Adult-FanFiction.org : Television / Streaming

North & South: A Continutation	By : gallygaskins Category: M through R > North and South (BBC) > North and South (BBC) Views: 11128 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Elizabeth Gaskell's or the 2004 BBC adaptation of North and South and I make no money from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
Chapter 9 – Margaret’s resolve

Determined to put the new sensations and feelings for John aside until they were united in matrimony, Margaret set to work in the factory. A mind employed on other things was a mind less open to temptation and she really needed to keep her mind on other things. Rightly or wrongly, John’s decision to keep his wife to be virginal until they were wed was highly creditable and gentlemanly but Margaret couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed by it. Naive to the ways of copulation she may have been, but naive to the ways of the world she wasn’t. She knew that there were many girls who hadn’t waited until their wedding night to be deflowered but if that was what John wished for then who was she to go against those wishes.

Having risen early she had walked to the Higgins’, taking her breakfast with them and walking back to the factory with Nicholas’ extended family in tow. Many hands made light work and soon they were all employed in the task of cleaning up the outhouses and whitewashing walls. A stone mason had been employed to open up a few windows; the hearth in the cookhouse had been extended; gas lighting had been installed and once the decoration was in order the school room, nursery and wash rooms, along with the new dining hall, were kitted out with the necessary equipment.

As work in the outhouses progressed, both John and Higgins began setting on the petitioned staff that had left their signatures should Marlborough Mills be started up again. Margaret, having consulted with Mrs Thornton beforehand, spoke with Dr Donaldson. A free clinic was to be set up in the nursery once a week for workers and their immediate families. The doctor also made suggestions for a school mistress and nursery maid; both successfully interviewed by Margaret and Mrs Thornton and began work as soon as could be arranged. By the time the day for the wedding arrived the mill was back to full working capacity and most of the original orders had been supplied in kind, if the mill was to survive and continue to flourish then a small gesture on John’s and Margaret’s part would only serve to help that goal. Repeat orders followed and new business won.

Monday evening finally arrived, dinner was called and Margaret left her room to join Mrs Thornton in the dining room. As she started her meal, Margaret looked to the empty chair at the head of the table, everything had been so busy recently that she had hardly spent any time in John’s company and she missed him deeply. In a few days they would be joined together as husband and wife but nothing could dampen the fear that this was how she would spend the rest of her days, eagerly waiting the return of her love so that they could spend a few minutes with one another before he felt compelled to return to work.

“There were countless evenings when I would find John in his office, sleeping atop an open journal,” Mrs Thornton remarked.

“I’m sorry, Hannah,” Margaret looked across to the matriarch, “did you say something?”

“My son is a worker, Margaret, always has been. But if you want my advice, you’ll nip it in the bud now, before Wednesday anyhow.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“For whatever reason, John has always arrived at work before the first worker and stayed on long after the last has left for the evening. I hope that you can persuade him to do otherwise, after all there isn’t much point my and Mr Higgins’ looking after the place if John can’t trust us to do it when the two of you are on honeymoon.” Mrs Thornton smiled in encouragement, “why don’t you take some supper across to the office and make sure he understands that you won’t tolerate his absence. The last thing I would want for my children would be for them to be without their father whilst they were so young.”

Hannah was certainly a worthy ally, “you don’t mind?”

“Sometimes your own company is most pleasant. And I have plenty to be getting on with before Wednesday.”

Margaret moved around the table and planted a kiss on Hannah’s cheek, “thank you,” she said before leaving the room and finding her way to the kitchen. Once there she plated up some cold meat, bread and butter, a piece of pork pie she found in the larder and a couple of apples. Throwing a shawl around her shoulders, she picked up the plate and made her way out of the house and into the factory to the offices. The site was unusually still, considering the activity that had been ensuing constantly over weeks past; save for a couple of men, including Nicholas, who were inspecting some of the machines at the far end of the weaving room as she passed them on her way.

