North & South: A Continutation

 

Chapter 2 – Another Business Proposition

 

 

Walking through the streets of Milton hand in hand it was difficult for Margaret to imagine a time when she and John had been constantly at loggerheads with one another over some idea or opinion that they didn’t agree on.  But now she was happy, content with the knowledge that both of them could at least now settle down and enjoy their lives together.  However, there would still be hardships to overcome not least setting up the mill again and, she envisaged, battling with

Mrs Thornton.

 

She looked over at John, he was wearing a childlike expression, all seriousness shed as he kept hold of her hand, kept her close for fear that she would float away if he let go.  His coat, cravat and hat were still discarded but it seemed right, yes he was a gentleman but there were times when he needn’t be so formal, after all she liked it, like to see him at ease.  And this was definitely one of those occasions.

 

“You’ll wear your eyes out you keep looking at me like that.”  He jested.  “Can’t you see how uncomfortable you’re making me?”

 

“Nonsense,” she replied, “you look the picture of a very relaxed man, and I don’t believe that you could ever be ill at ease with me glancing at your appearance.”

 

He stopped bringing her to him.  Bending his lips to her ear he whispered, “just my appearance little one?”

 

Margaret looked up at him; she noticed the devilish grin appearing on his face and his eyes twinkling from his insinuating remark.  She flushed, she never realised that one small sentence could reduce her to such a quivering wreck; it wasn’t as if she hadn’t thought about it of course but she was always keen to keep her emotions in check.  She was in earnest, he was so very handsome.  The clipped velvety dark hair that she wanted to embed her hands into as they caressed.  His icy blue eyes that sent a shiver down her spine every moment she caught sight of them.  The lips that had already given her so much pleasure and were bound to give her more.  Her face and hands still tingling for the sensation of being ever so gently lovingly touched by his strong fingers and thumbs.  Catching the slightest glimpse of his neck and upper chest from the open collar of his shirt; enough, enough she had to think clearly; the street in broad daylight was no place for these images in her head, she had to compose herself.  “John, you are the devil incarnate.  How am I supposed to think clearly when your few words conjure up images that I really should not be thinking?”

 

“Then I shall speak no more of them until our wedding night.”  She gave him her knowing look, his grin dazzled.  “Look we are nearly at the Higgins’.”

 

“Yes, everything seems so still, this isn’t usual is it?”

 

“No, Marlborough was not the only mill to close in the area.  Many of the workers have moved to more affluent areas in order to seek work.  It is unfortunate that other masters had to share my fate but at least I have my angel,” he brought her closer to him, “to help me get back on my feet and reemploy some of these people.”

 

“John, will things ever be the same?”

 

“People still want to buy cotton, it’s becoming cheaper than other fabrics to produce and manufacture, and hotter climate countries other than England, even those as close as Europe, are interested in importing the fabric as it is as cool to wear as linen, but not as expensive and easier to look after.  We just need to look to our suppliers, I fear that there will be trouble in having our supplies come from America; we may have to go Le Havre or buy Egyptian in order to get better returns.  It will be easier setting up again; with not so much competition in Milton at least it will give us a better chance at succeeding more quickly.  And you will get your return sooner.”

 

“I’m not worried about my return; I’m not even concerned about the rent.”

 

“You need some kind of return, its good business sense.”

 

“And what about family, John.  We will soon be connected in such a way that nothing shall part us other than death.  What’s mine is yours.”

 

“That is very honourable but you should get something.”

 

“Will it make you feel better if I accept something?”

 

“Aye, you must have something in return for your generosity.”

 

“Then I shall accept nothing more than a guinea a week for the rent, think of it as my housekeeping.  I will have my solicitors sort out the paperwork.”

 

“By solicitors do you mean Henry Lennox?”

