The Journey Home

Chapter 14 A Chance Encounter

John Thorton required redirection only once, in the maze known as the Temple, the house of London barristers, to find Henry Lennox's chambers. John never arrived late for an appointment and found himself at Henry's door, five minutes before nine, his appointed time. He waited but a short time in the barrister's antechambers, when a nervous clerk came out and directed him into the main chambers. Henry Lennox had used his talents and his connections to secure a large set of rooms, complete with a bachelor's apartment and manservant, for his thriving business.
Henry stood to greet John, but did not have time to come around the desk before John crossed the room in a few long strides. They shook hands, "Ah, Thornton," Henry exclaimed. "Good of you to come. It has been a very long time since we've seen each other."
"Yes it has." John responded. He stood a head over Henry, which made him feel the dark man's physical power over the room. Being a slightly competitive man, Henry sought to neutralize the balance.
"Please, do sit down. I was thinking of coffee. May I offer you some?" Henry made eye contact with his clerk, Harrison, directing him to fetch the brewing pot.
"No, thank you." He responded shortly. John's discomfort of being in the room was growing and he felt a need to address the business at hand, the sooner, the better.
"Yes, well, certainly it has been some time since I saw you last." Henry repeated. He noticed that John retained the youthful figure of the man he knew nearly a decade ago, but that he now favored a full beard and mustache, closely trimmed in a style contrary to current trends. "You look well, Thorton. Time agrees with you."
He did not respond.
"Have you been in London long?" Henry asked as he searched for the folder containing the materials he had reviewed with Margaret the day before.
"A few days. I've had appointments with the Mansion House Committee, seeking assistance for our Milton people." John wanted to avoided any appearance that his appointment with Henry was his only reason for being in London.
"Admirable, Thornton. We hear of the troubles up North. We Londoners do what we can."
Again, John made no answer.
Never one who was fond of idle chit chat, Henry cleared his throat and got to the point. "I'm afraid that your visit here was quite in vain and my apologies for not reaching you sooner. I've spoken to the landlord and she is not in a position to sell the property."
John paused for the slightest moment, as this was not the response he had expected. Anger tightened his body and his jaw flexed to hold back harsh words.
"Do you mean that the proposal was not enough to entice Miss Hale to sell?" John asked.
"No, my good fellow. I have spoken with Miss Hale. She does not desire to sell the property." Henry briefly paused, "To anyone."
John was not in the mood to play the barrister's word games. He needed to finish the business for which he came. His heart could bear no more. He spoke sharply to Henry. "Am I to understand that you have had the occasion to speak with Miss Hale? That she has refused my offer?"
Henry leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers together across his trim stomach. "Yes, Thornton. I have had that opportunity. Several times."
"You've seen Miss Hale?"
Henry gave a nod.
"Here, in London?" John asked in disbelief. He thought her still in Spain. How long had she been here - one year or perhaps, more? As he digested this news, the anger and jealousy began to consume him. She was in London, all this time, under the influence of the over protective aunt and her foolish cousin. Of course, she would never have let him know because she still detested him! The idea that he had made the offer likely reviled her. She must have thought him a fool.
But she was in London?
John could no longer tolerate being in the smug lawyer's presence. "Then our business is done." he growled as he stood. He took his gloves and hat and started to leave, when there was a gentle rap on the door. Harrison appeared with a tray loaded with a pot, cups and saucers. He timidly entered the room looking for a place to set the tray when a woman dressed in black gently knocked on the open door and entered.
Henry leaned further back in his chair and smiled in triumph. He had a note from Margaret early that morning asking to see him. She was late. "And here she is now. Margaret, so good of you to come so early."
"I am so sorry to be late." She said as she confidently glided into the office. John spun on his heels turning to her in disbelief. She abruptly stopped when she saw the gentleman that looked so much like, but wait, was it he? Was it John Thornton? She had little sleep and what dreams she had were of him. Was she still dreaming? It could not be! Here, in Henry's offices?