Through the narrow corridor and turning the corner, she stopped short as her eyes fell on Hannah’s afore mentioned scene. John was lying over a thick open book of figures, his quill still balanced between the fingers of his right hand, looking totally at peace with the world. As exhausted as she had become she had never realised that John must have been feeling the same. Apart from his lack of appearance each dinnertime she had assumed that he had at least eaten before he had come home to bed. Her eyes skimmed over his face, the black circles and bags evident.

She set down the plate, deciding that she would drop it should he make a sudden move whilst in slumber but not calculating that it would be Nicholas who would make her jump, his hand clamping over her shoulder as she continued to watch her husband to be. “Nicholas, what are you doing?”

“I’m sorry Margaret,” he whispered, “I saw you come back here and wondered if we could have a chat about the master.”

She nodded her agreement stepping with him back out into the carding room. “What is it?”

“I’m worried about him.” She would’ve told him the same but nodded for him to continue, “he’s working far too hard. I know that he doesn’t want to happen again what happened before but he doesn’t have to spend all his waking hours here.”

“Yes, both Mrs Thornton and I agree with you on that point. In fact, I was here to persuade him to come home myself.”

“Oh that’s good news, I couldn’t see you two having much of a life outside of this place if he carried on the way he’s going.”

The door to the carding room slammed shut, “I’ll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself, Higgins.”

Higgins dropped his head, his hands fumbling at his hat as he scooped it off his head, “I’m sorry, master, for speaking out of turn.”

“I’m not,” Margaret spoke up, her chin jutting forward stubbornly as she aired her opinion, “I’ll not apologise for thinking exactly what Nicholas has said. How do you think I feel? A bride to be waiting expectantly for her love to come home and join his family for dinner, only he never does come home.”

“I’m working Margaret, how do you expect me to make this a success for us both if I don’t put the hours in?”

“Because I expect you to delegate.”

“Delegate? To who?”

“To me, master. Or to Mr Simpson if it’s an office matter, that is.” Higgins gestured.

“Simpson doesn’t know figures.”

“Beg pardon, master, but Mrs Thornton does or perhaps you could look into hiring Mr Cochran that was at Hampers.”

“Higgins, you have a position of trust here because you are a good mill man, but do not presume to tell me my place.” John stormed back through the carding room door, slamming it behind him.

“I never ...”

“I know, Nicholas,” Margaret stilled him with a hand on his wrist; “I believe he thinks this mill can’t run without him for the slightest moment. However, I intend to make sure that doesn’t continue. Do you think you could contact Mr Cochran for me tomorrow, perhaps speak with Mrs Thornton about arranging a time when she can interview him for the bookkeeper’s role. In the meantime, I’ll see if I can persuade him to stop working so hard.”

“He needs to eat, Margaret, he hasn’t joined us in the cookhouse for days.”

She nodded, suspecting as much. Walking back through to the offices she found John pouring over the journal he had been using for a pillow before, the plate of food untouched. “How are you John?” she asked seriously, taking a seat opposite him in front of his desk.

“I’m fine; I just wish to be left alone so that I can get everything done before Wednesday.”

“I see.”

He looked up from his work meeting her sad eyes, “you see?”

“Yes, this is the way it is to be. As soon as we are married and have a few days honeymoon, in that house, on our own, you’ll be back at work.”

“Well, I was thinking more than just a few days at home ...”

“And then what do you expect? That I’ll be happy eating my meals alone whilst you’re in here every hour that God sends you so that we can reap the rewards? That I’ll go to bed alone in the hope that at some point during the night you’ll eventually pull yourself away from your desk and join me? And that on those occasions when you’re not so physically exhausted and malnourished that you just expect me to submit to your needs and desires that I’ll be happy to let you do what you must before crying myself to sleep?”

“Margaret? No ... I ...”

“When I agreed to be your wife,” she sniffed back unshed tears, “it was because I believed I would be your equal in every way but I am not prepared to live in a soulless marriage. If I marry you on Wednesday then it will be because I know that you will only spend sufficient hours here as are required and no more. I will expect my husband to eat his meals with me, spend his days teaching me how the mill works so that I may take on some of the responsibility of its running and spend his evenings with me, chatting with me, reading novels with me before taking me to our room and making love to me.”