 

“Is that a hint of jealousy I detect in your voice,” he shook his head but his eyes gave him away.  Margaret explained, “he is one of the solicitors in the practice, I only asked for his help at the time because his brother is married to my cousin.  John, he asked me once to marry him when we were still at Helstone, even though I was still too young I knew my own mind.  I wasn’t interested, he didn’t much care for the things I did, we would not have been a match made in heaven, besides I could never marry someone I didn’t love and had no intention of forming that kind of attachment to either.  So you see, you have always been in my heart even when you were absent from it.”

 

“Thank you.  I can now rest easy in the knowledge that there neither is nor has ever been anyone that has caught your eye.  I am glad that I have always been your choice, I only hope that I will never disappoint you.”

 

“What am I to do with you, I have told you once already today that you could never do that.  I am sure that there will be times when we disagree but we will come away from those arguements as friends and have fun making up.”

 

“Aye, love, I’m sure we will.  Look we are here, do you want to know what I have planned before I knock?”

 

“What do you have in mind, my love?”

 

“I wish to make Higgins overseer, do you think he would accept?  I feel that he would look after us, make sure the rest of the workers kept working and come up with ideas for running the place better, he has a fair head on his shoulders.”

 

“I think that would be a very good idea, and with his union ideals maybe we could all work together to make sure that all of the workers are treated fairly, if we give them respect, they will respect us and work harder for us do you not think?”

 

“Mmm, has anyone ever told you that you are not just a pretty face?  You are right, but I will not have languorous workers trying it on.”

 

“I’m sure that Nicholas would not allow that to happen and if it is the case then those workers should be reprimanded.  It will not be a difficult task.”

 

“Well it is set then, I shall ask him directly.”  And with that John rapped on the door; it was opened seconds later by Mary.  “Hello Mary,” John said, “is your father in?”  She nodded that he was and opened the door wider for John to enter, “I’ve brought someone with me, and I hope you don’t mind?”  Mary lifted her eyes and caught a glimpse of Margaret.  Running to her she flung her arms around Margaret’s neck before allowing her to rejoin John and the rest of Mary’s extended family in their living area.

 

“Well my eyes must be deceiving me for I sure as … I never thought I’d be lucky enough to see you again, Margaret.”

 

“I’m here Nicholas, large as life itself.  I have some news, that is to say we have some news,” she looked over to John who had never disconnected his gaze from her since she had joined him in the Higgins’ small rooms.

 

“I dare say you have,” Nicholas laughed, “Mary, I think our visitors would appreciate some tea.  Come, sit down and rest you must be tired after your walk from the station.”

 

“How did you know we had come from the station?”  John asked, as he helped Margaret take a seat.

 

“I’ve just got back from the Green Dragon, right commotion going on there; not too sure what was being said only that Master Thornton was seen arriving at the station with a pretty girl on his arm.  Hand in hand they were as they walked across town.  Daresay they were talking about you, Miss Margaret.”

 

“Yes, I daresay.  Oh, I can’t contain myself any longer; we are to be wed Nicholas, John and I.  Do you think that will do?”

 

“Do, miss?  Aye, it will do very well.  I’m very happy for you both.”

 

“You’ll come to the wedding won’t you?  I’d be very disappointed if you didn’t!”

 

“Of course, miss, if that’s your bidding, I’ll have the whole family turn out if you so wish.”

 

“That would be fine, wouldn’t it John?”  Margaret asked, forgetting her place momentarily.

 

John felt a tug on his trousers and looked down to see Thomas by his side, he stroked his head playfully.  “Aye, wouldn’t have it any other way.  Margaret’s seen too much heartache whilst she’s been in Milton it wouldn’t be right to not let her have her wish.  Although,” he picked young Thomas up in his arms and placed him on his lap, “it would be my wish also.”

 

“Thank ye, master, we would be honoured.  Here help yourselves to tea.”  Margaret began pouring tea and handing out the cups.

 

“I’m not your master now, Nicholas.”  He nodded to Margaret as she passed him a cup, he took a sip of the milky liquid.  “Unless, that is, you wish to work for me again.”

 

“And for that I’d be honoured, when would this likely to be.”

