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

Ch. 39 (PG): Unexpected Developments in Thornton Manor Residents

Hannah smiles her thanks for Margaret’s gracious offer.  But Cameron wants his privacy with his wife that a hotel can provide.

Cameron: “Nay, Margaret.  We do na want to put ye to any trrrouble!”

Cameron looks pleadingly over at John--who gives him an encouraging look.  John doesn’t relish having his newlywed mother and stepfather under his roof so soon after their wedding trip either.  For indeed,Cameron still considers he and Hannah to be on their wedding trip--and he is worried that Hannah might not feel comfortable with his loving attentions in her former home.

John: “Margaret, Cameron’s wishes should be respected.” John gently suggests, remembering the time when Mrs. Shaw almost made he and Margaret sleep in separate bed chambers in her London home not long after they were wed.

Margaret: Not getting John’s point--about the newlyweds issues for privacy--Margaret pleads.  “John, it is not only for myself that I would like Mother and Cameron to stay with us for a few days.” Margaret looks at her husband as if trying to convey something to him. “Think of how their presence might benefit Fanny at this difficult time for her.”

John: “Hhhh!”  John sighs and nods his head in defeat.  There is never anyone more persuasive than a wife--especially, a pregnant wife.

Hannah: “What about Fanny?”  Hannah asks with a sense of foreboding.

Margaret:  Margaret winces at Cameron, then tells them both.  “Fanny and Baird seem to have …” She hesitates how to describe their relationship impasse.  “… set aside their association with each other.” 

Margaret does not say that Baird’s and Fanny’s attachment to one another is broken, because Margaret firmly believes--or hopes--that they might yet still get back together.

Cameron: “Ach!  That is unsettling news.” Cameron frowns in disappointment.  Hannah also frowns.

Though both Cameron and Hannah are eager to know the details, their rigid social upbringing prevents them from asking such a direct question in mixed company.

Margaret:  “John if you will please ask Maid Sarah to open up the guest bed chamber suite for Mother and Cameron, I think I will nap a bit.”  She says sleepily.  She really does need her rest.

John:  “Of course, Margaret, My Love.  You rest.”  He walks back to her and kisses her forehead.  John’s feet, as of yet, are still unshod in the company of his mother and her new husband.  And John would be completely embarrassed, but for the saving grace of his socks.

Hannah: “I will sit with you for a few moments, Margaret, then direct our unpacking by the servants.”  She states declaratively--for Hannah Thornton Ogilvy does not waver in her actions.  She also wants to find out more about Fanny from Margaret in private.

Cameron: “I will go with John and direct the carriage driver to bring in our luggage.”   Cameron also wants to have a private word with John about Baird and Fanny.

The two men leave the bed chamber--knowing that the women will discuss Fanny’s situation. And John also knows that Cameron also wants to talk about Baird and Fanny. 

***

After the luggage is given to the servants to settle into their guest bed chamber suite at Thornton Manor, Cameron walks back to John’s study--finding John waiting for him, and Cameron closes the door and sits in the offered chair.  John’s study is the scene of many such man to man talks, John finds more and more.   Then Cameron boldly asks John what happened.

Cameron: “So what idiotic and insensitive action or worrrds did my son do or say to cause Fanny to end theirrr engagement? I assume it was Fanny who ended it?”