CHAPTER III
Meet and Greet
"But work grew scarce, while bread drew dear, and wages lessen too; For Irish hordes were bidders here, our half-paid work to do." - Corn Law Rhymes
The Crampton Keep resumed its idyllic pace. Margaret and her grandfather would wake up early and ride Maisie to the Light Monastery of Crampton Crescent where the brotherhood of the light, in the order of the dragon, and the caretakers of the light continued their work to restore all the light creatures lost in the dark wars. The Bell Clan were the protectors of the Dragons and were long ago granted with extensive lands near the border by Outwood Station, 40 miles from the Decapolis, Milton's Central City. This brotherhood of monks are pledged to the Bell Clan and are sworn to serve the Clan faithfully caring for all light creatures under its domain. The brothers of the order of the dragon are the caretakers of the dragons, ensuring their breeding grounds are fertile, that feed is abundant in the land, and that the valley, river, lakes, streams and ponds are sufficient for the upkeep of dragons. Since there are only 2 dragons left in existence, the main focus of the dragon brothers at the moment is to heal the land and ignite the now dormant Prometheus Kiln, the volcanic Dragon Mountain, where dragon eggs incubate until hatching and settling on Dragon Valley, they remain there until a bond with a human rider could be forged. Prometheus Kiln is also home to many fire elementals which can be useful for creating illumination and warmth in the winter months, among other useful tasks.
Under her grandfather's watchful eye, Margaret, a very curious girl, studied all she could about the land. She truly cared about the land and all creatures, man or beast. She saw how it pained her grandfather to see Milton so devoid of flora and fauna. She had long ago resolved to do all she could to help. She knew a lot about farming, being from agricultural Helstone and she devoured books about gardening, soil treatment and anything she could learn about healing the land. Her parents, in an attempt to make sure they got enough fresh produce when they stayed in Milton, brought all types of potted plants, soil and seeds, and had them placed in greenhouses in the back lawn of the keep. It was on Helstone's first Sankin Kotai, nine years ago that Lord Bell discovered that (then 8 year old) Margaret was an Earth Hedge, a specialist, one who has no active magic ability but has a magical affinity. In Margaret's case, it seemed that Earth elementals were very attracted to her voice and could be coaxed by her to perform earth-related healing. This talent was, of course, kept a secret to protect Margaret, as all hedges in Milton were pressed by the Crown to do work for the state. To date, there were no earth hedge in Milton who could make earth elementals do, what Margaret asked them to do in the scorched valleys and plains of Milton. It still amazed Lord Bell, how such a powerful, coaxing voice, could come out of such a gentle and kind creature as his granddaughter. The earth elementals were so attracted to her voice, they would willingly do her bidding (or as Margaret put it, her requests.) and happily too in exchange for a song or two sung by the beautiful Margaret. "A full fledged Earth Siren, my Margaret is." Grandpa Bell used to tease as he saw with his own eyes the miracles she could perform on the land through these earth elementals. Her power has grown such that some water elementals are also responding to her and have actually began "cleaning" the lakes, rivers and ponds on the Bell Estate. It took a lot of patient effort but the land surrounding the Bell Estate was beginning to yield fruit. Lord Bell sometimes felt guilty about keeping his precious pearl, a secret from Milton; she had been telling him that they should do more to help, perhaps going to the neighboring estates and helping there. Margaret was always insisting how she could do so much more and that they should do more to help. But seeing how atrociously hedges were treated by their mage brethren, stops Lord Bell from revealing her power to his fellow mages. His gentle, innocent, youthful and kindly granddaughter would never survive a Hedge Impressment.