His chair scraped back across the wooden floorboards as he made his way to her. He cradled her in his arms and kissed her fervently. “Oh Margaret, don’t you see, I’m doing these things now to make sure that I can accommodate your needs once we’re married. I don’t want to be sat here night after night when the most enticing woman I’ve ever met will be lying in my bed waiting for me and me not being able to fulfil her every desire.”

“So why have you been doing it now?”

“I’ve been trying to forecast a budget for our next six and twelve months. With the orders we already have and the new business that is coming through we’re going to have to expand the mill. I’ve been trying to work out how we can best go about that before I had a talk with you, Higgins and mother tomorrow. Then if things need to be started whilst you and I are away then Higgins and mother know what to do.”

“Is that the only reason?” Margaret asked expectantly.

“Well, no,” he softened, “in truth, I’ve been avoiding you as well.”

“Why?”

“I’d have thought the topic of our last few conversations would’ve given you a fairly good idea. I’ve been finding it increasingly difficult to sleep with the anticipation of making you mine that I’ve needed something to occupy myself. Spending too much time in your company has not been exactly good for me lately.”

“Oh. I suppose this means that you will allow Nicholas or Mr Simpson to take on much of the responsibility once Wednesday is passed.”

“Yes, as well as mother, she will need something to do until her first grandchild arrives.” He held her closer to him; she could feel his broadening smile close to her ear. “I’ve also already had conversations with Mr Cochran about joining the mill too.”

“You better speak with Nicholas, I’ve told him to arrange a meeting between Mr Cochran and your mother whilst we are otherwise engaged.”

He nodded. “I’ll do that before we leave.”

“Leave?” Her eyes widened with the prospect of what was to come.

“You don’t think that I’d be happy with just a few days with you, do you?” Her brows furrowed, his thumb grazed her chin. “Margaret, we are going away. Certainly there will be a few occasions of business on our trip but, for the most part, you and I will be spending just over a month travelling in Europe.”

“Really?”

He nodded, “I wanted it to be a surprise for you, and I’ve had the dressmakers make you a few suitable gowns for your trousseau as well.”

She flung her arms around his neck, “it is a surprise, a wonderful surprise. Thank you.” She kissed him, their heady embrace intoxicating. “Is it rude to ask where we are going?”

He flashed a brilliant smile, “yes it is. You shall have to wait and see.”

“Alright, but only on the condition that we eat something together this evening and you have a meal with Nicholas tomorrow.”

He nodded his agreement. “What about dinner tomorrow night?”

“Oh, I’ll be far too busy preparing for Wednesday. Besides I’m staying at Fanny’s tomorrow evening so that we don’t entice bad luck. I’ll be able to walk to the church from there so I hope it doesn’t rain.” It was now John’s turn to look confused. Margaret smiled, “a silly romantic notion I had as a girl in Helstone. I do want to walk to the church though.”

“If that is what you want, then who am I to deny you? I’ll gladly walk back here with you afterwards, proudly showing my new wife off to the world.”

“That would be delightful,” she reached up and kissed the tip of his nose before taking up a piece of bread and offering it to him.

He bit into it gladly, chewing on the morsel with great delight.”Thank you for thinking of me.”

“My pleasure, but if the truth were known I only came across to make sure that you were keeping up your strength and stamina for Wednesday evening.”

“You really don’t have to worry on that score, little one. I intend for my new wife and I to take to our bed early, say about three in the afternoon.”

“It doesn’t leave us much time with our guests.”

“Hang the guests; there are much more important things that you and I should be sharing. It’s a good job the reception is at Fanny’s, it means you and I can slip out of the back door whilst no one is watching us.”

Margaret swatted his arm, “you are very wicked, John Thornton. We will have to stay for a little while. However, I’m sure that they’ll understand our quick departure if we have an early start on Thursday morning.”

