After parting with Margaret at the Crystal Palace John returned to his lodgings with the rest of his party. While relaxing in his room he began to contemplate all of the things that he will need to accomplish when he returns to Milton on the morrow. In his typical businesslike fashion he began taking notes on some letterhead provided by the hotel.

After listing all of the chores involved in adding the new investors Latimer had lined up for him, his mind turned to his impending nuptials. He was not at all concerned as to Mr. Hale's reaction to his request for his daughter's hand. The man might be surprised and wish to speak with his daughter but in the end John was convinced that his friend would not withhold his consent. John was the man's favorite pupil and the two men were quite close. So after listing 'Richard's consent' first on a fresh sheet of paper he then added: 'obtain license' and 'arrange for reading of banns.'

His mind then began to wander - Three weeks to read the banns. The soonest they could get married would be three weeks.

John realized that his mother wouldn't like that. She would probably want three months at least to prepare for a wedding such as befits his stature. He remembered, however, that most of the wedding plans traditionally fell to the bride's family to make – and pay for.

'Oh that would never do!' thought he, 'The Hale's are too poor to shoulder such an expense and Mrs. Hale was too ill. Mrs. Hale was too ill!'

There was no way they could wait three months to be married, nor three weeks for that matter, if Mrs. Hale were to attend the wedding! And John was certain Margaret would want her mother there. He knew she wouldn't care for a grand wedding. Now John was beginning to think that they might be able to get married within a fortnight after all.

He returned to his list. 'No, no, no, the reading of the banns will take three weeks,' he lamented, 'A Special License! Yes!' He would have to acquire a Special License. That would allow the couple to get married anytime and anywhere. They could then get married as soon as need be and would not be restricted to getting married in a church in case Mrs. Hale would not be able to travel such a distance. So, scratching the previous two items off of his list he started to think about what would need to be done to get the Special License.

A Special License would cost money and they were not given out to just anybody. However, as John was a Magistrate of the Crown he was entitled to this special privilege. Next he would have to write to the Archbishop of Canterbury as His Excellency was the only one who could issue such a license.

'Let's see,' thought John, 'sending the letter would take a few days then the reply would take another few… Wait, what am I thinking. I am here in London right now. I can go over to Lambeth Palace this moment and make my request to the Archbishop in person!'

Fortunately, John always carried with him the proof of his Magistracy just in case he was called into action. He rang the bell and told the porter to have a carriage waiting for him downstairs in five minutes. John made himself presentable, gathered the necessary documents, and headed out the door.

The current Archbishop of Canterbury was John Bird Sumner. Mr. Thornton had met him about two years ago at the Cathedral in Milton when the Archbishop had come for a visit. However, he doubted the prelate would remember him. When he arrived at Lambeth Palace John sent his card in to the Archbishop's office. Within a quarter of an hour he was summoned to appear before His Excellency.

The Archbishop rose and came forward, with hand extended to greet the Magistrate from Milton. "Mr. Thornton of Milton!" said he, "I do not know if you remember but we met a few years back when I visited your industrious city."

"I do remember. It is not every day that one meets the Archbishop of Canterbury, Your Grace," replied John, "but I would not have expected you to remember a lowly manufacturer like me."

"One does not easily forget such a tall commanding fellow," enjoined the bishop. "Have a seat young man," he said indicating a chair in front of his desk. Then seating himself in the chair next to John he said, "Now, what can I do for you?"

"Well, Your Excellency," John replied, "I recently became engaged to be married."

"Congratulations!" offered the Archbishop, "Who is the lucky lady?"

"Miss Margaret Hale," announced John, "daughter of the former Reverend Richard Hale of Helstone."

"Hale… that name sounds familiar," thought the Archbishop aloud, "Hale, of Helstone? Ah! I recall. Gave up his vocation a year or so back, a matter of conscience, I believe."

"Yes, Your Grace, that is him," replied John warily. Might the bishop deny his request on these grounds?

"A sad business to be sure," stated the Archbishop, "but you have to respect the man for adhering to his principles."

"Indeed," replied John and after a pause he went on with his request, "My fiancé's mother is gravely ill and would very much like to attend our wedding. However, since we don't know how much longer she will-"

"Say no more," interrupted the Archbishop raising a hand. He then rose and walked around his desk, saying, "You will require a Special License." He then began to rifle through one of his drawers and pulled out an official document. The Archbishop sat and filled it out, asking John for the necessary information. When he finished he handed it across the desk to the younger man, requesting him to pay the clerk on his way out, and offered his blessings for their upcoming nuptials.

Before John could leave the room however, the Archbishop called out to him.

"Thornton?" he said.

"Yes, Your Grace?" John answered.

"The last time I was in Milton I noticed that the town had a great need for… charitable endeavors," hinted the Archbishop.

John smiled broadly, thinking he knew what His Excellency was about to say.

"The young energetic wife of a prominent Milton businessman and Magistrate might be the perfect person to head up some such cause," he suggested.

John began to laugh, "Have no fear, Your Excellency. Being a former clergyman's daughter, my fiancé has a kind heart, she must in order to have accepted me," he added, "I'm sure she is already calculating how to use her newfound influence to best help those less fortunate than ourselves. Her selfless generosity is one of her most endearing qualities and has helped to soften my own cold capitalistic heart."

"Well, I am glad to hear it Thornton. I look forward to meeting your wife the next time I am in Milton. May God bless you both."

"Thank you, sir," John replied and he turned to leave.

….oOo….

A/N: Information for this chapter was acquired from Infogalactic and "Marriage in Regency England – Special License" on Donna Hatch's website. However, I did not adhere strictly to the rules she lists for obtaining a Special License.