This practice of putting hedges to "the press" was just a glorified form of indentured servitude to the state. Hedges all around Milton were taken usually by force by the authorities "with or without notice" to serve impressments of 5 to 10 years, depending on skill level, for the good of Milton in jobs or taskings chosen by the state. Whereas before, hedges would, of their own choice and free will, perform "little magic for a fee" to help their neighbors. They were now forced into impressments to propel the growing industrialization that gripped Milton after the war as the Mages, the Masters of Milton, try to establish an economy that would employ and support the people. They started with infrastructure and road-building. But, it was the railroad project that propelled Milton into the industrial power that it had become, just a decade after the wars, all thanks to the commoners and hedges who did the back-breaking manual work. Everything had to be built by hand or with the help of the few imported elementals who survived the journey to Milton as no higher magic would work on the cursed land. So, hedge impressments and conscriptions of the common workers became the norm as more and more "hands" were needed to build the new industries of Milton.
While the hedges served "in the press" or "press gang" they lived in tenement housing near the 10 cities of Milton, where all work had now congregated. Hedges were made to work 12-16 hour days for the good of Milton while receiving only half-pay. In addition, their pay was docked 2-4 hours per day to cover the upkeep cost of the tenement housing run by the state. Straight commoners who were fortunate enough to get work, lived in project housing which were even more cramped than tenement housing and received quarter-pay and were made to pay rent for their housing. Only trained mages, even entry level mages, lived in townhouses, received full pay and subsidized housing. There were also many imported seasonal hands hired by the masters to do seasonal work who received "jipped" pay. This was a Milton slang that referred to how these seasonal "hands" were fully under the mercy of their masters. They were not Milton Citizens, hence, the authorities "did not bother" with then, as such, they had no protection from the law; ergo, their pay (quarter or half-pay) was very much determined by the disposition of their Masters. Needless to say, most of these seasonal workers got "jipped" their pay as most masters were only concerned with the profit margin and were unconcerned about any misery they inflicted on their workers.
Milton had become the forefront of industrialization, The Agrarian base was lost for nothing will grow on the land. Trade and industry took center stage. When the soot and the smoke of the Dark Wars were cleared, Milton quickly replaced it with the soot and smoke of industry. All kinds of industries and manufactories sprang up in the cities and the populace flocked to it giving rise to over-cramped housing, poor sanitation, and just down-right filthy neighborhoods. Living conditions were almost inhuman for the poor. The scarcity of basic goods made most goods very expensive for the common person and most suffered from malnourishment. Milton men and women were a proud group who relished their independence. They took pride in honest labor but with so few jobs to be found and many mouths to feed, many had to reluctantly turn to charities for help. Though they did not much like "the free hand-out," as they would rather have earned their keep, many had little to no choice but to flock the food centers that provided free meals at designated times a day, else their children would starve. In fact, the largest feeding organization was run by the brotherhoods and sisterhoods of the light, a loose cooperative group of civic-minded people and light orders who did all they could to help their less fortunate fellows.
"We should do more to help, Grandfather Bell. We have harvested more than what the Monastery here at Crampton Crescent or the three other Monasteries at the Bell Estates can consume. Let us not waste this abundance when so many are suffering in the cities." Margaret pleaded with her Grandfather.
"Margaret, what do you know of these suffering wretches but what you read in the papers and the magazine tattles. Do not be so eager, my child, for the reality of Milton's ugliness will soon be upon you, the Thorntons know who you are now so you cannot remain here in the keep as we had originally planned. You will join us as we remove into the City." After a pause he continued, "Oh, how I wish I could spare you from the cruelty and unkindness you will see. How I wish I could delay your coming out. How I wish I can protect you more." Lord Bell in painful tones exclaimed. "Everywhere in the cities of Milton are cruelty and unkindness. When you see it, it will surely offend your sensibilities and you, with your compassionate heart, might wish to act, to help. I pray! Don't take action, Margaret. Do not concern yourself. For your good intentions will surely result in punishments for the whole family. They will not care about reason. They only care about power and wealth. They are not genteel southeners, my dear."
