Milton Belle

Part 6

John and Hannah came to collect Margaret so they could go to the church and book the wedding.
John, always so self controlled after her early teaching had entirely lost it when faced with Miss Margaret Hale. The girl was no better. They were stealing glances at each other now as she climbed into the carriage. 'Sit beside me please Miss Hale'. Hannah said primly.
No knowing what the pair might try if they were permitted to sit close in a carriage.

It took a while. But they finally settled on Wednesday August 5th just over 4 months away. The day chosen for a wedding was no light matter. Margaret and Hannah both knew the popular rhyme.

Marry on Monday for health,
Tuesday for wealth,
Wednesday the best day of all,
Thursday for crosses,
Friday for losses, and
Saturday for no luck at all.

Now the carriage rumbled back to Marlborough Mill where John would return to his work.

Hannah and Margaret had a wedding to plan. Hannah got Jane to bring tea and they sat in the parlour. ' Now Miss Hale. We will be working together closely. I wonder if we might dispense with a little formality. I would like you to call me Hannah and I if I may will call you Margaret'.
'That would be most....agreeable. Mrs..I mean Hannah'. Margaret suddenly felt very shy and gauche in the company of this formidable lady.
' Hannah'. She added quietly. 'I know that John loves you very much. You're a strong, intelligent, gracious lady and I hope to learn a great deal from you. I 'm sure the love we both have for John will help us become allies.'

The older woman put a hand on her arm. A rare intimacy for her. ' I hope to learn from you too child'. She remarked. ' You will have noticed that I find it difficult to show affection to anyone but John, unlike yourself. One of the first things John remarks about when speaking of you is your warmth and how it draws people in........And he speaks of you a great deal'. She looked gratified at the flush of pleasure this produced.

I think we should discuss your wedding gown first of all'. Hannah briskly returned to the matter in hand.
' I have the addresses of several dressmakers in London with whom many Milton ladies have been well satisfied'.

' Thank You.' Said Margaret. ' You're very kind, but I won't be needing to go to London.
I already know where I want my gown to be made'.

The warmth that had developed between her and Hannah chilled ever so slightly and Margaret had the unpleasant feeling it was about to plummet even further. But she refused to let herself be cowed.
She was the Bride to be and it was come to a pretty pass if she couldn't have the last word on her own wedding attire.
'Where then ?' Hannah asked.

' Right here in Milton'. Sure enough, with her reply Margaret felt the icy chill of disapproval from her Mother in Law.
' And where in Milton are you going to find a dressmaker of this quality ?' She indicated the addresses in London. ' And what of your dress fabric ? You'll not be able to get silk or taffeta at the draper's My Dear'.

' What need have I for silk or taffeta ?' Margaret said sweetly. ' We have a mill here that produces some of the finest fabric in the world. I shall have my dress made from Marlborough Mill cotton. As for who by, Bess Higgins has friends who make vestments and altar cloths for their Church. They showed me some examples before you came for me today. Such exquisite work. I'm certain a wedding dress would be no trouble for them'.

The icy wind of Hannah's disapproval was palpable now and Margaret was afraid the older woman might be about to faint.

'Margaret Hale....Have you taken leave of your senses ? How many times must I remind you of the social standing of your future husband ?
Most of your female guests will be in silk or taffeta from London or even Paris and you propose to let Mrs John Thornton be seen in a cotton dress made by some back street Milton Seamstress.
Now. I am aware that I cannot dictate what wedding gown you should have. However I do not intend to stand by and allow my Son to be made a laughing stock of'.

Margaret felt a wave of self doubt washing over her. Was she only setting her beloved John up for ridicule ? The very opposite of what she wanted to achieve.

But her natural strength and stubbornness fought back with a vengeance.

'Please Hannah.......Mrs Thornton, at least listen to my explanation before judging me.

John has told me many times that he despairs of how many people seem to be so mistrustful of cotton.
I want us to have an opportunity to show Darkshire Society just how wonderful Marlborough Mill cotton is and indeed the skills of Milton people.

Imagine the impact. The new wife of the Master of Marlborough Mill having such faith in the Mill's produce that she is prepared to wear it on her Wedding Day. Along with such faith in Milton craftsmanship that she prefers it to London.'

