I took the train back to Milton, jumping off the train before it even fully stopped. Running to the Thornton's. The mill was empty and I felt defeated standing there, alone.
"He is gone," a rough voice spoke behind me, John's mother. "I do not where he has gone off to."
"I am sorry," I sighed. "I should have not left. He was just so busy, I did not want to worry him. What had happened to Fanny."
Mrs. Thornton gently touched my shoulder. "John is a strong man as for Fanny -- well, she got married."
I gave a nod. "That is so very well for her." I turned around, ready to head for the door.
"Helen -- you showed feelings for my son long ago. Were those feelings true?" She questioned with sincere worry for her son.
"John Thornton is a kind man who deserves the very best. I am sad to see this place so empty and I came back in hopes of seeing him. I thought that my heart died with my husband very long ago. But John made me see that it was just locked away. Now I am sorry to have missed him and he may think badly of me for leaving. Though you cannot blame me after losing all my family. SO please, can you tell Thornton that I stopped by?" I explained with a sweet but sad tone.
Mrs. Thornton nodded to me.
I found myself on the train back to London. Though it stopped for a ten-minute break. I figure it was waiting for another train. Getting out of the car to stretch, my eye caught a familiar face. My heart started beating fast at the sight of John Thornton. When he spotted me, he hopped out of his car.
"Miss Dell?"
Tears swelled my eyes, but I was able to keep them at bay. "Mr. Thornton, I was just in Milton."
He gave a sweet smile. "You where?"
I nodded. "I was looking for you. I recently lost my father. Losing my late husband, my mother, and brother. You were so busy I did not want to disturb you."
"You are back, that is all that matters," John replied sweetly.
I took his hand, kissing softly. "I, um, came into some fifteen thousand pounds. I was thinking that we could use it to get your mill back up and running."
"We? Like a business partnership?" John questioned sadly.
"I mean -- yes, like a partnership." I dropped my head, sad that Thornton had moved on from the thought of he and I.
John cupped my face, looking deep into my eyes. I felt as if I was going to melt in his grip. When he leaned down and kissed me, my knee got weak. He rested his forehead against mine.
"Do not think I have forgotten about our time together," he breathed, playing his my hair.
"I assure you that I have not, Thornton. Does that mean you will accept my offer?" I questioned looking up at him.
He smiled, his face looked happier than ever before. "It depends. Will you come home with me?"
I nodded my head. "Of course. I would be more than happy to."
John grabbed my bag from the London train and set it with his. Boarding the train back to Milton, I sat in John's arms. I felt that I had found true love that was going to last. We married soon after, running the cotton mill together, making it a better place to work.