Margaret's look of disbelief troubled Lord Bell. He sometimes did not like this stubborn streak from his normally obedient grandchild, but he must warn her of the repercussions of her good intentions, "Yes, Margaret, no good deed goes unpunished in Milton. These are hardened war veterans, every single one of them. They have learned to close their hearts to the misery of those around them so they can complete their missions or tasks at hand. They will not hesitate to punish a commoner for any infringement without even batting a eye, even if you are under the protection of a dragon lord. Besides, do you know the punishment for not paying taxes on harvest yields? It is 2 days in the stockade for every pound of tax evaded. Do not let your compassion rule your mind, my dearest pearl. Pray, Don't! You will not survive whippings at the stockade!" Lord Bell's voice started to show a slight irritation at his granddaughter's naivety. Does she not see what large risk it was to do as she planned? If their secret was exposed, he risked losing her to "the press" and as much as he sympathized with the plight of the poor in Milton, he would not risk his family's safety for any of the unknown masses.
"But grandfather, surely, something can be done? It is not right that we should be well-fed while many starve, not when we have the means to alleviate at least some of the suffering?" Margaret pressed with a determined look set upon her face.
"Margaret, did you listen to what I said? Stop being so stubborn. You do not know the risks you take. No one can know of your gift. If the mages find out, it will be the "press gang" for you, most surely!" At hearing this, Margaret, set her face in haughty and defiant manner. Lord Bell frustrated, shook his head at his granddaughter's willfulness, "Please Margaret, don't give me that look. I know you mean well and you are not afraid to do what is right. But, please, if you care not for your own welfare, think about us that love you. I doubt, I or your mother and father or even Fred, can bear it if you should get picked-up for "the press." This is Milton: Where everyone is scrambling to survive. Work is scarce and it is difficult to find the means to live in dignity - for both mages and commoners alike. Shortages are the only thing plentiful here. There is not enough work, not enough food and not enough pay to afford even the barest of necessities. These are dark days for my homeland, dearest. I never thought I would see this day when Milton would be brought so low." Lord Bell pronounced sorrowfully as his eyes filled with tears, "Is this what victory looks like? The Dragons are almost extinct, the land is dead, every Milton man and woman struggles to just live and for what? They, all of them, are the last of their line! When they die there will be none to continue on." Lord Bell sobbing now, continued mournfully. "It tears at me, right through my very heart, to see my beloved Milton, home of proud, courageous, noble and independent people, now pushed to such extreme just to survive."
"I am sorry to have caused you such pain, Grandfather. But, take comfort that your line will live on, in me, Fred and Edith."
Lord Bell wiped his tears and smiled lovingly at his granddaughter, "You always know what to say to sooth this old man... Never you mind, Margaret. This is your coming out year. You will be 18 this winter, in the nascent of youth. We should be merry. You my smart, kind, spirited and bonny lass have very bright future ahead. I am sure of it." Holding out his hand to his granddaughter, "Come, Margaret. Stop Vexing me," he chided with a teasing yet indulgent smile. "We leave tomorrow for the Decapolis to be presented to the Queen and to throw our first two dinner balls. We have other concerns to occupy us as we remove to the Shaw's Harley Street Residence for our stay in the city. Not the least of which is dealing with the acerbic wit of that Old Dragon, Hannah Thornton. This is the first year you will face her. Just stay silent and look compliant. It should pass, if not pleasantly, I'm hoping at least quickly."
Margaret not giving up and seeing that her argument was not swaying her grandfather, switched tactics, changed her tone and bearing to a most womanly softness, and gave her grandfather her most brilliant smile, "Grandfather, you know I care not for these balls we are throwing "as commanded" for the mages. Come now. Don't let us go on making each other angry. Pray don't." Margaret stared at her grandfather in earnest, "Is it not your custom, to make regular donations to the poor of the city? Why, we are already planning on distributing baskets. We would not be doing anything different tomorrow when we arrive at the city center. I'm sure no one will be the wiser, if by careful packaging, we are able to cram an extra potato or more fruit in the baskets. Don't the brothers have a talent for organizing and can probably fit more in the same size basket that we are already slated to donate? What harm can it do? Who would know that the baskets are bursting full unless they are opened and even then so what? Everyone knows that nothing grows in Milton, greenhouse produce are exempt from taxes after all. No one will suspect, that these are land yields. Isn't it a bit fun to put one over on "Old Battle Axe Thornton" as you call the Queen? You are always complaining, how she is taxing Helstone to the poor house, this is your chance to show her up and raise yourself as a true gentleman; concerned for the welfare of your less fortunate fellows. I am sure no one else can donate what you could donate tomorrow. And, I might add, without paying taxes for the additional land yield as required by Queen." Margaret added with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "who would dare put a "Dragon Lord" in the stockade?" Margaret asked, with a wink and a mirthful laugh as she rubbed her grandfather's arm looking at him with such soft, pleading, emerald eyes. Lord Bell felt his resolve weaken. "Oh, what a smart lass you are, dear one. You know exactly what buttons to push with me to make me your putty in your hands." Lord Bell said with a loud laugh.
