Foolish Passions: A North & South Variation

Chapter 5: Realisations

Margaret froze. An icy tingle of shocked embarrassment made its way up from the base of her spine to the tips of her ears, flushing them a bright crimson. Slowly she turned, her face cast down to the floor.

"Mr Thornton."

He stood in the doorway, half of his tall frame hidden by the door that was only just ajar. Upon approaching the house he had seen Higgins sitting at the table, facing the graceful outline of a corseted waist and an ample, linen skirt. He did not need to see its owner's face to know who it was.

"Miss Hale."

Well, this was a surprise! And confirmation that she was indeed the woman who thought him kind enough to counsel her friend to apply to his goodness. The knowledge of her good opinion sent a warmth to loosen the knot in his stomach that had accompanied him on his humbling errand. He was capable of kindness. She had been right!

And then you were cruel, and proved her wrong.

'But now I am here, to make amends, and do the right thing,' he thought.

She does not know that. She still thinks you a brute...

'Then she is wrong! My coming here proves her right!'

What is it then? Is she wrong or is she right?

'She is wrong if she thinks she was not right! I am capable of kindness. I am no brute.'

Well right now she must think you are mad, standing there arguing with yourself...

Thornton tore his eyes up from the floor that he had been studying with considerable intensity. Higgins and Miss Hale were staring at him, bemusement on both their faces. They shot each other a quizzical look. How long had he been looming in the doorway, bickering silently with himself? At least he hoped it had been silent; it would hardly do to add lunacy to Miss Hale's laundry list of his personal defects.

For God's sake John! Say something!

"Nicholas, I have stayed too long! I really must be going." said Miss Hale, cutting into Thornton's half-formed thought. Securing her shawl about her shoulders, she gifted her friend a sympathetic smile before tossing a curt nod in Mr Thornton's direction. Their eyes met just long enough for him to read the clear disapprobation that was written there. With a determined rustling of skirts she departed, leaving behind the faintest breath of soap and florals hanging in the damp, dense air.

A Darkshireman's conversation is known for its economy, and the exchange between master and worker was no exception. Thornton shoved Miss Hale and her disdain from his mind. He had come to make amends, and so amends he made, even going so far as to offer his hand to the incredulous union leader, a symbol of agreement between honourable men. Higgins accepted his proposal, even deigning to thank the master for the olive branch he had extended. They stood for a moment in satisfied silence, each man taking the measure of the other. Higgins was the first to speak.

"Was the' summat else ye' was wantin' measter?"

Thornton hesitated. With the matter concluded the embarrassment of Miss Hale's words and departure flooded his thoughts once again. He opened his mouth to speak, but seemed unsure of exactly what it was he wished to say.

"No Higgins. That'll do. I'll see ye' monday, and mind ye' keep sharp t' yer time."

Higgins crossed the small room to hold the door open for the master. He took his time replacing his hat and checking his pocket watch, his fingers fiddling with the chain a for a little too long.