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Chapter 1

Mr. Thornton was nervous. He had never in his life felt this nervous. As he walked through the smoky streets of Milton he thought of how likely it would be that she'd accept living in these conditions. He knew how difficult it had been for her to adjust to his Northern ways. Society was different here than in London. He was a tradesman, not a gentleman.

His heart throbbed in his rib-cage, trying to escape its confines. She was going to refuse him. He was sure of it. He was so desperate to win her heart, to have a companion to go home to. Someone to share all his worries with. He wanted someone to worry when he didn't eat enough, or get mad at him for coming home late, or insist on his opinion on which dress was better. More than anything in the world he wanted to see the love he saw in his own eyes reflected back at him. He knew that it wouldn't matter if she accepted or rejected him today, for he would love her for eternity. Quietly if required.

His palms were sweaty in his gloves as he knocked on the door. He wondered if she would think that he was doing this to save her reputation, not that she needed to be saved since Mr. Bell was her godfather. Any gossip on her had been crushed as no one wanted to face his fury.

Margre- Miss Hale opened the door, looking like a queen in her emerald skirt and creamy linen blouse. Her hair was committing a mutiny against all the pins and was half out of its confines. It seemed that he had caught her just as she was about to change.

"Mr. Thornton!" She exclaimed, "Father is out with Mr. Bell for the evening, I can write down a message for him if you want?"

John shook his head "I'm here for you." His voice was so quiet, he could barely hear himself.

"Oh... Please do come in." She still stood in the doorway, unsure.

John gently pushed past her and stepped into the hallway, quietly relishing the contact, wondering if he would ever feel her body against his again. He had never been interested in anyone before Margaret. The female form started to interest him when he started noticing all the many things she said with her eyes, rolling them with humour as she joked with Mr. Bell, glaring daggers at him for whatever new way he had offended her, amused sparkly as she sparred verbally with her father, reverence as she thought of her old home... He had made a study of all her expressions, for that was all he had. He so desperately wanted more.

She closed the door and followed him to the sitting room. "Would you like some tea sir?" She looked as uncertain as he felt.

"No, thank you. I'm here for - umm. I lov- err. Dear god, I have never done this before..." He trailed off. Scrubbing his face with his hands he plopped down of the sofa with a groan.

Margaret was utterly confused, so she did the only thing she could in that situation. She made tea. She handed him a cup, her bracelets clattering. John seemed dazed by the noise and grabber her hand, kissing it gently. He held on to it as he spoke "I have been in love with you from the moment you verbally spared with me, you always on the moral high ground whilst I defended my capitalism. I wish to argue with you about masters and men for the rest of my life if you are willing. Will you - will you marry me?"

Margaret did not know what to do. She had thought that he would talk about impropriety and rumours and her reputation, but here he was, talking about love. All the wind flew out of her sails as she understood the emotion behind his deep blue eyes. She knew she didn't love him, not in the way he loved her.

She sat down next to him, her hand held tightly in his trembling one. She reached out with her other hand and cupped his face. His eyes closed as he leaned into it. "Before I answer, I need you to know that I don't love you like you claim to love me." Mr. Thornton looked up, his heart cracking as the enchanting creature in front of him tried to let him down easy, but he refused to back down, for there was still hope. She hadn't yet answered.

Margaret continued, "I have strong reactions to your words, no matter what they are. I'm always conflicted around you, and I never know how to behave. We barely know each other. I ask that we spend a little bit more time together, learn each other's likes and dislikes before jumping to marriage. I'm not saying yes, but I'm not saying no either."

John was on a roller coaster, the highs and lows that he was feeling would have brought a weaker man to his knees, yet he could not help himself when she said that she wanted to spend more time in his company. He was a drowning man, he would take whatever she gave him. He embraced her tightly to himself, still unable to release the hand he was holding, causing her to twist her arm in an uncomfortable position.

She lightly hugged him back, before the need for air became imminent, causing her to tap on his shoulder. She felt a gentle kiss on her neck before he let her go completely. The smile on his face could light the town.

"I will ask your fathers permission tomorrow to court you. Would you sit in on our lesson?" He asked gently, caressing the soft skin of her cheek.

Margaret had never been touched so intimately before, found it difficult to concentrate on anything but the warmth of his rough hands. She responded with a whisper "Yes I shall, I'll even bake his favourite carrot cake". The rosy blush on her face made his knees feel weak.

"May I please kiss your lips Miss Hale?" His voice was suddenly rough with desire, his eyes gently begin her to accept.

She looked down, suddenly shy, before looking up with determination and nodding. The elation he felt could not be compared to anything as he leaned forward and tilted her chin upward, trying to capture this amazing moment. His lips found hers and then there were no more thoughts in either heads. There was only passion, undiscovered for so long that it burst out now that it was found. Their tongues duelled a war where everyone was a winner. Her arms went to his waist, tentatively holding him closer. The need for air finally made them break apart.

"That was my first kiss" Mr. Thornton hoarsely told her.

"Mine too" she smiled up at him before kissing his cheek. She then took his hand and lead him to the door "You need to leave before we make the news again. This time all the gossip will be the truth. I shall see you tomorrow."

Just as he was about to leave, she pulled him back "wait!", she diligently combed his hair back into position and handed him his hat. He grinned cheekily before turning around to leave.

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I hope you guys enjoyed this. I'm just adding a little bit more romance and drama into our favourite couple's life. Please review.