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Chapter 2

John was more than astonished. In her pale green gown Miss Hale looked amazing. He tried to remember when he had seen her last, but couldn't. Until this day she had been more like a piece of furniture in Mr. Hale`s home. He recalled that she had been present during his lessons with her father, and occasionally she had even shown him to the door. Yet it had been so meaningless to him that he had barely remembered her appearance.

That evening, however, she was hard to miss by anyone. When she caught his gaze, he had no choice other than to come closer to greet her, giving him a chance to examine her closely. She extended her hand and he gladly accepted. It was the first time he had touched her and it was an unexpectedly unique feeling. He had even unintentionally offered her a smile.

But his good impression and enchantment were ruined in a very short time. During the dinner Fanny brought up the topic of helping the strikers. It was suddenly exposed that Miss Hale not only had been giving them food, but that she also was a close friend of Bessy Higgins and Nicolas Higgins. That Higgins – the union leader! It was unacceptable in his society. He wondered how Mr. Hale could let his daughter keep such company. Deep in his heart, though, John knew the answer. During their talks he had gotten to know and value the good character of his tutor. He would describe Mr Hale not only as a gentleman, but as a good man as well. So how he could deny Miss Hale the same values, even if he didn't know her at all? But the way she rebuked him with her stinging retort about hungry children was far from the delicacy of her father.

Late in the night, lying in his bed, John had caught himself still thinking about this strange young woman. She absorbed his mind much more than he could understand. She had a witty, lively mind and a sharp tongue that he had never expected to find in a young woman. In any woman, in fact. Especially one from the South. She was not dull at all. Even if it could be very uncomfortable for both himself and Mr. Hale, John saw that she was at least honest. And honesty was a rare characteristic in his world. What an independent spirit she had!

That was it. That was the change. Tonight she had gained independence in his eyes. Until today she was merely Mr. Hale`s unnoticed daughter, from now on she was Miss Margaret Hale.

He was sure he would never wish that Fanny show such spirit. But as a adversary in discussion – he couldn't imagine a better advantage. He was never afraid of exchanging views and sharing his visions of world. And with such undeniable beauty, she would be a feast for the mind and eyes at the same time. He had to admit he was impressed, and he started to admire her.

And again there was not much time for John to properly think it over and reconcile his own feelings. There was a riot.

He was challenged by Miss Hale and he put himself in danger against his own judgement. But it was not he who had been hurt. Margaret was hit by a thrown stone when she was trying to help him. She put herself between him and the angry mob that was encircling him by her hands. She tried to protect him. Even if it was a stupid action, it was very brave also. When he was carrying her unconscious body to his house he was wondering that her behavior was so unpredictable.

It was very strange. He couldn't figure her out or understand the odd paths of her thoughts. His mother and his sister were such predictable creatures, and this woman was alarming. In every way. And uncertainty was never something he easily accepted.

However, she had compromised herself in the name of his safety. John knew he was probably the most desirable bachelor in this town, and that he was especially found so by women in difficult situations. Even if that was the true cause of her behavior, he just couldn't ignore her brave act. She had almost certainly saved his life. Now he was bound by honor to protect her from his society, just as she had protected him from her friends. Since his father's death, John's primary motivation had been to fulfill his duties, and this was another example of that. After long time of thinking, John had made a decision.

He couldn't have been more astonished when she rejected him next day. Despite telling her that he owed her his life and he was willing - in spite of her situation - to marry her, she was far from happy. He had never seen so much fury in anyone's eyes accompanied by such cold words. But she composed herself quickly, thanking him for his consideration and generosity, but saying she refused to hear any further insults. She said also that her situation was not his concern and certainly it would never be! Eventually she asked him to leave. Her request wasn't necessary, and he stormed out immediately without saying goodbye.

His first rational thought while he walked back to Marlborough Mill was: "Why don't I feel any relief?"