So it was, when the family removed from the Keep to travel to the Decapolis of Milton, they were able to cram every single food surplus from the harvest into the seven sets of 20 large baskets they had set aside for the food distributing centers of Milton. It was customary for mages to give to the poor on their first entrance to the city. Most mages only do it once in their lifetime as they could not afford the expense. Lord Bell did it each time he removed to the Decapolis, the largest city in Milton, about twice on Helstone's visit year, Lord Bell gave, and gave willingly with the help of his kindly son-in-law and the rest of the Hales.
Lord Bell's estate seemed to rejoice in giving this year, even the lake near the monastery netted abundant fish, filling seven large barrels to the brim. Fresh Fish were rare and very expensive in Milton. "The huddled masses will be eating well tonight and for a few days, yet. All thanks to Margaret, such a spirited girl. I hope that she will find someone who will love her, see her for the magnificent creature she is, nourish her and not crush her." Lord Bell thought with a smile as he looked at his rather tired but happy granddaughter who did all she could to help pack the baskets with as much as would fit.
The day journey was pleasant and as the last of the afternoon rays gathered in the hazy, gloom of the Decapolis, they approached the Harley Street Residence after delivering their charity donations. Margaret stepped out of the carriage after her grandfather and "brothers" holding two large bouquets of Helstone Roses that she personally picked from the family garden at the Keep early that morning. Seeing Edith and Aunt Shaw, she gave a slight curtsy and with much aplomb presented them the flowers. "Roses from Helstone for two of the most beautiful women in Milton." Both her cousin and aunt squealed with delight, grabbed the roses and pressed it closed to their noses to bask in the fragrance of this sweet indulgence. The family soon settled into the house in the residential halls on the third and fourth floors. The evening was spent leisurely with an elegant meal and some music and games in the drawing room. At 10 o'clock, Lord and Lady Hale, Lord and Lady Shaw and Lord Bell retired citing a need for restful fortification to face the very busy morning which would include their presentation at the Thornton court.
The audience with the Thornton matriarch is sure to be a trying affair as it had been in previous visit years. Lord Bell is also worried about Margaret as this is her first time being presented. They had planned on using a body double in her place as they did with Fred during his coming out year. They had established an alternate persona for Margaret as a model and performer with the help of his wife's London relatives. He smiled as he thought about how well the scheme had worked for Fred. Even to this day no one knows the wiser. Everyone in Milton, including the Shaws, believe the double, they had presented in court nine years ago, was Frederick Hale. They still do not know that Fred Barbour, noted actor and singer of stage and screen is the true Frederick Hale and it would remain that way for as long as Margaret remained unattached and even longer if possible. It was not unheard of for sons of noted visiting families with sisters to suddenly "expire" leaving their sisters to inherit. Of course the death of the brother, did not happen until after the said sister has been "blessed" and "claimed" by a mage making her his property, thereby, the mage, in consequence, inherited all and improved his financial status. These gold-digging and fortune-hunting schemes had become quite a civilized sport in the mage circles. These masters of Milton only cared about profit and loss. Never about people.
