The streets were quiet and bare. Normally, they were full of life, but this day was different. I had to go to Thornton's, not that I wanted to. I knocked on the heavy, locked gate. It was opened by one of the servants.
"It is only you miss, please, go inside and lock the door behind you."
"Why must I do that? What has happened?" I questioned as he leads me to the door.
The servant did not answer me. He rushed me into the house and quickly shut the door behind me. I went upstairs and found Mrs. Thornton. But they were preoccupied with something more important. There was a huge roar at the front gate, being noisy, I ran to the window. I saw Thronton run out of the mill and into the house. The angry mob screamed Thronton's name.
"Miss Dell," a soft voice spoke.
I turned to find Thronton. "What is happening?" I questioned.
"I am sorry you have visited us at this unfortunate moment. The strikers are angry as you can see." Thronton explained, looking out the window.
They busted through the gate and were going for the t mill doors. Screaming about Irish workers. The people were furious.
"Keep up your courage, Miss Dell," Thronton said, still looking out the window.
"I am not afraid. I do not like showing weakness of any kind. Can you not pacify them?" I questioned, a little insulted that he thought I was so weak.
Thronton stood tall just as James would. "The soldiers will make them see reason."
"Soldiers? Reason? Mr. Thronton, you make those people stand down you need to go there. You need to be a man and speak to them as if they were human beings. They are hungry and that has driven them mad. Children are starving. They have not a clue of what they are doing. So save your innocent Irishmen," I demanded, looking at him straight.
His baby blue eyes were fill was amazement. But he listened and went directly to the front door. I sat still looking out the window. When I saw a man pick up a rock, I ran down to warn Mr. Thronton.
"Please, stop!" I screamed, jumping in front of Thronton. "Think of what you doing! He is only one man and you are many! Go home! The soldiers are coming. So go in peace."
The mod settled down. But one man yelled. "Will you send the Irish home?"
Thronton stepped forward. "Never!" He roared.
The mod shouted again. Thornton tried sending me back inside.
"Go back inside, this is not your place!" He ordered.
I shook my head. "Surely they will not hurt a woman."
Thronton grabbed me by the hips, trying to get me back inside. But I wrapped my arms around.
"Go inside of I will take you!" He roared softly.
"I will not leave you, James!" I screamed back before blacking out.
---
I woke to the voice of Fanny. "Lay quietly, Helen," she said, fanning me.
I groaned, softly touching my head. "I am fine. I need to go home."
The doctor walked in with Mrs. Thornton. He ordered me to stay and rest. They laid me back down, giving me water. Fanny and her mother kept me company until Mr. Thornton walked into the room with a worried look. The girls left and I sat up.
"Are you okay?" He frantically questioned.
I gave a nod. The doctor cleaned my head but it was sore to the touch. "I will be alright, thank you, Mr. Thornton."
He gave a soft smile. "Please, call me John. There is no need for sure formalities."
I blushed, trying not to look at him. "John," I whispered.
"Why did do that?" He asked, gently touching my head with a wet cloth. "Why did you rush out like that?"
"I could not see an innocent man be torn apart. I am sorry if I overstepped any lines," I sighed, holding my own hands.
John shook his head. "No, you did not overstep. But may ask -- who is James."
"I am sorry, I really must go. My family is probably wondering where I am," I nervously said, standing up. "Thank you, Mr... John."
I left as quickly as I could.