Hannah sighed at what she thought of as Margaret's simplicity. ' I'm sure it's a very laudable notion Miss Hale'. ( I am in disgrace If we're back to Miss Hale. Margaret thought dryly).
'However, I do not think you yet have a full appreciation of the narrow mindedness of High Society. I cannot imagine your idea being well received amongst them at all.
However. I shall speak with John on the matter and see what he thinks before I make any judgement'.

Margaret sensed she was being dismissed. But she too would wait to see what John thought of her idea before saying anything more.

For the time being she said farewell to Hannah and went to do her errands.


She had found a picture of a gown she would like. It was elegantly simple, no flounces and frills though some embroidery would make a finishing touch.
Now she was off to the drapers for some paper for the pattern.

Inside she encountered Anne Latimer's empty headed friend Fanny Watson. Normally one of the last people Margaret would hope to see.
But as one of Milton's most loose tongued gossips just the person Margaret needed at this moment.

'Good morning'. She said to the shop in general. Mr Davis the Draper was serving Fanny
but his wife smiled at Margaret.
' How can I help you Miss Hale ?' She asked. Before Margaret could reply, there was a sniff from Fanny.
' Miss Hale I hear you are to be married to Mr Thornton. A strange choice if I may say.
'A man that won't take a risk is no man at all'. That's what Mr Watson says'.

' Mr Watson was lucky with this gamble Mrs Watson. I'm sure you would have been praising Mr Thornton's reticence had it been otherwise'. Margaret answered gimlet eyed.

' I might also tell you that Mr Thornton has very solid personal reasons for not wishing to gamble. Though I will not divulge details.
I would have admired him for the decision he made in any case. There was too much to be lost had the gamble failed. Too many innocent lives that stood to be ruined. That is to be commended surely rather than condemned.
However. This is not the place for such discussions Mrs Watson'. And she turned back to Mrs Davis.
' I need some dress pattern paper please Mrs Davis'. As the lady dealt with Margaret's request Fanny resumed her attack.

'Making your own clothes now Miss Hale ?' Dear me and you a wealthy heiress. That's why Thornton's marrying you isn't it ?'

Margaret breathed deeply. Fanny was baiting her and it would irk the silly girl far more if this did not work.
'To both questions the answer is no Mrs Watson. Mr Thornton and I have been courting for some time and he was planning on proposing to me in any case.
As for the dress pattern I am buying it for the ladies who will be making my wedding gown.'

' Fanny's pretty mouth formed a perfect O of surprise. ' You're having your gown made in Milton ?' She queried.
Mr and Mrs Davis turned discreetly away and listened intently to this fascinating altercation.

' Indeed I am'. Margaret replied. Happy that Fanny had taken her lure. ' Why would I pay London prices when there are skilled artisans right here at home. Along with some of the finest cloth in the world'.

' Cotton ?' Fanny shrieked. 'You're going to wear cotton for your wedding ?'

Margaret smiled. 'Certainly not just any old cotton of course. Only the very best. Marlborough Mill cotton'.
Leaving this hanging in the air she paid for her purchase and bidding 'good day' to the company sailed regally from the shop. Well satisfied with her work.

Fanny Watson would ridicule her idea but she would talk about it and publicity was what Margaret wanted.


Bess Higgins friends were 3 sisters. Kitty, Aggie and Lucy Malone. Their Irish Father had come to England looking for work. He had arrived in Milton and having met their Mother settled there.
Staunch Roman Catholics the 3 daughters had honed their needlework skills in the service of their church and their skills were well praised.
Margaret had been impressed by the fact that they each had their own best skill that would suit her purpose well. Kitty would draw the pattern and cut out the dress pieces with mindboggling precision. Aggie could make lace so delicate and fine it looked like a fairy's work and Lucy did the most breathtaking embroidery.
All in all Margaret doubted anyone would expect a cotton wedding gown to look so beautiful as hers would.

The Malone sisters came to Margaret's house invited for lunch. They, Bess and Nicholas sat with Margaret all chatting happily over their meal.
Afterwards Nicholas returned to his garden whilst the 5 ladies talked about the wedding gown.

' I wanted a simple dress so that it can be dressed up with Aggie's lace and Lucy's embroidery without looking gaudy'. Margaret told them.
Kitty smiled. ' Don't you be worrying yourself Miss Margaret. We'll have you looking like
Aine the Queen of the Fairies so we will'.