Lord Bell, continued his musing. "Oh, how I wish we could have the double be introduced as Margaret. It would certainly save her the trouble of having to endure these insufferable, rude and uncouth mages. The war has made them harsh and they have lost all refinement." He sighed, as he accepted the fact that despite their careful preparations, the use of the double was not an option for Margaret. Thornton's unexpected visit has exposed Margaret, Lord Bell and the Hales had no choice. Margaret had been noticed by the Thorntons. Seeing how Lord Thornton looked admiringly and appraisingly at his granddaughter, Lord Bell doubted that the prince would forget what Margaret looked like only 6 weeks after their meeting. Defeated, Lord Bell sighed and did the only thing he could, he prayed that the Light would continue to bless, keep and protect his granddaughter in merciless, hard, unkind and cruel Milton.
Before Lord Bell and the Hales knew it, it was the next day and they were being announced to the queen sitting on the dais with her son on her right and her daughter, Fanny on her left.
"Lord Adam Bell, Clan Lord, Dragon Lord and Keeper, Lord Richard Hale and Lady Mariah Hale of Helstone; with their son, the Honorable Master Frederick Hale and daughter, the Honorable Miss Margaret Hale." The crier concluded as the Helstone contingent bowed and curtsied. A number of Helstone attendants standing right behind the leading family including Fred Barbour (a.k.a. the true Fred Hale) standing behind Margaret.
"I hear you were quite the most generous one, Adam, seven large barrels of fish, 49 large and overfull baskets for the poor. Why if my minister reported right, the poor ate better than the mages last night and will eat better in the few days to come. All thanks to you." Hannah sarcastically remarked. "I hope you will show the same generosity for your fellow mages at your balls." Queen Hannah ended in annoyance.
"Rest assured, madam, that no expenses will be spared." Lord Bell replied in full felicity and a mock bow.
"Oh my!" Fanny cried out excitedly. "That's Frederick Barbour and you're, M'Hale, the new face of Beresford couture, the toast of London's last 2 season." Fanny prided herself on keeping up with the fashion and was always reading the fashion magazines from London - the center of the fashion industry. "Why you wearing such drab clothes?" Fanny asked in disgust pointing at Margaret's very conservative, loose fitting, sever and plain looking, long sleeved, full-length dark brown outfit. "My, I can't even see your figure in there. You must have loads of beautiful, more flattering clothes." Fanny rattled on. "You have to dress much smarter than that if you wish to remain the top model of the Beresford line." Margaret begins to blush quite fiercely. She did not expect anyone from the royal court would recognize her. She modeled for her cousin's clothing line when in London to build her alternate persona. "Oh, you must join me for tea, I heard you are very musical as well. The best voice in the seven realms, I've read." Fanny gushed as her mother and brother scowled and looked at Fanny disapprovingly.
"The best voice in the seven realms, really?" Queen Hannah remarked, voice dripping in venom. "Why don't you regal us with your gift, Miss Hale?" After a pause, Hannah Thornton gave Lord Bell a very nasty smile as an idea came to her on how to show her full authority on Lord Bell in front of the whole court. "Come here, child. Come up here and... Sing us a song." She commanded.
"Oh, Old Battle Axe Thornton sure is in a tizzy, I wonder what has her wound up to act so unpleasantly? And, why take out her anger on my poor and gentle granddaughter?" Lord Bell wondered silently and seeing the agitation on his granddaughter's face, began to dissemble. With a laugh, he replied wittily, "All good things come to those who wait. All the Milton mages will hear my nightingale at the Helstone Ball in a fortnight. Patience is a virtue, Hannah." Lord Bell in worry for his granddaughter accidentally called the Queen by her first name, being old friends, this was a habit he sometimes fall into as they grew up together in the same mage circles.
