"N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons", by Gratiana Lovelace (2013-2014) (Done)

Ch. 17: Meeting Dr. Ogilvy's Children in London

"N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons",  Ch. 17:  Meeting Dr. Ogilvy’s Children in London,   January 10, 2014 Gratiana Lovelace 

(An original fan fiction copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace;   All rights reserved;
Based on the Elizabeth Gaskell novel, North & South and its
2004 BBC adaptation; No copyright infringement intended)

 

[I will illustrate my story using my dream cast from the 2004 BBC production of “North & South”: 

Richard Armitage for John Thornton,  Daniela Denby-Ashe for Margaret Hale, Lesley Manville for Mrs. Maria Hale, Tim Pigott-Smith for Mr. Richard Hale, Sinead Cusack for Mrs. Hannah Thornton, Jo Joyner for Fanny Thornton, Brendan Coyle for Nicholas Higgins, and Graham McTavish as Dr. Cameron Ogilvy, Holliday Grainger for Angharad Ogilvy MacIntosh, and Simon Woods for Baird Ogilvy, etc]  [(1) story logo] 

Author’s Mature Content Note:  “N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons” is a story with mature themes of love and relationships set within a period drama of the 1850’s and beyond.  As such there will be heartfelt moments of love and sensuality (S)--as well as other dramatic emotions, including some violence (V)--and I will rate those chapters accordingly.  If you are unable or unwilling to attend a movie with the ratings that I provide, then please do not read that chapter.  This is my disclaimer.

Author’s Recap of the Previous Chapter:  Hannah Thornton has undertaken the care of a little girl injured in her mill.  And in so doing, Hannah has become startlingly aware of the plight of those less fortunate--and has several ideas to help.  And her suitor, Dr. Cameron Ogilvy proposes marriage to her and then accepts her terms of a friendship marriage.  Meanwhile, Dr. Ogilvy had encouraged his grown children in London to greet and entertain the Thornton’s during their stay with Margaret’s Aunt Shaw.  To say that Dr. Ogilvy has an ulterior motive would be too ominous--more like hopeful parenting guidance to a son who needs to settle down.

Ch. 17--Meeting Dr. Ogilvy’s Children in London

While in London, John and Margaret and Fanny pay a tea time invited visit on Monday, December 30th to Dr. Cameron Ogilvy’s daughter Angharad Ogilvy MacIntosh and her husband Alistair MacIntosh. Yes, he is related to those MacIntoshes.  The MacIntosh family manufactures rubberized raincoats called mackintoshes [(2)]  that have become so popular for those constantly in wet conditions.  The Thornton’s enjoy playtime with the MacIntosh bairns:  3 year old Andrew and 6 month old Amanda (they have an “A” theme going on their names).  Uncharacteristically, Fanny especially enjoys playing with the children. 

The Thornton’s visit to the MacIntosh’s is not solely for John’s mother’s sake in meeting her suitor Dr. Cameron Ogilvy’s family.  You see, the Day after Christmas, Dr. Cameron Ogilvy had sent letters to his son Baird Ogilvy and daughter Angharad Ogilvy MacIntosh who are living in London, informing them of his growing attachment to the widowed Mrs. Hannah Thornton.  He also mentioned that her grown children and their family were visiting London--and that he hoped that they would get a chance to meet each other.  And quite characteristically, Dr.  Ogilvy’s letter to his son particularly highlighted that the unmarried Thornton daughter Fanny was of marriageable age and good breeding--if a little spoilt--Dr. Ogilvy wanting to encourage his son to start thinking about securing their dynasty through marriage. 

But that little push from his father makes Baird Ogilvy determined to ignore his father’s wishes--he will not be forced into a marriage to beget an heir, nor does he want a marriage where the lady is only interested in his title.  However Baird’s younger sister Angharad Ogilvy MacIntosh prevails upon her twenty-nine year old older brother to join her family for tea on Monday, December 30th--him not realizing that other guests are to be invited.  When  Baird arrives at his sister’s London townhouse, his little three year old nephew Andrew careens out of the parlor and into the foyer.