' I'm not worried at all'. Margaret assured her. 'I'm sure you'll surprise everyone'.

The girls measured Margaret and declared them selves ready for kitty to make the pattern.
They were to have a room here to work in. There being more light and space than in their own home. Plus it was an easier place for the length of fabric to be delivered to.


Hannah had asked John to take lunch with her today because she had something to discuss with him.

' You need to have a word with Margaret'. She told him. 'She has some fool scheme in her head for having her wedding gown made from Marlborough Mill cotton by some friends of her house maid.
She has to realise that for the social position she is aspiring to such behaviour is not appropriate'.

John thought about this. ' Ask her to dinner this evening Mother and we can discuss it then'.


John sent a carriage for his bride to be and as it pulled up outside the Mill house he was there to meet her.
Taking her hand to help her down he felt his throat catch at how lovely she looked in midnight blue. He led her into the house, stealing glimpses of her when ever he could . Meeting her eyes and letting his own tell her of his passion. He wanted to do so much more than just look at her. Would the wedding never come ?

'Mother's been talking about your idea for the wedding.' He told her as they went into the parlour. ' Most.....interesting'.
Margaret looked nervous at this. ' Please don't be angry with me John. There seem to be so many things that one should and shouldn't do but I want to help you and the Mill. Not cause you any embarrassment or shame........'

She told him how she wanted to show Darkshire Society how versatile cotton is.
' I want to tell them that I have such faith in what my husband produces that I'm happy to wear it myself.
I think your Mother is afraid I'll look like a mill girl. But it will be a real wedding gown with lace and embroidery........' .
'Stop!' Said John melodramatically. 'I'm not supposed to know about your dress. Bad luck otherwise.

He gave her an adoring smile. ' I'm not angry. How can I be when you want to help me'.
I think it's a generous, considerate idea. Just the sort of thing I fell in love with you for'.

Hannah came in. ' Have you talked about the dress John ?' She asked.

' Yes Mother'. He answered. ' And I know that I'm a very lucky man to have 2 such wonderful ladies in my life. Not many of the Mill Masters can say their wives are as thoughtful of their business as mine will be'.

Over dinner, Hannah looked at her son and future daughter in law and the devotion that flowed between them.
Regardless of what she or Darkshire society thought Margaret Hale would become Mrs John Thornton dressed in Marlborough Mill cotton and she would not be swayed otherwise.

'I have just one favour to ask of you both'. John said. 'Mother. Will you lend Margaret your veil for the wedding ?' Hannah smiled at her beloved boy. 'Of course'. She answered.
' Margaret will you wear it ?' he asked. Gracious in victory Margaret answered ' I'd be honoured to. Thank You Hannah'.

Hannah was not yet ready to totally concede the high ground to the younger woman. She was still not yet convinced that Margaret would not disgrace John with a social faux pas.


Margaret. Do you recall asking me to help you with your social education before the wedding ?'
Margaret nodded 'Yes I do'.

' I've been thinking.' Hannah went on ' That perhaps I am not the best person to do it. I do have a sister however who is married to Lord Townley at Burnley. I thought perhaps I might write to her and you could go to stay with her for perhaps a month.
Your Aunt Elisabeth would be an excellent teacher would she not John ?'

' She would ' John agreed. ' Though I don't really see how Margaret needs any improvement. I love her just as she is. Besides I don't like the idea of Margaret being away for a month. Especially if cousin James has any of his dissolute friends to visit'.

Margaret blushed. ' You're jealous ?' She asked him in wonder.
' Of course I am'. John allowed himself the luxury of squeezing her hand under the table.
' I hate letting you go back to another house each time we meet. The thought of you so innocent and beautiful at the mercy of all those upper class rogues....... '

Hannah chuckled. ' Aunt Elisabeth will be well aware that Margaret is betrothed and will see that she is properly chaperoned John. And it will be good for Margaret to see before the wedding the sort of social functions she may be expected to attend or organise afterwards.
I will write to Lady Townley then if you are agreeable Margaret ?'

Margaret sighed. ' I don't want to be away from John for a month but I do have things to learn and I want to be a good wife. So yes I'd be most grateful Hannah'.

TBC