Hannah Thornton on hearing herself being addressed familiarly in public, bristled, "Excuse me? Lord Bell? You forget your place. Dragon Lord or not. We may be equals, as Dragon riders but I am ruler here." Hannah seethed and fixed a death stare on Adam Bell, with a sigh, she cried out "Don't be ridiculous, Adam!" Hannah intentionally calling Lord Bell, by his first name to show her authority over him for a senior may call a junior by their first name in court and other formal settings, but not the other way around. "Silly as always, I don't go to any balls except the ones I throw myself. She will sing now ... in front of the whole court." Hannah said with a mirthless laugh.
"What like this? Without warming up her voice? Surely madam, be reasonable." the dragon lord replied.
"What! Are you saying I am unreasonable?" Battle Axe Thornton snipped back.
"No, of course not. But you can't expect a young girl to sing in front of hundreds without preparations."
"Well, Adam, when you are ruler of Milton, I might and I emphasize, "might" listen to your opinion. But, as I am ruler here, the Hales all will do as I command. Come closer, child, stand closer, come on closer... step up closer to me... I want to get a good look at you. My, you are such a bonny lass, so stately, your blush becomes you prettily and you move most gracefully child, all airs and graces." Queen Hannah sarcastically scoffed. "Take off your gloves let me look at your hands. Being so musical, you must be quite accomplished at the piano, the Southern Gentry's instrument of choice. Come now be quick about it. Stop dithering and obey me or I might be forced to punish your impertinence." At this, Margaret's eyes grew as big as saucers and she began shivering in fright as she replied shakily, still looking down, voice so low, it was almost a whisper, "I don't play well myself, ma'am."
Hannah laughed in a cackle and sneered as she continued to mock Margaret, "You afraid of me, child?" If she would look to her children, right then, Queen Hannah Thornton would see that Lord John Thornton was looking highly displeased while Fanny amused at her mother's "performance" looked on gleefully. "Give me your hand, and be quick about it" Hannah demanded as Margaret jumped but complied. Lord Bell was silent but seething, not wanting to speak for he knew if he did so, it would make matters worse for his granddaughter. Lord and Lady Hale were looking mighty perturbed and their faces were etched with worry for their beloved daughter. They did not know where to look in their angst and concern for Margaret. Frederick Barbour (i.e. the true Frederick Hale) started balling his hands into fists to quell his rising anger at this insult his sister was being forced to endure.
"My, my, my... what elegant, perfectly tapered hands you have. So creamy and porcelain white, and what beautiful full lips you have, so red, so inviting, like you are waiting to be kissed. You a good kisser, Miss Hale? ... Answer me." Hannah taunted as she made a nasty laugh. "I would not know, ma'am," came Margaret's frightened reply, her whole body trembling. "Oh, you tremble so prettily. John, see how prettily, Miss Hale trembles." Hannah murmured as she lifted Margaret's hand and chin, tilting them towards to her son. As she did so, she gave her son a sidelong glance and noticed his thunderous frown and look of disapproval towards her. Irritated by her son's disapproval, Hannah snapped while turning back towards Margaret, "Did you just look at me?" Margaret completely petrified now, started shaking her head.
"No, Mother, she did not. As she knows, she should not." John curtly replied.
Hannah piqued that her son should side with this common girl. Barked at Margaret "Well, I told you to sing, so sing already." "Are you daft, girl? or you just have a death wish?"
"What song, Mother." John asked tersely.
"What?" came Hannah's reply abruptly
"What song, would you like her to sing?"
"Oh," Hannah archly said as she thought about it, "The Rose, the song created for me. Sing it loudly now, mind. I want the whole court to hear you. Now, turn around and face the court." When Margaret did not move, Hannah disdainfully said, "Turn around, and stop acting so stupid, girl. Sing L-O-U-D-L-Y, go on now."
"Mother, shouldn't you ask her, first if she knows this song? She might not.." John started curtly but was not able to finish his sentence as Hannah cut him off.
"Of course, she knows the song. Everyone in the seven realms knows my song. Turn around, child and sing, sing loudly, mind."
