Missing Mr Thornton

CHAPTER 4 - Submerged

Margaret found herself staring up into the steely dark eyes of Mr Thornton. His facial features immediately changed upon recognising the familiar face that had greeted him in his mind every night for the past year. Margaret's face.  His eyes softened to a charcoal colour, his brow relaxed from its previous furrowed position, his breathing deepened and the frown of concentration on his face evaporated. Suddenly aware of how close his face was to hers she took a step backwards and thrust her hand out. 'Mr Thornton, I received your letter this morning,' she looked at him waiting for a response; his eyes had misted over yet bore into her with a deep intensity. She averted her eyes from his penetrating gaze and he shook himself slightly trying to compose himself. He could not believe she was here. 'Ms Hale,' he stumbled, 'we did not expect you so soon,' he trailed off, looking instead to her for guidance. She nodded and told him of her desire to visit the mill at which his eyes lit up but felt the need to correct him on her address. 

'It's not Miss Hale anymore, I am married.' She studied him as his well sculpted features change back to the scowl she had grown used to in days gone past.  He simply nodded giving his belated congratulations and hoped she was happy in her marriage etc. as any polite gentleman would do. She wanted to reach out to him, to tell him how unhappy she was but she knew that would be regarded as inappropriate on many levels. Instead she started to walk over to the mill and heard his footsteps follow. 

After showing her around the mill and giving her time to speak to Higgins and a few of the other workers, they discussed business in his study; funds, workers, demand and competition, accompanied by a pot of tea and a plate of biscuits. Margaret was eager and interested in the mill and wanted to learn more about it, Mr Thornton happily indulged her, taking pleasure in her open animation and bathing in the warming glow of her earnest smile. They lost track of time talking of everything and nothing, and before they knew it the clock had struck six. Margaret rose immediately exclaiming her gratitude to Mr Thornton for his enlightenment but insisted that she had already exceeded her welcome and felt the need to return home. He let her go unwillingly, not wanting to lose her again, but he knew it was too late now.

Mr Thornton reached his hand to take Margaret's in a farewell. She held out her small hand which he clasped in his large one readily, smiling in wonder at the angel in front of him. Margaret wanted to stay like that forever, his hand holding hers. His warmth spread throughout her body warming her heart, a part of her she had long given up hope on. If this was what it felt like to hold only his hand, she could only imagine what it would be like for him to hold her in his arms. Blushing at the thought she reluctantly drew her hand away. She looked up into his welcoming face memorising each line and curve of his features, his dark velvet eyes, his inviting lips, his dark mop of hair, his rugged jaw line, his slightly crooked nose and his touchable skin. She felt drawn to him and was sure he must feel some of it to - when they touched sparks seemed to fly and her body became electrified - surely he could feel it to. She pulled her eyes away from his perfect face and made to leave the study. Mr Thornton held open the door for her and she left, giving him one last smile. 

It took all his self-restraint not to run after her and grab her in his arms. He cursed himself for hiding his true feelings for her when she had lived in Milton, if he had not given the impression of a deep disregard for her she may not have left. Instead he watched her go and did nothing to stop her. He was stupid to think that she would come back to him, why would she after the way he had treated her? He was appalled by what his conduct around her had been, and loathed himself for it. His ungentlemanly manners towards her would have driven anyone away. 

Thornton had hoped that his feelings for Ms Hale would leave him as swiftly as she had left him, without a second glance. He thought that everything would simply return to how it had been before her, but it never could. He had managed to hide from his feelings whilst at work, locking them away in a small compartment at the back of his mind, but on her visit she had unlocked them and taken the key with her. His body had been swimming in an ocean of feelings, and her visit was the peak of the wave crashing down on him, he had been submerged.  

Thanks so much for reading! I am sorry this chapter is only short but I have loads going on at the moment  - thanks so much again! all comments appreciated! 

Lots of love

Milton Girl xxx