Chapter 16 Decisions

John POV

I rushed out of the room, still tenting my tea drenched shirt away from my body and slammed into my bedroom. I can't believe that just happened... why does this day have get worse? I groaned to myself. All I wanted to do was hide away in my bedroom, preferably under the covers and sleep until all the embarrassment of the past few day's events has worn off. That would take ages... I surmised to myself and resigned to washing up and getting changed. I took extra care to make myself presentable, wanting for Margaret to see me at my best when she has seen me at my worse, hoping it will count for something in her good opinion. I slowly made my way down the formal stairs to rejoin the guests I decided that I must push on like the tea incident didn't happen. I walked in on part of their conversation over a fresh pot of tea.

"-of course you can borrow the water mattress for Mrs. Hale. How is she fairing?" My mother inquired, seemingly calm and collected.

"I'm afraid her condition is deteriorating slowly but surely, we have Dr. Donaldson come most days to check in on her and make sure she is comforted, it is all we can do at this stage." Mr. Hale spoke quietly, while Margret sadly looked at her tea cup in her hand.

"I am sorry to hear that Mr. Hale, I - Oh, John, come have a seat, we were just discussing the wedding and Mrs. Hale" My mother had spotted me, motioning me to come sit on the settee beside her and Fanny.

Silence ensued as I stepped into the room and took my seat, feeling as though the conversation had died out because of what happened with Jane I decided to make my apologies for dashing out of the room.

"Mr. Hale" I said with a nod as my greeting to my dear friend. He nodded back and took a sip of his tea. My eyes we're fixed upon Margaret, who still had not looked in my direction, I decided to inquire about her health, hoping that it would get her to look at me.

"Miss. Hale, how are you today?" I asked quietly, seeing that her skin was still pale, and the bruising was still there, not as bad as it had been a few days ago, with it being purplish and dark, it was now fading slightly to a blackish green. It made my heartache to see it as I knew it must be painful.

It took her a moment to respond, she looked up briefly into my eyes and answered, "I am well thank you, Mr. Thornton." She then decided to look anywhere else in the room but besides me and took a sip of her tea.

I noticed that it was suddenly quiet, I looked at the others in the room and they were openly watching our brief conversation. I looked at Mr. Hale, noticing that he had a slight smile on his face as he quickly adverted his eyes and cleared his throat. My mother took that as her cue to continue her conversation.

"Now that you're hear John, we need to discuss some details about the wedding, guest lists, the reception, and of course the date." She surmised, not waiting for me to speak, "I believe the wedding should be a small affair as soon as possible so that the mill's operation is not affected. I also think that-" she continued until I stopped her.

"Why should it be a small affair unless it is what we both want." I asked motioning to Margaret. "I also believe that Margaret and I should be able to pick the date of our choosing regardless if it interferes with the Mill's production." I concluded daring my mother with my eyes to speak against what I had said. I looked over to Margaret and noticed that she was blushing slightly and still not looking at me.

"What do you think?" I asked, directing my question to my intended. She almost looked shocked that I would be asking her opinion on the matter. How ridiculous! Of course she would have some say, why would she think she wouldn't... I thought to myself as she formulated her answer.

"I would like a smaller wedding Mr. Thornton, and there is no need to disrupt the mill's production." She stated quietly, still glancing down at her tea cup. My mother looked at me smugly, please that Margaret was going along with the plan she intended. I fumed on the inside. I want to announce it from the rooftops! I don't want to have it hushed up like something untoward happened! But if that is what she wants then I will have no other choice but to agree. I resigned myself to her decision.

"Of course Margaret, anything that you wish." I said quietly to her, it seemed to jolt her out of her tea cup gazing.

"But if its not too much to ask, I would like to push the wedding back at least a month, so that my family can come from London, also I want my face to be fully healed." She said in her strong clear voice addressing my mother, who looked a little perturbed at her plans being thwarted but before she could say anymore to my beloved I quickly agreed to her conditions.

The conversation took a turn in a different direction, Fanny started to prattle on about dresses boasting about how she could find the perfect dress for Margaret and my mother and Mr. Hale were discussing how travel arrangements should be made for the extended family. Margaret was looking like the effects of the day were starting to catch up with her, prompting Mr. Hale to call the get together to an end. I escorted them out to the awaiting carriage, helping Margaret into it.

"Would it be alright if I were to call on you this week?" I asked her, hoping she would say yes. She looked me in the eye and nodded her consent, I bid her and Mr. Hale good day and watched from the steps as the carriage left my home with a smile on my lips.

Today didn't turn out so bad I surmised to myself and with a spring in my step went to join my family in the parlor to wait for dinner.

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I haven't updated, this year has just been full of ups and downs for myself and my family, I found out I am pregnant, due in March (yay!) and am still dealing with a lot of stuff to do with my father's death. I thank everyone for their condolences about my dad, and I will update as soon as I can, I've got part of chapter 17 done already so hopefully as long as nothing else happens it should be up pretty soon!

Thanks again to everyone for sticking with the story!

-iamShareel