Margaret had been idling at the edge of the ballroom, watching the dancers glide by when a woman came to stand beside her.

'I think I now know why you were not disposed to assist me into society Miss Hale. It would appear there would be nothing for you to gain from any arrangement with me. You seem to have done quite nicely for yourself without my help.'

Margaret chose to ignore the unpleasant girl's goading. 'Good evening, Miss Latimer.'

Anne's blond ringlets gleamed, even in the candlelight. She wore a mint green taffeta gown embellished with pink roses and piping; an inch wide pink satin sash was tied in a bow at the back. The ensemble accentuated the delicacy of her figure, particularly the slenderness of her waist. Her skirts flounced perfectly as she moved, falling smoothly to the floor without hint of petticoat or hoop.

She was flawless. Or so one could be deceived into thinking if looks were anything to go by.

'Am I being impertinent Miss Hale?'

Margaret did not respond. Anne knew very well she was being impertinent.

'Tell me, do you like keeping secrets? I know you must, for if I had snatched one of the most sought after bachelors in Milton from underneath the noses of many, many more eligible women than myself, I would be wanting the world to know about it.' Anne giggled churlishly. 'Oh do not pout so Miss Hale. You cannot deny the very considerable benefit that you and your father will enjoy by such a match. Mr Thornton is suitably rich, well respected, successful, and might I add devilishly handsome. Yes, you have done well to snare him. Bravo!'

Margaret remained silent, staring ahead at the dancers. She was seething below the surface.

"The poor fellow must be very much in love though, for even you must admit that he stands to gain nothing from marrying you?'

Margaret was now livid. "You seem satisfied with your own presumptions Miss Latimer. I do not see what I can add to this conversation that would be of any interest to you. Will you excuse me please?'

As Margaret made to walk away, Anne put out an arm to stop her. 'Oh do not fret Miss Hale. Your secret is safe with me.'

Once Anne had let go, Margaret walked swiftly away. In her hurry to flee from the wretched girl, she almost didn't notice another lady step into her path.

'Do not let Anne Latimer upset you Miss Hale. The likes of her is not worth your distress.'

'Mrs Thornton. I..I..

'Come. Partake of some punch with me.'

It was more of a command than an invitation. Margaret followed Mrs Thornton to the refreshment room. Once they were seated, a servant brought them each a drink.

'So what was it that Miss Latimer said that upset you?'

Margaret hesitated.

'You need not protect her on my account. My own eyes tell me that she unsettled you just now.'

Margaret sighed. 'It would seem that I have become the object of her derision of late.'

Mrs Thornton's expression did not alter.

'I am not sure whether she does it because I have offended her, or whether it is just for her particular entertainment. But I am determined she will not have any long term effect on me. Her opinion does not matter to me, regardless of who her father is or who she is to marry.'

'Money and power do not equate to good breeding Miss Hale.'

Margaret waited until some guests in earshot had walked past them before continuing. 'I am surprised to hear you speak of her in an unfavourable light Mrs Thornton.'

'Why does that surprise you Miss Hale?'

'I thought that.. well it's just that Fanny and Anne are friends.. and it would seem inconsistent with what Miss Latimer herself ...'

Mrs Thornton scowled. 'And what did Miss Latimer tell you?'

Margaret decided frank honesty was her best approach with this plainspoken woman. 'That it was you who recommended she befriend me in order to become better acquainted with the women in the ladies committee.'

'Ha.' Mrs Thornton's laugh was derisive.

'So you did not recommend me then?'

'No indeed, I did recommend you. But not because I think so highly of Miss Latimer that I would want to promote her place in society. I referred her to you because I hoped that by spending time working with you and your charity that she would start to see that there are problems in the world much greater than her own. She is altogether too conceited and spoiled for my taste. And a poor influence for a weak mind like Fanny's. My only reason for suggesting she seek you out was that I thought a friendship with you may be beneficial in curing her of her of some of her more disagreeable qualities.'

'I am afraid I did not give her much of a chance to make my acquaintance. I had not known Miss Latimer long when I decided she altogether lacked the qualities I would seek in any friend. Perhaps I was uncharitable?'

Mrs Thornton shook her head. 'Not at all. I commend you on your judgement. You managed to see what others have not yet apprehended.'

Margaret wasn't sure how to respond.

'I am sorry if Miss Latimer has been offensive. I did not mean to cause you trouble Margaret.'

Margaret wondered at the shift in the older lady's attitude towards her. She had always felt that Mrs Thornton did not favour her. 'I confess I am again surprised Mrs Thornton. I did not think you thought very highly of me either?'

Mrs Thornton half-smiled. 'I admit there was a time I was very disappointed in you Margaret. I believe I thought you ungrateful in rejecting John's attentions – particularly given your family's reduced situation in life.'