“Aye, we do, my angel. A very early start.”

“Then I’m sure we will be allowed to leave as soon as is convenient.”

“I’m counting on it. I can’t wait for Wednesday.”

“Neither can I,” Margaret said a little mournfully, “I just wish that mother and father could have been here to share our joy.”

John folded her into his arms, “they’ll be watching.”

“Do you think so?”

“Of course, along with my father too, they’ll all be there together.” He hesitated before asking his next question, his eyes searching her face, “Margaret, can I ask you something?”

“Yes, John, anything.”

“Are you worried about Wednesday evening?”

“I must confess that I am, a little.”

“Then let me put your mind at rest. I will go as slowly or as quickly as you want me to. Should we not be successful then we’ll try again another time. I just hope that I won’t frighten you with my northern ways.”

“John, I am not afraid. I’m just a little apprehensive about myself. I hope that I am good enough for you.”

“You will be perfect, my angel. You could not be otherwise. You came into my life when I needed you the most and I will always thank you for that.”

“John, it is I that should thank you, had you not helped me to see the error of my ways, love me despite them even, I would’ve been condemned to live out my life as an old maid, I’m sure. Henry would’ve asked me to become his again, but I would have rejected him as brutally as I had the first time. I have been fortunate to be brought up with parents whose love for one another was always evident and never expected anything less for myself.”

His strong hands cupped her face, “and you never shall, there may be times when the road is rough but I will always love you, Margaret. Even after I have drawn the last breath from my body my love for you will never diminish. We have been very fortunate, despite everything we have found each other. You are my mate, my equal and you shall never doubt that. Ever.”

She kissed at the flesh of his hand. “Till Wednesday then.” She beamed.

Nodding his head, he leant in for the sweetest of kisses before leaning his forehead against hers, “till Wednesday, my angel.”

.oOo.

A sharp knock at her door roused Margaret from the day dream she had been imagining. “Margaret, are you awake? Margaret? Miss Hale?”

“I’m awake Fanny,” she called, getting up from the bed and making for the door. In truth, she had been awake for hours, the impending nuptials that she and John were to experience were drawing ever nearer and although she knew she would enjoy her day she was still a little unsure of what to expect come the evening. Readying herself and plastering a smile across her face she opened the door to her sister in law.

Fanny stopped short before her, a hand running quickly over her cheek, “you look a little fatigued and pale, Margaret. Did you not sleep very well? This is one of the best beds in the house.”

“It wasn’t the bed,” she replied quickly, “that was extremely comfortable.”

“The room then? The decor?”

Margaret’s hand found Fanny’s “everything is beautiful in your home, Fanny. I’ve been made to feel very welcome by you and your husband and could not wish for a better family to marry into.”

“Hmm, thank you.” Fanny nodded, “I shall have to get Eliza to help with your make up, she is a wonder with a brush. We need to flush out those dark eyes so that you will look beautiful for John.”

Ushering Margaret to the dressing table, Fanny started to unplait Margaret’s hair. “You know, I didn’t sleep much the night before my wedding either.” She picked up the brush, pulling it gently through the tangles, “first night nerves they call it.”

Margaret moved to face Fanny, “what do you mean?”

“Well, the first night of your married lives together, the expectations of what your husband will desire from you. In my case, I had nothing to worry about. Watson was so drunk I was allowed a reprieve.”

“A reprieve?”

“Yes, mother had warned me about what a man would expect on his wedding night, satisfying his carnal desires, what a man really wants from his wife.”

“When did you ...? When did it happen?”

“About two weeks later. He crept into my room late at night, did what he needed to and then left again.” Fanny looked away, “I didn’t think it would be quite so cold.”

“Oh, Fanny.” Margaret hugged her, “I’m sure it wasn’t meant to be so ...” But she couldn’t help thinking that it probably was. Both Fanny and Edith had shared similar experiences, was she to experience the same fate.

