Roses and Lace

Chapter 9

Aunt Shaw tried to look distant and disapproving when Margaret and John rejoined the family. But before John Thornton had hardly gotten the words out to break the news of their engagement, Edith burst into tears, and then Aunt Shaw herself teared up.

"Margaret, back to Milton!" She clasped Margaret's hands. "Back to where you have already suffered so much! But you must be very much in love." She looked between Margaret and John as if they hardly matched the image of young romance she had long held in her mind, both of them seeming rather somber and intellectual. But then her sister's child had never been quite as light and gay as her Edith... Margaret had always been on the serious side, and headstrong, too. It would be like Margaret to fall in love with a man in the black business suit of a manufacturer rather than the bright colors and trim of a gallant uniform.

By the time they had all sat down to lunch, Aunt Shaw had more than half reconciled herself to the sudden development. After all, she had known it would only be a matter of time before someone scooped up her niece, especially after the fortune bestowed upon her by her godfather.

"And what of your prospects, young man? I assume your business, your... mill... is prospering?"

Edith cast her a stricken glance.

"As a matter of fact, it is not," Mr. Thornton replied plainly. "Indeed, as Margaret herself is in possession of the property, the reason I came to London was primarily to resolve my lease. The mill has gone under. I had invested heavily in new, more efficient machinery just before the cotton industry in Milton was beset by a drop in demand and a series of strikes. If not for the loan that your niece has offered to me just this morning, I would not be able to reopen the mill at all... I would be returning to Milton not as a master but simply as a man seeking work, most likely to be a manager on another man's payroll."

Here he looked down the table to meet Margaret's eye. "But I have worked my way up from a much lower position than this. I would not have been able to offer a life of luxury, but I work hard and I am true to my word. I believe that Margaret knows my character by now. I would like to imagine that, if I had found some hint of encouragement, I still would have made an offer, though I know it would most likely have been refused."

Margaret took a deep breath, steadily meeting John's eyes before glancing around at her aunt and cousin. "My family lived in reduced circumstances in Milton," she explained. "I am not unfamiliar with hard work. I confess that I do not relish the idea of spending hours every day cleaning linens and lace and kneading bread. But I have gladly done whatever work was needed for my family, and I would gladly do so again."

Then she returned her gaze to John. "I am grateful that I have inherited funds that can reopen the mill, not just for your sake or my sake but for the good of Milton itself. But even if I had no such fortune to offer, I would happily join my life with yours. I believe that I do, at last, know your character, John Thornton, and I would be proud to be your wife through any circumstance."

John turned his own eyes down at this, too overwhelmed to reply.

Captain Lennox cleared his throat. "Well! I never imagined manufacturing and kneading bread to be the subject of romance, but now the whole affair strikes me as very romantic, indeed, and I am quite glad that your circumstances will not be so reduced. A toast! To John and Margaret and their future happiness!"

After everyone had drunk from their glasses, he continued, "And when shall the wedding be?"

Edith was watching Margaret with tears in her own eyes. She gathered herself together and wiped her cheeks. "Not until the autumn, surely... Oh! It could be a Christmas wedding!" At last she smiled a full, radiant smile at her cousin.

John Thornton lifted his eyebrows and looked straight at Margaret again. "There's a northbound train that leaves from Euston Station at nine in the morning. We could be in Yorkshire by tomorrow evening, Scotland the day after."

Margaret simply gazed at him with a blush and a slow smile blooming on her face while Edith gasped, the Captain laughed, and her aunt sputtered.

"Sir!" Aunt Shaw exclaimed. "You are...! Margaret, he is joking?"

"It does sound rather perfect to me, Aunt Shaw. I have no desire for an elaborate wedding."

"Margaret, no!" Edith was gaping at her. "You must at least have the banns read! And you must stay with us for a month at least! You cannot think of leaving us so soon!"

Margaret was still smiling at John, who was simply watching her in his own amused contentment. "Imagine what your mother would say, if you were to return to Milton with me on your arm, as your wife."

Now his smile became an outright grin. "It would be worth the scandal just for that."

"Really, you two, that is quite enough," Aunt Shaw declared from the head of the table. "I suppose you will want a simple wedding, my dear, and Mr. Thornton, we must write to invite your family, but it will have to be at least a month from now and no sooner."

John grudgingly conceded that he would need time to reopen the mill before taking Margaret as his wife, and so, to the rest of the family's relief, the wedding plans commenced in earnest.

Shortly after lunch, Henry came to call. He apologized for his absence that morning and took the news of Margaret's engagement with a carefully emotionless expression.

"Congratulations, Margaret, Mr. Thornton. And Mr. Thornton, if you would care to accompany me to the bank this afternoon, we can directly settle the matter of the loan so that the funds will be available to you upon your return in Milton." He looked directly at John with a rather hard look in his eyes.

"Certainly. And I appreciate the care you are taking on Miss Hale's behalf, Mr Lennox," John carefully replied.

Edith stepped forward. "Henry... Will you take dinner with us tonight?"

"No, thank you. I have much to do in my office that will probably occupy me for some time."

She nodded her understanding as he took his hat and walked out the door. John moved to follow him. "...And yourself, Mr. Thornton? Will you join us for dinner? And your... accommodations in London, are they satisfactory?"

"Indeed, Mrs. Lennox. I thank you for the invitation. I shall happily return for dinner tonight, but then I must return to my lodging and make myself ready to return to Milton on the morrow." Here he spoke directly to Margaret. "There is much that needs to be done."

Edith responded in an arch tone. "We shall look forward to your return this evening, Mr. Thornton, and just so both of you know, I shall camp with the children in front of Margaret's door and post the Captain outside her window all night, so there shall be no chance of her sneaking out and running away with you to catch your morning train."

John and Margaret both laughed at that. Then they were gazing wordlessly at each other again and Edith discreetly stepped away so they could take their leave.

Shortly afterward Margaret approached her with that quiet glow, that smile, that flush she had been sporting ever since Mr. Thornton's arrival. Edith took her in her arms and finally cried honestly, "Oh Margaret! I am happy for you!"