The Journey Home

Chapter 24 - An Excuse of Politics and Purse

It had been a productive, although trying day for John Thornton, and a long evening of politics and dalliances lay ahead of him. He would dine at the London home of Andrew Townsend, one of the three Darkshire Members of Parliament. John's purpose was to secure the reluctant MP's backing in his quest for funding for Milton's unemployed. Townsend's invitation came with the encouragement of his widowed sister, Caroline Townsend Delaney, a woman of wealth and good taste who enjoyed the company of John Thornton, only months after the unexpected demise of her husband.

Townsend, a dedicated follower of the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, had stunned John with a reversal of position and had thrown his support for a bill to support the industrial northern cities and towns - the Public Works for Manufacturing and Industry petition - soon to be brought to the floor of the House of Commons. He had also secured an audience for John with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Unfortunately, meetings with the Chancellor took much preparation and John was commited to dinner for the next two evenings. Margaret's party would have to wait, and he prayed that she would understand his reasoning.

The evening's dinner at Townsend's would also include Daniel Elwyn, a savvy under secretary in the offices of William Gladstone, the said Chancellor of the Exchequer. Elwyn was well connected and quickly becoming a confidant of Gladstone, the long winded preacher of liberal politics. Gladstone's fire and brimstone approach to liberal policy was frequently met with groans from his opponents; even the aged Prime Minister was seen to roll his eyes when Gladstone drew breath before a speech. Both sides of the House knew that it was just a matter of time before Gladstone took over the leadership of his party and forced through much of his social reform.

Both Whigs and Tories also agreed that what was good for British commerce was good for the empire and the state of the industrial north was of great concern. In particular, Britian's relationship with the Americans embroiled in civil war caused much consternation across both British political parties. So much of a concern that certain political leaders went out as far as to say that the northern states' blockade of southern state trade, specifically the cotton trade, should be met with force so that British cotton mills could return to productivity. The Trent Affair had painted the ruling party into a corner so a more neutral approach towards American relations held sway.

To the subject of national aid for Darkshire, John's arguments for assistance were met with indecisiveness on the part of the Darkshire MP. Although he had represented the district for many years, Townsend had turned a blind eye to the needs of his constituents, was an infrequent attendee at sessions and was reluctant to bring matters to the floor. Townsend wanted the industrial counties to flourish, but he would not support a measure with no clear mode of management and delivery of funding. In its current state the Poor Laws provided that the local parish and the Poor Law Union attempt to minimize the strain on Milton's allotted relief by forcing non-native Miltoners back to their parish of origin. To his mind, Townsend felt that the local Union managing the distribution of Poor Law subsidies had done a particularly bad job of it in the district; not to mention that the number of Italians and Irish emigrants living on the subsidy didn't make it any easier and was simply unacceptable.

Since taking ownership of Marlborough Mills, John had opened his doors to the surveyors and accountants, much to his mother's disdain. Over time, they had solicited his input for their reports commissioned by the London Mansion House Committee and liberal minded politicians. When funding from London proved insufficient, some local business owners, like John, attempted to pool resources to aid the newly unemployed and keep families out of the parish work house. But the number of mill closings increased and local philanthropy was not enough. Nicholas Higgins and other working class leaders approached the "Masters' Union" and asked that they form a collective and help seek out aid on a national level. It was unanimously decided that the ambassador from Milton should be John Thornton.

For two years, John had made regular trips to London, and had secured early funding from the Mansion House. This had helped to build some of the newer housing in the area for those workers that would otherwise have been forced into the streets. It provided some relief but could not completely alleviate the problem, as the Milton work house was filled beyond capacity, More disturbing was the state of sanitation and plumbing in and around the work house; the mortality rate among young children was increasing and expected to spike in the coming winter months. If he could not secure additional resources for the poor, John's plan was to obtain public funding to improve Milton's infrastructure, in particular sewer drainage and a clean water supply.

When he returned to his hotel to change for dinner, John penned an apologetic note to Margaret letting her know of the change in his plans. He was unable to attend the party at Harley Street tomorrow evening, and he hoped she understood. He also sent telegrams to Higgins and his mother, letting them know of his expected return to Milton on Saturday. The grit of London air clung to his clothing and discolored his white shirt, filling his nose with the foul stench of excessive decay and river rot. Despite the lack of sunlight in Milton, there was at least an honest smell of industry, hard work and camaraderie. He quickly washed the tinge from his face and neck and prepared for dinner.

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Margaret closed the door to her room and rang for her maid to assist her as she undressed and readied for bed. She sat at the dressing table and began to remove the steel pins that secured the great weight of her hair that had been carefully arranged in a simple low twist. Her loose hair  tumbled down her back in dark, thick, silky curls that stood in stark contrast to her creamy complexion.  She began to brush her hair in rhythmic strokes as she thought about the course of the evening's events, having started the evening with the disappointing news that John would not be able to attend the party the next evening.  Margaret was not upset about the news about the party; she was, however, eager to see John and it would now be a full day and a night before she could hope to see him again.

Once the maid finished unlacing Margaret's corset and assisted with the disposal of her stylish crinoline, Margaret braided her hair and climbed into bed in the large, oversized bed.  The noise from the gathering of Edith's friends  below  occasionally traveled up towards the upstairs bedrooms, peels of high pitched feminine laughter and the deep murmuring  tones of the gentlemen.  Margaret could not sleep,  She tossed about, trying to find a comfortable position, but her thoughts of John preoccupied her, so much so that she alighted from her bed and retrieved his recent note. 

As she read, her heart filled with pride for the man John Thornton had become.

My Dearest Margaret,

Although I long to see you at the appointed time tomorrow evening, I find myself in the most unfortunate position of having to change our plans.  I am deeply sorry to not attend at Harley Street tomorrow and I find it distressing to know that I will not have you by my side for the course of the day.

Please forgive me as I write this note with some haste as I have been asked to dinner this evening with politicians of some influence at it relates to a bill that would provide for needed funds to those area of our country in need of aid due to the deplorable economic conditions.  Our efforts are coming to fruition, my dearest.  We will have a fund that will provide work for our unemployed and aid in the health and well being of our Milton residents.  My only solace in having to refuse time with you is that I know this to be an effort that is dear to your heart.

I long to see you.  You have captivated my entire being and I fear that I am delightfully  driven to distraction in anticipation of our next meeting. 

Until then, I remain yours,

JT