Fanny fought back tears before quickly smiling, “well, I have him to thank for this at least,” she motioned towards her stomach, rubbing the area where her growing child presently resided. “And I’m sure that it won’t be like that for you and John. He really loves you Margaret, I only have to watch how he looks at you and wish I was half as lucky.” A gentle tap at the door stopped their conversation dead. “That will be Mary for you Margaret. I’ll go and get Eliza for you too and then the three of us can help you dress.”

The next few hours seemed like a dream, not only was she helped to bathe and dress, have her hair pinned up with lily of the valley entwined through her tresses and have her face made up as delicately as any English rose but she couldn’t help thinking that everything was done with John in mind. The sweet smelling rose and lavender perfume that was dabbed in places Margaret never expected, the garter’s expertly laced in order to hold up the stockings she wore, the way the neckline of her dress sat across her shoulders exposing as much of her décolletage as the cut would allow.

When she was finally encouraged to look into the mirror, she couldn’t quite believe what they had all done. Her hair was styled a little looser than her normal style and she loved it, her skin flushed at the thought of John’s hands unpinning it, the smell of lily’s intoxicating them as he ran his fingers through it before tracing along the neckline of her dress. “Am I not exposing a little too much of myself, here?” Her fingers attempted to pull the neckline further up her body.

Fanny pulled Margaret’s hands away from the dress. “Stop fidgeting, Margaret. You are exactly as you are meant to be; besides you have one last thing to put on.”

“The veil, of course.”

“Oh, yes, the veil. But besides that. Watson has just passed me this box; it is a gift from John for you.” Margaret stared at the velveteen cover, a hand absently stroking the fabric. “Are you going to open it?” Fanny squealed.

“Of course,” Margaret fumbled with the catch, finally opening the case. She closed her eyes briefly, not quite believing what she had seen before opening them again and taking in the beauty of the necklace and earrings that resided within the box. The bright blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds winked at her as she moved the box in the light.

“Would you like me to help you?” Fanny asked before Margaret handed over the case. She watched intently in the mirror as Fanny closed the clasp at her neck and settled the necklace over Margaret’s collar bone. Mary slipped the earrings through her ears, the gentle movement of her breathing allowed the dropped gems to twinkle suggestively. “The jewels are very fitting, almost like ...”

Margaret nodded her head, “almost like John knew the exact shade of my dress.” She smiled to herself, yes, not only had he made sure that her trousseau would indeed be ready for her but he had obviously proffered a sample of the fabric for his trouble. “Will I do?” she asked the room.

“You’ll do very well, Margaret,” Mary answered.

“John will be in awe,” Fanny insisted. “How are you feeling now?”

“Loved,” Margaret simply stated, the smile never leaving her face. She checked the clock; it was nearly time to leave. “Has cousin Edith arrived?”

“No, maybe she’s at the church already.”

Margaret bit back the urge to cry, if Edith wanted no part of this wedding because of Henry’s affront then that was her business. She looked out of the window, “it looks beautiful out, I’m glad I decided to walk. Fanny would you be my bridesmaid if Edith isn’t there?”

“Of course, I would love to. Would you like some company on your walk?”

“Thank you, but no. I’ve arranged to meet Nicholas so he’ll escort me to the church.”

“Then I’ll wish you good luck now, I doubt I’ll have much time later on what with your leaving early.”

Margaret fought the urge to laugh, so John had already made the arrangements and now she was going to have to lie as well. “Yes, we have a long way to go on our first leg and feel it would be more beneficial leaving on the overnight train.”

“So you’ll have a reprieve tonight too,” Fanny suggested.

Nodding her head, Margaret smiled, “it does seem that way, Fanny.” She kissed her sister, hugged Mary and thanked Eliza. Gazing at herself in the mirror one last time she concluded that she was finally ready to become Mrs John Thornton come what may. For she knew that John Thornton loved her and would keep her safe no matter what, and in return he deserved her soul and her body; she had every intention of giving him both as soon as could be.
- 9
- 10
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

North & South: A Continutation