Margaret held back any rebuttal. She suspected she would do well to wait and listen to the rest of what Mrs Thornton had to say before jumping to conclusions.

'And whilst a part of me still has not forgiven you for your treatment of him in those first days, I believe I am beginning to understand you better. I now see many qualities to admire in you Margaret. Your work with the school is nothing short of remarkable, despite what other, lesser minded people may think or say.'

Margaret was deeply touched by the woman's words. She suspected Mrs Thornton was not in the habit of bestowing compliments lightly. 'I was never so glad to see anyone as I was to see you on Sunday. I appreciated you rescuing me from Reverend Hughes.'

Mrs Thornton looked severe. 'The Reverend's ranting was unforgivable. If I may offer you any advice Margaret, it would be to never let narrow minded men stand in the way of good work.'

'It would take a lot more than Reverend Hughes to discourage me.'

Mrs Thornton's tone softened. 'You are very strong and loyal Margaret. You have proven that in your commitment to your mother …and your brother.' Mrs Thornton paused to check Margaret's reaction to her speaking of Frederick before continuing. 'John told me about him.'

It did not surprise Margaret that John had discussed the situation with his mother. In some ways it was a relief. It was comforting to know that her future with John could begin without deceptions of any kind. She had not relished the thought of trying to explain to her future mother-in-law that she was to be connected to the family of a man wanted for crimes against the crown.

Mrs Thornton continued, 'Though John is wealthy and successful, he could lose it all tomorrow if things were to take a turn for the worst like it did when the strike happened. He needs someone by his side who will stand by him - no matter what the future may bring.'

Margaret glanced sideways at John's mother. If she was not mistaken, there was a hint of a plea in Mrs Thornton's words.

'I need to know that you will also give him the kind loyalty you have shown to your own family Margaret.'

Margaret decided she would not insult Mrs Thornton by pretending she did not understand what she meant. 'You have my word Mrs Thornton.'

Mrs Thornton bowed and sipped her punch.

After claiming his second and final dance of the evening with Margaret, John asked the band to stop playing. Tapping a glass, he stood on a platform to make an announcement. 'Ladies and gentleman. Thank you all for coming to celebrate this happy occasion with us. To end the evening, I have one final surprise for you all. If you would like to collect your coats, I would ask that you join me outside by the river.

There was a gasp of excitement from the crowd. As the guests made their way out the door, Mr Hale and Mr Bell came to find Margaret. Taking their arms she joined the queue for her coat and gloves.

Before they had got far, John approached Mr Hale. 'Sir, may I borrow your daughter? I promise I will restore her to you safely.'

Mr Hale looked at Margaret quizzically. 'Of course John, if Margaret is agreeable?'

Margaret smiled up at her father before taking John's arm. At the same time a servant brought Margaret's coat and gloves. John steered her through a side door.

Mr Bell looked at his friend with a grin. 'All very mysterious don't you think Hale?'

'Quite.'

'What do you make of it then?'

Richard Hale frowned. 'Bell, do you remember you once asked me whether I thought there was something between Margaret and John?'

'A tendresse is the word I used if I recall accurately. But you said Margaret would never think of him?'

Mr Hale appeared bemused. 'I think I may have been wrong to reject the idea so quickly. The way they are behaving toward each other lately..so cordial..so considerate. Well..well I believe I am now persuaded to think that there may be something there after all.'

'Indeed? Margaret and Thornton? Fancy that.' Laughing merrily, Mr Bell good-naturedly slapped his friend on the back.

Margaret followed John as he took her to higher ground, out of the way of where the other guests were now assembling. There was little or no moonlight due to the cloud cover tonight. Except for the torches being held by servants, it was very dark outside.

Margaret felt giddy with the suspense of it all. 'So what is this surprise you have been planning?'

'If I were to tell you now, it would defeat the purpose of it being a surprise. Just be patient a moment.'

When finally every last guest was standing by the river in fervent anticipation, a booming voice cried out from afar, 'Extinguish the torches!'

Once again there was a collective gasp from the guests as the darkness enveloped them. Fanny's excited squeals could be heard above the rest.

John leant in to whisper in Margaret's ear. 'This is for you, my love.'

Margaret's whole being thrilled at his words. She thought she would never tire of hearing his regard for her. Under the veil of darkness she hugged his arm tightly to her body.

With a loud report the first flame burst into the sky. Then three more hurtled up. A further sequence of vertical shots detonated, raining stars down onto the river below. Other fires flared brilliantly before they burst and exploded into sprays of gold, red, blue and green. Individual rockets whizzed past, zig zagging across the water, echoed by the cheers of guests.

