Welcome to Milton

5

Thornton returned within a couple of hours, he had a large basket in hand. His mother had their cook fix couple of meals for him to share with his son and the lady doctor. When he walked back to the private room his son was in, Johnny wasn't there. A note of panic hit John Thornton's heart. Had something happened?

The basket was dropped and Thornton vaulted quickly to the office that Alexandria Copeland used. He was wild eyed upon seeing her. His son was leaned back against the doctor, sleeping. She was gently petting the little boy's dark locks as he rested against her.

Alex crooked her finger, motioning Thornton closer. She whispered softly. "I am so sorry Mr. Thornton. I appear to have frightened you. Johnny had a bad dream so I have kept him in here with me. He should be able to go home tonight with you. Perhaps that way you both may get some much needed rest."

She shifted the boy around and stood up. Thornton was somewhat surprised, the doctor was much stronger than she looked. He went to take his son from her, but she waved him off. Without effort, Alex placed him back in the hospital bed.

"Have you gotten any sleep Dr. Copeland?"

"I'm fine. Not to worry. I doze off when I can." She smiled.

"My mother sent a basket of food, if you are hungry."

"Actually, I am feeling a touch peckish. Let me make us some tea." She set her desk as a table for the two of them. That way she could keep an eye on John's son for a bit longer. The emergency was over with the boy. As long as he was kept away from dairy products, his allergy shouldn't cause him any more problems.

John was plating their food when he looked up. Alex's hair had slid from its careful knot. When she finally noticed, Alexandria went about to fix it. Unbinding her long curling mane, she let it slip down her back. He immediately thought of how wonderful she felt so close earlier and now seeing her with unbound hair? It was too much. John admonished himself silently. He should not be looking at a woman in such a way. She put it back up immediately. He noted that she didn't seem to realize he could see her and he was correct.

Aching, Thornton looked away. It had been a long time since he was intimate with a woman. He doubted he would ever want to be again after Margaret passed. Now, lust reared its head. He throbbed with that lust. He couldn't help but wonder what she would look like naked before him. Would her body arch with his touch? Would she welcome a big rough man like him? John Thornton doubted she would.

But god in heaven! She was truly beautiful, in such a way he had never seen before. Contemplating on why, he frowned. She took liberties like a man did. Not that she was in any sense masculine, she simply ignored the proper decorum that most women kept to. The freedom in her was thrilling in ways John Thornton didn't even understand.

"Is everything alright Mr. Thornton?"

What? Why was she asking? "Yes. Why do you ask?"

"Oh. I thought I heard something. Never mind. I apparently am more tired than I realized." Alex stopped to wash her hands before going to their makeshift dinner table.

"I would have you sit at a proper table Mr. Thornton, but I would rather keep an eye on your boy while he is under my care."

"That is most appreciated Doctor. Thank you." Thornton looked thoughtful. "At the dinner, you were saying how community is important to people. It just isn't the money earned."

"Yes. I was."

"Would you explain more of this theory please?"

"A man could have all the money in the world and if he doesn't have anything to do with said money, it's useless. Oh sure baubles and sparkly items are nice, but items don't love you. People love you. It is more than that though. People are by and large, pack animals. Most prefer to be around others that are similar. That is what builds and reinforces a community.

It's how I can walk through the Princeton district unscathed. Then I may mingle with the wealthiest of Milton immediately afterwards. " She smiled softly. "You have been spoken very highly of by the workers in Milton Mr. Thornton. If something were to happen, they would support and help you. Those same workers would not do the same for the likes of Watson, Slickson, or Hamper. You breed loyalty within the ranks by giving your people better access to food and family. Besides your workers being far more loyal, they are also in better shape physically. Therefore they are stronger in mind and body."

John smirked. "You would have a hard time convincing my younger sister in regards to the items, but you aren't wrong Doctor. I never thought of it that way. You have gotten to meet the three gentleman you just mentioned. What do you think of them?"

"Slickson and Hamper are dullards of the worst sort. The fact that they might sustain a business as well as they do is surprising. Watson on the other hand is a bully and a letch."

Nearly choking on his tea, Thornton laughed. "My you are blunt Dr. Copeland."

"Ask me a question and I will tell you no lies."

"Why do you say Watson is a letch or even a bully?"

"While I realize he is your brother in law, he was far too friendly for my taste. Nor will he take no for an answer unless it is enforced." Alex didn't have to say exactly why or how, Thornton understood the meaning of her words.

"I'm sorry."

"You did nothing wrong Mr. Thornton. Please do not apologize."

"Dr. Copeland?"

"Yes?"

"Would you permit me to court you?" He was as stunned by his words as much as she was.

And Alex indeed looked stunned. It was the last thing she was expecting. Remembering how in the book Margaret's refusal hurt the man. "As much as I would like to say yes, I'm not sure it would be a good idea. Mr. Thornton, you do not know me at all."

"It could be a way to get to know each other."

"It could, yes. Mr. Thornton. Please realize something, I am nearly thirty years old and married to my profession just as you are. I have never married the truest sense but I am not a virgin either."

"I see."

"I'm not ashamed of it, but it is something you need to know first and foremost."

"I see."