I rushed home as fast as I could. The next day I sat up by the graves, looking over the city. I couldn't as much as my heart hurt, I could not do it. John Thornton was a fine man, but my heart still cared for James. Besides my little sister was looking at John for a suitor. I sighed, looking over. Dropping to the ground when I saw John Thornton march up the hill. But he spotted me.
"Miss Dell?" He questioned, coming over to me.
I brushed myself off and gave a smile. "Hello," I sang, nervously.
He looked around. "What are doing?"
I chuckled, grabbing my handkerchief. "I dropped this."
He nodded. "Well, as long as you are okay." He moved closer to me, taking my hand softly. "About the other day -- I want to say thank you for saving me."
"I was only doing what anyone would. Besides, it was kind of my fault you were in that position," I replied. "I am that I rushed out so soon."
"No, it is alright."
I let out a sigh. "I was married -- Once..." I started to say, moving away from him. "He got sick and, um, well, what normally happens to sick people. It has been two years since then. So when we were wrapped up I might have called you by his name. I am sorry for that."
His voice was soft and sincere. "No, there is no need to be sorry. I lost my father when I was young." He took my hand and held it close to him. "I know your pain."
"Forgive me, John," I said, pulling my hand away. "My little sister is the one you must go after. She is practically throwing herself at you. My heart belonged to my husband and I fear that it died with him."
"Please understand when I say that your sister does not belong with me. I know you feel it too. There is something between us. That is why you saved me, right?" He gently said.
I placed my hand on the side of his face. "I just cannot do that to my sister. No matter how much it feels right. I am sorry if I hurt you, John."
Before I could turn, John pulled me in and planted a kiss on my lips.
"I do not think we need to worry about Miss Hale as she is preoccupied with another man," he explained nicely.
I kindly pushed him away. "When she is to marry then we can be open, Mr. Thornton. So please, let us just be friends for now." I gently rested my hand on his face, falling to the side of his arm.
"I will not rest until I have you, Miss Dell," he said, smiling.
I chuckled. "Then you will be waiting for a while."
--
When I got home, I found that Fredrick, our bother had come to say goodbye to mother. And goodbye is what he got. Later that night mother passed with the three of us holding her. My heart was heavy seeing her leave so soon. The next night Margaret ran Fredrick to the train station before the funeral.
