Milton Belle

Boxing Day.....Cedric and Hannah were taking a walk thought the crisp, pure white snow.
Enjoying the peace after a busy Christmas Day with their hosts and fellow guests. Hannah was so used to the air of Milton that she had forgotten what a pleasure fresh air was.

Cedric touched the chilled cheek just an inch before his own. He was not the tallest of men and Hannah was tall for a woman. Cedric loved kissing her. He barely had to bend and it was gratifying to see that it was only Hannah's eyes that were far warmer than his skin right now.
She'd been even better company than he'd hoped for. Finally relaxing enough with him to let her emotional guard down. Only with him so far but it was a start.

They had been walking up a hill and stood now at the top. Hearts beating from the exercise and cheeks glowing......
There was a large fallen tree there and Cedric had obviously known of it in advance for he took 2 cloth squares from his pockets and spread them out so that he and Hannah might sit.
“A fine view “. He said taking Hannah's hand. Though if all one had to do in life was look at views they'd soon grow tiresome eh?”

Hannah nodded at him with the half smile that Cedric had come to love. It had been a Herculean task at one time to draw it from her and even now only a select few close people could do it. Chiefly himself and John.
She was a fine fine woman he mused. Highly intelligent she would waste away if she had nothing to do with her energies but surely now it was the time for her to lose her hold on the mill's reins............
“Hannah My Dearest. “ He said. “Forgive me for having an ulterior motive but I didn't just bring you here to look at the views .................
You and I have become good friends have we not?”
“Indeed we have “. Hannah replied. “It has been a most pleasant surprise getting to know you so well Cedric. I don't often let down my guard but I feel that with you I just may be able to.”
This was music to Cedric's ears and spurred him on. “I am a plain talking man Hannah so let me be direct.
I have come to love you and I would be happy if you and I could share the rest of our lives together.
Your John has his Margaret and the Mill is running well. Time for you to satisfy your own needs now.
Will you let me take care of you Hannah, as your husband?”

Hannah looked at him. She was not one for emotional outbursts but Cedric could see she was moved.
“ I love you too my dear Cedric. My first marriage was not of my own choosing nor do I believe that the late Mr Thornton and I were at all suited to each other but with you. I feel I have come home......I will be your wife with great pleasure. Thank you “.......
And they kissed........A cold winter day suddenly as warm as summer.


The day before New Year's Eve Hannah and Cedric arrived back in Milton with their happy news that was received with much rejoicing by John and Margaret.
John kissed his Mother and immediately swept Cedric off to open the brandy for a toast.
Hannah found herself hugged warmly but thankfully briefly by her daughter in law.
“ Oh Hannah. I'm so pleased for you. “She smiled. “ I know my marrying John made you feel he was being taken from you.....Though that is not true.
Now you have a love of your own at last. Wonderful. Just wonderful “.
As much as she was annoyed by overemotional outbursts, Hannah was curiously touched by Margaret's affection.....” Thank you child”, she said softly.

[b]March[/b]
Spring was finally here. The long awaited Mill Garden was due to be opened by Margaret the Saturday before Palm Sunday which would be the 2nd week in April, 4 weeks away now.
For the time being Margaret had something more pressing on her mind. She talked to Hannah about this.
The two women were getting on so much better there days. Hannah was more relaxed now which made it easier.
The older couple had decided that there was no need for a lengthy wait to marry. They had arranged to marry on the 25th March in 2 days time.
Now Hannah sat with her daughter in law waiting for Dr Donaldson, who she suspected would be confirming some very welcome news.
The Doctor examined Margaret with Hannah in attendance. Eventually he nodded. “Yes indeed. I would say you are 14 weeks into pregnancy Mrs Thornton “.

Now it was Hannah's turn to hug spontaneously.......” Margaret my dear girl “, she said tenderly. “ That is wonderful news.” She was going to wait until her wedding day to give the glad tidings to Cedric.
Looking at Margaret's shining face though it would be torture to ask her to wait to tell John. In fact her daughter in law was already heading towards John's office in the mill. She chuckled quietly.
Her son was to be a Father...He would be ecstatic. Bless him.

John saw the lovely figure of his wife in the office doorway. She'd been looking tired for a while. He hoped she wasn't ill...........
“ Darling“. He murmured tenderly. “It's been a long hard day......You're a sight for sore eyes. Come and sit on my lap “.
Margaret did. Her arms slid around his neck as she nuzzled his ear then lifted her head, looking with adoration into her husband's beautiful face.......
“I have some news my love“. She said softly. “I saw Dr Donaldson today .......”
John gasped. “ You're ill”? He asked with concern.
Margaret shook her head and giggled. “Well, I haven't been feeling well recently but that's normal enough.....In my condition”.
She gave John a smile as she let the words register.
John's hand slid to his wife's soft belly. “A baby”? He asked in awed joy. “Oh my darling. I'm going to be a Father”?
Margaret cried out her joy. “Yes.....Our baby. Oh John. I'm so happy“.
Tears were leaking from John's eyes and he was half laughing half crying as he stroked his wife with exaggerated tenderness.
“ Oh My Margaret, my sweet angel “. He whispered before kissing her in veritable worship

TBC