The Journey Home

Chapter 38 An Impatient Lover

Margaret decided to wear her blue silk frock, the same that she recently wore in London at one the last dinners she attended at Harley Street. She knew that its close fitted sleeves and lack of lace and ribbons would be viewed as unfashionable by Fanny, but was not of a mind to alter her appearance to please her. Margaret had the confidence of a mature woman who knew what best suited her figure. She was rarely influenced by the excess of crinolines and puffs, and saw that Fanny had embraced a profusion of ornamentation from what she wore to sunday morning services. She chose from a limited offering of gowns, knowing that the blue of the dress complimented the dark sapphire color of her eyes, and the fitted bodice enhanced her youthful figure. She chose a simple pair of onyx earrings and a silver comb placed in the back of her hair for ornamentation, in addition to her engagement ring. Looking in the one small mirror that Pru had, Margaret found she was satisfied with her appearance. "Lord, please forgive my vanity." She said aloud.

It was only a few minutes after five o'clock when she heard a knock at the door. It was very early for the Thorntons' driver to be there, which perplexed Margaret as she quickly searched her valise for the black lace mantilla she had brought from Spain. "He's early." Pru called from the living room. "Do you need more time, Miss? I can tell him to wait." Margaret went to her second valise to find her shawl. "Yes please, Mrs Cartwright. I need just a few moments," Margaret called from the bedroom. She found the exquisite lace piece wrapped in tissue within the second case. Hearing the deep tones of a male voice, she called again. "Found it!" She hurried to the living room holding the mantilla out for Pru to see. "Of course, it was at the very bottom of the last case!" She sang out.

Margaret stopped abruptly as she saw that it was not the driver waiting but John Thornton.

"Oh!" Margaret exclaimed with surprise. "John, I mean, Mr Thornton. I wasn't expecting you." John held his hat in his hand, and his lips parted with a look of pleasant satisfaction. Margaret was stunning! My, God! He thought to himself. She was more beautiful than he had ever seen her. Her slender arms, neat shoulders and narrow waist were accentuated by her gown, and her eyes shown like the evening star. "Good evening, Margaret. I realize I am early. Please, take what time you need."

Pru stood at the door with her arms neatly folded across her chest. It wouldn't be proper for her to allow her unmarried house guest to go out unaccompanied with Mr Thornton. She should probably offer to chaperone, and wondered if the lady would accept the ride alone with Mr Thornton. Mr Thornton was such a handsome man, and it was good to see this compassionate and playful side of him. It was obvious that sparks flew between them, and Pru wanted no part in dampening their rekindled love. Pru said a little prayer that Margaret would agree to go unaccompanied. What's a little romance between two consenting adults? she thought to herself. "Noticin' that you are looking spiffy yourself, Sir." Pru observed. John simply smiled at Mrs. Cartwright's pluck.

"I just need my bonnet." Margaret said hastily as she wrapped herself in the mantilla. She went to the pegs by the door to retrieve her black bonnet, as John watched her intently, riveted by every elegant movement she made. She finished tying the bow beneath her chin and turned to John. "I am ready."

"Yes you are, Miss." Pru stated authoritatively, as John put his hand on the small of Margaret's back to guide her out the door.

"We shan't be late." John said with a smile and gleam in his eye. Pru gave a small chucked. She had never seen the mill master so smitten. "Take your time, Sir. Good night, Miss." Pru stood at the door and waved as John handed Margaret into the carriage. Margaret looked back tentatively as she returned Pru's wave. John then took the seat across from her and looking out the window at Pru, he saw that she stood with her hands on her hips, with a knowing look in her eye. He'll be popping into the seat next to her, as soon as they're out of sight. Pru was no fool.