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

Ch. 12: Merry Match Making Mirrrrth

It is now a frosty Saturday morning in December, the 21st to be exact, and John had dashed out after lunch so quickly that his mother, Hannah Thornton, wondered what he was about.  But John's wife Margaret did not wonder--because she knows John's purpose and intentions are to enlist Dr. Ogilvy's aid in selecting and bringing a Christmas tree to Thornton Manor, as Margaret sets about to making their home more festive.  Looking up from her needle work, Hannah Thornton gazes quizzically at Margaret who seems to be braiding something, but she cannot tell what it is.

Hannah:  "Margaret?  When is John expected back with our Christmas tree?"

Margaret's head instantly shoots up in surprise as she looks wincingly at her mother-in-law.

Margaret: "How did you find out?"

Hannah:  "I think Fanny mentioned overhearing your order to cook to have some hot mulled cider and cakes made [ready] for tea time today--since John will be extra hungry for cutting down and hauling our Christmas tree all the way here."

Margaret: "Oh!"  Trust Fanny to not keep a secret.  Then Margaret treads carefully, as she has done these first seven weeks as John's wife and as the new mistress of Thornton Manor. "John wants it to be a surprise."  However, Margaret thinks that the real surprise will be Dr. Ogilvy joining them again.

Hannah: "Hmmm." Hannah knows that the Christmas tree is Margaret's doing. And unlike Margaret's redecorating here and there of Thornton Manor--to make it more cozy and inviting for John, as Margaret tells Hannah without recognizing her cheekiness--Hannah is actually looking forward to the Christmas tree.

Outside, John pulls the carriage up to Thornton Manor.  Then he and Dr. Ogilvy hop down and lift out the large evergreen spruce tree that they cut down in the nearby woods. It is so large that he takes two of them to haul it up the stairs and into Thornton Manor.  Hearing a commotion in the hallway, Margaret goes to investigate while Hannah continues her embroidery.

Margaret:  "John!   You're home!" Margaret rushes to her husband, disregarding that they have an audience in the person of Dr. Ogilvy.  Then biting her lower lip in worry, she adds.  "I was worried that you might get caught in the snow storm that seems to be worsening outside." 

John:  Gathering her into his arms, John sighs. "Margaret, my love!  It is just snow."  Then John kisses her soundly--also ignoring Dr. Ogilvy's presence.

Dr. Ogilvy:  "Kkkhhh!"  Dr. Ogilvy coughs loudly to get their attention.  He is not embarrassed by their display of affection. But Dr. Ogilvy is, perhaps, a little jealous of the happy couple's loving solicitude since he hasn't had the nerve to ask Hannah Thornton out yet.

John: "Sorry Cameron."  John smiles sheepishly as he comes up for air and Margaret blushingly nestles her face into his broad chest. "But technically, Margaret and I are still newlyweds."

Dr. Ogilvy: "Tis not a censurrre, laddie.  I merrrely wanted to rrremind ye of me prrresence."  He trills his r's mightily with his heavy Scottish accent.  "Ye kiss yerrr wife as much as ye want, Laddie.  Twill only hasten yourrr need for me serrrvices."  He adds with a twinkling smile. 

Both John and Margaret blush at his reference to their having a baby at some point in the future.  It hasn't happened yet, but they look forward to children whenever it does happen.

John: "Let's bring the tree into the parlor." John says to Dr. Ogilvy as he grabs onto one side of the tree.  "Margaret, is Mother present?"  John asks for Dr. Ogilvy's benefit.

Margaret: "She is."  Margaret smiles knowingly as Dr. Ogilvy's face reddens in embarrassment

Dr. Ogilvy: "Ach!" Dr. Ogilvy looks heavenward for romantic assistance.