The effects were astonishing to the eyes of the many who had never seen such glorious illuminations in their life. People were clapping and laughing joyously with every eruption of colour lighting up the river traversing Milton.

Margaret could hardly believe what she was seeing. This show, even in this cold northern town would rival the best fireworks in the pleasure gardens of London. 'Oh John, this is magnificent. How on earth did you manage it?'

She could just make out his face in the flashes of light. He was not watching the spectacle like everyone else. He was only watching her.

John took Margaret's hands and turned her towards him. 'This? This is nothing compared to the way you make me feel Margaret. But I would arrange fireworks every night if it made you happy.' John was clearly affected, his own voice faltering. 'I love you Margaret Hale. So very, very much.' He raised her hand to kiss it tenderly. 'Will you marry me?'

Margaret could feel John's hands shaking this time.

Rubbing her fingers with his thumb he again spoke his thoughts. 'Before the magic of this moment is over, please tell me that you will always be mine.'

Margaret's expression was filled with profound wonderment that such a man could love her as he did. She could hardly believe that she possessed the power to make him happy. 'I am not sure which is louder right now. The fire crackers or my heart?'

John waited pensively, his eyes never leaving her face.

Margaret, more certain of her response than anything else before in her life, looked directly at the Master of Marlborough Mill as she spoke. 'There can only be one answer to your question, sir.' Margaret paused for effect before smiling radiantly at him. 'Yes!'

EPILOGUE

John Thornton carried a chair to the spot where his heavily pregnant wife was standing. Placing it behind her, he helped her to sit down. He knelt down beside her to check she was content. 'Are you sure you are comfortable Peggy?'

Margaret reached out and touched the cheek of her handsome husband to reassure him of her wellbeing. It still seemed miraculous that they were soon to be blessed with a child that the doctor said could arrive any day. Margaret's only regret in the circumstance was that her own father was no longer with them to share in their happiness. His death not long after their wedding had been the only thing to mar their connubial felicity.

Despite her assurances, John was still looking concerned for his wife. 'Are you sure that you should not be at home? I am certain I could persuade the Mayor to do this another time.'

Mrs Thornton stood beside Margaret. "Do not fuss John. Margaret is as strong as a horse. She has not slowed through the entire pregnancy. You cannot deprive her of such an important moment as this.'

'I do not wish to deprive her of her moment Mother, I just wonder if we should not delay it?'

'Stop you two. I am quite well John. Your mother would never put her grandchild in jeopardy. I am sure she would advise me to confine myself to Marlborough Street if she thought any harm would come.'

Margaret shuffled in her seat. She had to admit that her back was aching today. She rubbed it gently so as not to attract more concern from her attentive husband. 'Oh look John, there is Nicholas, Mary and the children.' Margaret waved into the small crowd of people gathering on George Street for the official opening of the new shelter. Nicholas and Mary waved back as did the motley line of children beside them.

Just then the mayor and his family arrived for the official ribbon cutting. John shook hands with their guests before presenting his wife and mother.

'Mrs Thornton.' The mayor bowed to Margaret. He then turned to John's mother and did the same. 'Mrs Thornton.' The mayor then presented his own family. 'This is my wife Eleanor, my son Edward and his fiancee Elizabeth. They are to be married this month.'

Margaret smiled at the modest but pretty girl. 'Congratulations to you both. I hope you are very happy.' She could not help but make comparisons with Edward's former fiancée. Though it was never spoken of publicly, Mrs Phillips said that the mayor had become unhappy with Anne's behaviour and had intervened. Evidently Mr Latimer was ashamed of the whole affair and sent his daughter away to somewhere on the continent.

The Mayor's family stood back to allow him to make a brief speech to the gathering. During it he thanked the ladies committee for their tireless fundraising efforts and in particular the efforts of the young Mrs Thornton.

'So with no further ado, it gives me great pleasure today to officially open the Hannah Thornton Emergency Shelter for Women.' The Mayor cut the ribbon with a flourish.

Hannah Thornton placed her hand on Margaret's shoulder and Margaret reached up to hold it tight. John applauded loudest of all.

As the door of the shelter was opened for the public to view the facility, John and his mother went to speak with the Mayor while Margaret stayed seated. Before long Mrs Thornton returned with a drink of water for Margaret.

'Mother Thornton?'

'Yes Margaret?'

Margaret looked up at the matriarch of her family with a pained expression.

'What is it Margaret?'

'Mother Thornton, can you please have John fetch the carriage?'

'What is the matter?' Mrs Thornton looked at her daughter-in-law with alarm. 'Is it…?'

Margaret forced a contorted smile as the pain in her back intensified. Nodding, she reluctantly conceded, 'I think I might need to go back to the house now after all.'