Free In Consequence: A Retelling of North and South by Trudy Brasure Page A

her response. A haze of dizziness threatened to unsteady her as she considered the consummate, lifelong commitment that lay before her. She would be Mr. Thornton’s wife forevermore if she verified her acquiescence. Panic threatened to rise at the thought that her freedom had been eclipsed — that she would be bound to one whom she did not fully understand. But, battling against the tide of fear, she felt strangely compelled to trust her decision, feeling a faint reassurance that all would turn out for the good.  
    “I have answered him of my own accord, Father,” she stated softly, but with unequivocal clarity.
    “Well then, my dear, I give you my heartiest blessing,” he said with a heartwarming smile as he lovingly grasped her arms. “I hope you will be very happy. I must tell Mr. Thornton to take special care of my precious pearl,” he elaborated with poignant fondness, giving her a gentle pinch on her smooth cheek.
    “Papa,” she blurted with unguarded emotion and thrust herself into his arms like a child.
    He held her for a cherished moment, reveling in the chance to hold her as of days of old. The years had passed quickly, and it was hard to fathom that she would soon leave them.
    “Now then,” he announced, releasing her from his hold and stepping back. “We must not keep the poor man waiting,” he remarked with a smile.
     
    *****
    At the first sound of movement, Mr. Thornton stilled before taking measured steps to the doorway to observe Margaret and her father descend the stairs.
    Her expression was unreadable. Keeping her gaze lowered, her angelic face showed neither tremor of remorse nor trace of inward contentment as she calmly — gracefully — approached.
    A desperate glance at Mr. Hale, however, revealed a happy father’s grin. Slowly, the hopeful suitor let his breath out in glad relief.
    “Congratulations, John,” Mr. Hale enthused as he carefully shepherded his daughter forward. “I cannot tell you how pleased I am to welcome you to our family,” he continued, shaking the dumbfounded man’s hand with vigor. “I know you will take excellent care of our precious Margaret,” he declared.
    “Thank you,” the awestruck master managed to return, inevitably casting his gaze at Margaret for a sign of her willing concurrence. At last, she lifted her eyes to her future husband, and he felt his heart twist with aching rapture to see them filled with hopeful trust.
    Their eyes locked in stilled wonder, searching for the truth in each other’s gaze.
    “I must go tell Maria,” Mr. Hale announced merrily, leaving the newly betrothed couple to stand alone in the front hallway.
    Margaret tore her eyes from his questioning stare, feeling a warm flush rise to her cheeks.
    Mr. Thornton continued to study her in amazement, her feminine blushes and meek behavior a stunning revelation. Had she feelings for him? He yearned to reach out and pull her close — to taste from her lips her acceptance of him.
    But he would not frighten her with his passion. He took a long breath to bring himself to reasoned action. The regular duties of his day still awaited him. “I’m afraid I must return to the mill. There is much to be done now that the strike has ended,” he stated, breaking the silence between them.
    Snapping to life, she raised her face to his. “Have your men all returned to work?” she asked interestedly, all maidenly modesty vanishing in her concern.
    He regarded her with a mixture of amusement and admiration. “For the most part, yes,” he replied.
    “And will you take them back? What of your Irish?” she asked, the gleam of compassion showing in her blue-gray eyes.
    He could not help but smile at her blunt inquisitiveness. “I have not yet decided upon the right course of action. I suppose that many of my Irish will like to return home,” he answered forthrightly, meeting her gaze with a sparkle of pleasure in this exchange.
    She averted her eyes in embarrassment to realize the