a crisp white shirt and black cravat flecked with gold. He was freshly shaved and his dark hair was neatly trimmed except for a few unruly wisps over his forehead.

Margaret followed behind her father and Mr Bell as they took their turn. As Mr Hale and Mr Bell shook hands with John, Mrs Thornton greeted Margaret.

'Good evening Margaret. You look very well.'

Margaret self-consciously smoothed her skirt. 'Thank you Mrs Thornton. We were very pleased to be invited to celebrate this happy occasion.' Margaret turned to Fanny. 'Congratulations again Miss Thornton.'

Fanny brought her attention back to the Hales. She had been concentrating on the arrival of the Mayor and his wife. She forced a smile. 'Thank you Miss Hale.' Fanny then spoke to her mother. "How long do I have to stay here? Miss Latimer and Mr Bourke have just arrived.'

Looking infuriated, Mrs Thornton excused herself and took her daughter by the arm for a private discussion. Margaret smiled sympathetically. Standing demurely beside her father, she waited patiently for her opportunity to speak with their host. She found it difficult to hide the delight she felt at staring up into the eyes of the man who would be her future.

There was not need for any words to communicate their mutual elation. John wore a knowing smile. 'Good evening Miss Hale.' His voice was deep and husky as he appraised her. He took the gloved hand that Margaret proffered. Bowing he gently lifted her hand to kiss it, discretely rubbing the inside of her palm.

Margaret had to remind herself to breath.

Standing straight again, John reluctantly released contact with her. 'Miss Hale, would you do me the honour of sharing a dance or two with me this evening?'

Margaret wanted to laugh with sheer joy. 'Of course sir, for you see it would seem I am not otherwise engaged. My father and Mr Bell appear to be unwilling partners this evening.'

Mr Bell, observing the couple, interjected. 'I never said I would not dance with you Margaret. Your father and I only recommended that there would be more suitable partners amongst the young men of Milton.'

John grinned. 'I have convinced my mother to dance the first with me. She rarely dances so I have determined she will make an exception this evening. Perhaps Mr Bell you will take the first turn with Margaret to ensure she is not lost to any others of those mercenary Milton men you speak of.'

Mr Bell laughed gayly.

Mr Hale then took Margaret's arm. "Come my dear. We must not monopolise the Thorntons. They still have many guests to greet.'

Margaret bowed again before allowing herself to be led away. If she had experienced any insecurity or doubt that John had been sincere in his promises of a week ago, it was quickly extinguished by the love and devotion that was present in all his looks.

It was not long before the band began. Mr Watson led Fanny to the floor first and John guided his mother to join in. Slowly guests added to the numbers in the ballroom. Margaret took a moment to savour the sight of John moving fluidly with the music, but it was not long before Mr Bell secured her to take a turn about the floor.

'Ah my dear, you and Thornton will be a splendid match. My heart and my mind is at ease to see that you will be protected and loved as you deserve.' Mr Bell looked at Margaret fondly.

'Yes it would seem I will. Although you must not breathe a word until Fanny's wedding is over. Fanny would never forgive John if he were to steal her moment by revealing our attachment.'

As they glided around the room, Mr Bell leaned in closer to speak in hushed tones. 'What is your understanding with John, Margaret? Has he asked you to marry him?'

Margaret shook her head. 'Not exactly. But he has declared himself. I do not doubt his intentions. I know he would never compromise me, so I am content for now.'

'I do not imagine that anyone as in love as he is will delay for long. You have my blessing my darling girl.'

Margaret smiled at her Godfather, her heart warmed by his deep care and concern for her.

'But please do not keep your father in in the dark for long. Good news has been in such short supply recently.'

As the music reached a final crescendo and the guests applauded, Margaret watched as John kissed his mother on the cheek and said something in her ear. Mrs Thornton smiled up maternally at him before looking across at Margaret and acknowledging her with a single nod.

'It would appear that Mr Thornton is coming to stake his claim. If you will excuse me Margaret, I believe I shall join some of the other gentlemen in the refreshments room.'

Margaret stood in awe, her legs unwilling or unable to more. She would not have heard anyone in that moment had they spoken to her. Her focus was only on one face.

He reached her in a few short strides. Bowing, the crinkles Margaret had grown to adore appeared at either side of his eyes as he gave her a mischievous smile. Taking her hand he led her purposefully to the floor. As the music began for the second time, it dawned on her that the next dance of the evening was to be the Schottische. Although not as sensuous as the waltz, it was one of the few dances where couples could revel in the euphoria of spinning exclusively in the arms of another. When Margaret looked at him questioningly as to the prudence of his choice, his smile widened.

Steering her into his embrace, John brought his lips closer to her ears. 'I didn't want to share you.'

Margaret again felt that deep yearning sensation at his nearness. She had never been so overcome: never before been so aware of the physical presence of another person. The warmth of his hands, the breadth of his chest, and the movement of his hips so close to hers was a heady combination. It was more overwhelming than she could ever have imagined. She swallowed hard for fear she had lost her power of speech. 'It is all so beautiful John. The ball I mean.' Margaret blushed. 'It is a wonderful gift you have given Fanny.'

'Yes Fanny loves a dance. But the best is yet to come, I assure you. I have another surprise up my sleeve for later. One which I hope you will enjoy as well.'

Margaret beamed up at him. 'I am enjoying the evening very much already. I cannot imagine that there could be anything that could surpass it.'

Their eyes connected for a time, blissfully lost in a dreamlike moment. It was John who spoke first. 'But as much as I would like nothing better than to dispense with convention and dance every dance with the woman who has possession of my heart, I am afraid my duty is to my family this evening. I must allow myself to be monopolized by all our guests – not just the most beautiful …and desirable.' His tone was intimate and seductive as he said these last words. 'Can you forgive me?'

Margaret nodded, her face a mix of love, trust and complete surrender. 'Our time will come. I know that.' She was completely unaware of her own effect on the man she danced with.

John groaned softly and squeezed her tighter as they turned in time to the music.