Page 47 of One London Eve
Eager to once again be surrounded by green hills and fields of wildflowers, her spirits were light. She took out a favorite walking dress of spun yellow cambric with a blue satin sash and laid it across her bed. The memory of the pathway in Helstone from their front garden to the southern hills immediately came to mind, and she smiled. She had not worn it since.
She hastened to dress and put up her hair in pins herself, for she resolved Dixon should not become overwrought and disturb her mother’s happiness. As soon as she had readied herself, she crossed the narrow hallway to her mother’s room—just in time to calm the fretting Dixon, who had mislaid the Missus’ hairbrush at such a crucial time.
Mr. Hale soon called from the bottom of the stairs to announce the arrival of their ride, and Margaret stepped to the top of the stairway. The sound of the bell jolted her, even though she knew to expect it. She halted a moment to collect herself as her father opened the door and greeted their outing’s host.
Her father glanced in Margaret’s direction.
“I don’t know if mamma is quite ready yet,” Margaret offered.
“I will fetch her, shall I? Margaret, you can keep Mr. Thornton company for a few moments,” he said as he started up the stairs to ensure his wife was still feeling well enough for the day’s plans.
Margaret kept her focus on her steps, her bonnet in one hand and the other on the banister, as she came down the stairs. She felt Mr. Thornton’s gaze on her in these silent moments, which made a warmth spread over her face.
“My mother has been looking forward to this outing,” Margaret said brightly as she reached the floor and bravely lifted her eyes to see the man standing a few steps in front of her.
All her pretended indifference vanished as she took in the sight of him. In place of his usual workday clothes of black cravat and waistcoat, he wore a gray worsted waistcoat and burgundy cravat which softened his appearance and gave him an air of casual elegance. His lips curved into a smile, and the way his eyes appraised her made her heart skip a beat.
“I am glad the weather took care not to spoil our plans today,” she said, trying to hide the fluster of confusion his presence always aroused in her as she began fitting her bonnet on.
“It is a perfect day,” he answered, and she felt he spoke not solely about the weather.
“Do you not take your sister and mother out for a drive often?” Margaret asked, endeavoring to make conversation.
“Fanny more likely wants to shop in town and be seen, rather than to enjoy the lonely landscapes of nature. My mother ishappy to stay home,” he replied. He did not share that his mother still thought it an unnecessary expense to rent horses for pleasure.
Margaret was saved from making any more comments as her parents appeared and made their way downstairs.
“It was very kind of you to offer us this day out, Mr. Thornton,” Mrs. Hale enthused. “I have only seen a hint of the hills beyond my sitting-room window.”
“Then I am happy to bring you to them,” he replied.
Margaret was surprised to see a gleaming open barouche waiting for them, which she knew Mr. Thornton must have hired solely for this occasion. Mr. Hale helped his wife to her seat and then joined her. Mr. Thornton assisted Margaret to her seat and took his place next to her.
Margaret averted her eyes from Mr. Thornton’s direction, keeping her attention focused on the sights surrounding her, although she remained keenly aware of his proximity. His shoulder was only inches from hers, and her skirts brushed against his legs.
She smiled to see her mother and father enjoying the leisurely drive even before they left the city. Mr. Hale held his wife’s hand as they absorbed the passing scenery.
The patches of blue sky expanded as they moved farther from the mill town. Margaret took a deep breath of the fresh air and rejoiced to smell the scent of warm grass and the sweet fragrance of flowers. Daisies, buttercups, and blue cornflowers covered the rolling hills they passed through.
“Oh look, foxgloves!” Mrs. Hale exclaimed. “Do let’s stop and pick a few.”
The carriage stopped along the roadside, and the men stepped out to assist the ladies. Mr. Hale helped his wife alight and accompanied her as she stepped a few paces to smell the wildflowers within her range.
Taking her husband’s hand, Mrs. Hale took a few steps onto the meadow and stopped. She took a full breath of the clean air and felt the sun on her face. The undulating grasses and flowers, and the green hills that disappeared into the horizon exuded such an expanse of heavenly beauty that her gaze blurred with tears. It reminded her of Helstone. How she had taken all those years in quiet beauty for granted!
And now she would take this glimpse of God’s glory for what it was: a gift, and a reminder of all that she had been given in her life.
She began to feel weak and turned to find Mr. Thornton arriving behind them with an armful of things he had brought for the occasion. He set down an overturned crate and placed an embroidered pillow upon it for her to sit.
“Oh! Thank you. You have thought of everything!” she declared, as her husband helped her sit comfortably on her temporary throne.
Mr. Hale spread out a woolen blanket and sat next to his wife so they might enjoy the sunny view together.
Margaret stood apart, looking out over the distant scene when Mr. Thornton appeared by her side.
“Do you like the view? My father used to take us here occasionally. We would have a picnic on the grass,” he told her.
“That is very fine,” she answered. She looked over to see him staring out as she had just been. He was an altogether different man standing here in this open space with nothing but God’s green earth and the sky around and above him. A breeze moved the dark hair on his forehead.