So, given little choice in the matter. Margaret turned around and tried to calm herself by humming the opening bars of the song. She looked at her family and began to gather strength from them. She looked out at the huge cavernous court and began to sing in a loud, booming, clear and beautiful tone, "Some say ..." Margaret started shakily but settled after the first verse and lost herself in the song. As she did, everyone else did so too. John, surprised that such a powerful and gifted voice should come from someone so elegant and delicate looking, hid his admiring glances through hooded eyes. "What a brave girl, to sing so well in spite of Mother's intimidation. Serves Mother right for being so nasty. Bravo, Miss Hale. Bravo. " John thought with a smile as he looked at the Helstone girl. He couldn't seem to peel his eyes away, until he felt the searing stare from his Mother. John smiled as he gave his Mother a quick glance. Seeing her very irate and with a deep frown, he looked at her meaningfully as if saying, "Serves you right, Mother, for being needlessly cruel to an innocent girl. You were mad at the grandfather for upstaging you with his extravagant generosity to the poor. You wish to take it out on this poor girl, well it looks like it is back-firing on you looking at the court's reaction."
As Margaret sang the last notes, "the rose." The whole court was moved to stunned silence by Margaret's voice. Many ladies including Fanny had tears in their eyes. All the mage lords looked at her covetously wishing to add her to their collection. As Margaret turned around slowly to face the Queen, Hannah, affected by the song as well, recovered her bearing and said regally, "Thank you, Miss Hale, that was beautifully done." she admitted reluctantly. "You will be one of the favorites for entertainment this year, I am sure. You are dismissed." Margaret vowed and walked backwards until her grandfather touched her shoulder to stop her.
Hannah Thornton looking at Adam Bell cautioned in an impervious tone, "Let this be a lesson to you, Adam. I have eyes and ears everywhere. Next time you are feeling..." she paused as if searching for the right words. When in fact she is just taking her time to ensure her meaning sunk into the old softie, "overgenerous towards any of MY people," Insulting Lord Adam, insinuating that he is not himself a Milton man, she continued in her superior tone, "consult me first. Your time in the south has softened you, you do not understand our Milton ways. You cause great distress amongst us when you act unilaterally. You understand?" Hannah added threateningly, "I would hate to see you fret should something happen to your beautiful family while in Milton." After a pause, Hannah closed commandingly, "I am the ruler here, mind, you do nothing to question my rule. You hear, Adam?"
"Crystal, madam." Adam Bell answered with a flourished bow and a big smile even as his own anger wells up inside at this insult his family was forced to endure in front of the court. "What a bitter, wretch!" Lord Bell fumed silently.
"Oh..." with a pause, "bring your granddaughter to tea tomorrow." Hannah invited as she looked at her daughter who was signaling her eagerly. Hannah rolled her eyes at her own daughter's vanity but understanding Fanny's meaning said with a cheeky smile, "Have her bring her London gowns and dresses. She would not mind showing Fanny the latest in London fashion, will she?" Without bothering to hear a reply, she dismissed the Helstone delegation. Her son, John shaking his head, shot her a look of deep disappointment and disapproval. For which, Hannah felt chastised making her temper rise up. Hmph! Only her son can get away with giving her that look. Why is he taking the side of Lord Bell and these common Hales? Was he not there this morning when Minister Lattimer, reported the discontent of the mages at Lord Adam's action towards the poor? He was undermining the authority of the crown by his actions, he should have considered and asked for her advise before doing what he did. Mind, his actions could have started a rebellion against the mages, the masters of Milton. These "hands" were always seeking to pull the masters down. Clearly, her son should take her side, the side of the masters. Something is different about him today. She could see it in his eyes, in his words and his actions. Something to do with Miss Margaret Hale. Darn that girl and her grandfather! What nuisances!
A/N: The song I am thinking of here is a soft ballad something like "The Rose" from Bette Midler's Soundtrack Album of the Movie: "The Rose". The song is owned by singer and songwriter Amanda McBroom. Love this song. Love the Divine Miss M. This song often brings a tear to my eyes. Very moving.
I also started posting this story on Wattpad so my husband and "portable" friends can view it on their phone devices. :) Thank you for reading my story.