Book 1. Genesis (North and South Ed.)

Chapter VI. Stunned and Confused

Chapter VI

Stunned and Confused

"Tell me what you love, and I will tell you who you are."

- Arsene Houssaye, French Novelist

Margaret woke up the next day dazed and confused, not quite sure if she dreamt the events of the previous evening or if it did truly occur. As she rubbed her eyes lightly to clear off the last cobwebs of sleep, she noticed the blond head of her cousin, Edith peeking from the left side of the bed. This brought a smile to Margaret's face as she recalled what happened that evening when she was escorted home by Lord John Thornton... her affianced.... "Affianced," she whispered, the word coming out of her lips as if it was something foreign and unknown, but not unwelcome. "Could it really be? He called me His Margaret, His Beloved, His Helstone Rose." Margaret's thoughts brought a contemplative frown on her face as she examined the Thornton signet ring she wore on left her ring finger. It was not a typical engagement ring. Lord Thornton was caught unprepared by the suddenness of the events, but he had to take his chance he said, as he was a military man used to taking bold actions to accomplish what he needed, when the opportunity presented itself. He assured her that he would do what was right by her always. He was most insistent on her wearing a physical sign of their promise that he gave her the Thornton signet ring, he wore in his pinky finger. He was very tender when he apologized for the "meager offering," a simple gold ring with John's crest and he sincerely promised that he would correct the oversight quickly and would give her a proper engagement ring of her choosing. He only wanted what would be most pleasing to her.

He said they belonged together now and he would never let her go. A shiver went over Margaret as she reflected on Lord John Thornton's earnest words. "Does he really love me? He must. He was in earnest last night, it moved me. I felt I could not refuse such unabashed sincerity and passion. It was not just the words he said, I felt something more than words can express. Is it love? Do I love him?" Margaret shook her head, getting more confused as she examined her feelings. Women of her station married for alliance not for love. She had never been in love before and never thought that she could. Lord John Thornton was not like any man she knew. The boldness, physical strength, great confidence and raw power that emanated from his very being were all at once intimidating, frightening and exciting to her. Margaret shook her head. "Why did I let him kiss me? Why accept his proposal so suddenly - without thinking, with only the slightest hesitation, that was easily overcome by his passionate words? I was just so lost in those blue eyes, so earnest, so full of love, so passionate in his declarations, plainly spoken, honest and direct." Margaret touched her lips as she remembered the very tender and passionate kiss of Lord John. Sighing, she whispered to herself, "I could not help but say yes."

A soft knock on the door, interrupted her contemplation.

"Come in."

"Pardon me, Miss. Your mother is looking for you. She would like to speak with you this morning as she missed you during breakfast," Martha said as she walked into the room.

At this, Margaret's face was filled with horror as she replied, "What time is it? Have Edith and I overslept and missed breakfast?"

"Yes, Miss. It is almost noon. You missed a call from Lord Thornton as well. He stopped by for morning call after breakfast."

"What! Oh, no! Why did no one wake me?"

"Lord Hale's orders. He wanted you to rest as you had quite a night," Martha answered softly with a knowing smile as most of the serving staff has been informed by the steward what occurred last evening when Miss Hale returned home late the evening prior escorted by Lord John Thornton.