 

“Soon, very soon I hope.  Now that I have Margaret by my side, helping me out so to speak I’m hoping that we can get back to work shortly.  I would need you there sooner though.”

 

“Why, got to whip me into shape before the rest start.”

 

“In a manner of speaking yes, Margaret and I would like so much for you to come back as the overseer.”

 

“What?  Are ye serious? I mean you know I work well but this is more than I’ve done before?  What about Williams?”

 

“You know as well as I what Williams were about, and it weren’t for helping out the business.  Anything he did was for his own reward.  Both of us believe that you’ll do right by us and right by the workers likewise.”

 

At this point, Margaret took up the reign, “we both feel that you will benefit us all, you’ll look after the mill, see that everything is working as it should, help out when new equipment is needed and train the employees, help settle disputes, use your skills to encourage the employees to work and make sure they get a fair wage in return, use your judgement with those workers that are not doing so well and help discipline them if needed.  You are a born leader, Nicholas and we both feel that you have what it takes to keep the mill open and on a sure footing, especially if we have to get away on business or other matters.  We both trust you.”

 

“Well, I’ll need to think about it for a bit.”

 

John and Margaret looked at one another briefly before John took hold of Margaret’s free hand caressing it with his thumb.  They were both unsure whether they needed to explain further to get Nicholas on side.  “We’ll give you as much time as you need.”  John said, “just don’t leave it too long, please?”

 

Nicholas got up from his seat and went to retrieve Thomas from John’s lap.  “I’ve thought about it, I don’t know if I’ll do a good job but I’ll do my best, thank you master, thank you Margaret, I accept.”  He took John’s hand in his own and shook it heartily.

 

“It’s our pleasure,” John replied, getting up from his seat and taking both Nicholas and Thomas into a thankful bear hug.

 

Margaret was soon at there side and as her fiancé withdrew she took her turn and took them both into her affectionate embrace.  “Thank you,” she whispered.

 

“No, thank you,” came the reply.

 

Margaret felt John tap her on the shoulder, it was time to let go, not that she wanted to she felt safe in the confines of the Higgins’ shelter but knew that she would have to face up to her demons sooner or later.  The time had now come.  “I’m sorry, Nicholas, Mary, but we do have to go; we still have to tell Mrs Thornton our news.”

 

“Oh, I can see why you came here first then.”  Nicholas said, laughing.

 

John smirked, his eyes dancing with Nicholas’ remark but his eyebrows shot skyward, “We’ll see you Monday, eleven o’clock alright.”

 

“Aye, master.  That’ll do.  I’ll see ye then.”

 

Mary ushered them to the door and hugged them both before they left, she spent longer with Margaret as she was still slightly unsure of Mr Thornton, she’d seen he was a good man and if her friend was truly in love with him then he couldn’t be all bad.  She saw him smile at the warmth she bestowed upon her friend and replied with her own before shutting the door behind them.

 

As they started to continue on their path toward Marlborough Mills, John resumed his stature taking her tiny hand back into his and holding her close to him.  “Nicholas will see us right, I have no doubt.”

 

“Nor do I,” Margaret replied, “John?”

 

“Mmm, my angel?”

 

“Do you think your mother will know our news before we get home?”

 

“I suppose it is likely, if they are talking about us in the Green Dragon then word may have spread here quickly.  Why?  Does it make you nervous?”

 

“Yes, I confess it does.  John, believe me when I say that I will do everything in my power to make your mother love me as her own, I have never wished to be against her but if she is so decided against me I do not know what I will be able to do?”

 

“Don’t worry little one, she will honour my wishes.  And I’m sure she will learn to love you as I do, she only knows you by what has been said either to her directly or via some tittle tattle but once she gets to know your real qualities I’m sure she will have a change of heart.”

 

“I do hope so.”  Margaret replied, she then realised that they were not taking the direct route through the graveyard.  “Where are we going?”

 

“It’s a short detour, there’s someone I want you to meet before we go home.”