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

Ch. 83 (PG-13): On Bended Knee

John: A smile creeps further across John’s face.  “Perhaps.  But I thought that you might never get around to it. Sit.”  John gestures to the chair in front of his desk and Nicholas sits.

John does not reveal that he and Margaret have a little side bet going as to whether or not Nicholas would propose to Brigid Gordon  before or after her three months of serving as baby Douglas’ wet nurse are up.  John thought after, Margaret the opposite.

Nicholas: “I will ask Brigid to marry me. And, I want yo to know that if she accepts me, we will wait to get married until Miss Margaret feels that baby Douglas no longer has need of Mrs. Gordon for his ….”  But like John, Nicholas cannot quite finish his thought of Nanny Brigid being wet nurse to the baby.

John: “Quite.”  John raises his eyebrows in amusement.  “Of course, Mrs. Gordon being of age and a widow, she has the right to command her own future.   But as her employer, I do feel a certain obligation to act on her behalf, in her parents’ stead, as it were.”

Nicholas: “That is right proper and fitting of you, John.”  Nicholas winces and asks nervously.  “Do you think that she will accept me?”

John: Shaking his head, John shrugs his shoulders.  “Mrs. Gordon has not taken me into her confidence about the matter.”  Nicholas looks at John plaintively. “And if she has said anything to Margaret, Margaret is not divulging it to me.”

Nicholas:   “Hhhhh!”  Nicholas sighs nervously.  “I had hoped to have some small insight into her inclination.”

John: “Nicholas, you’re going to have to take the direct approach.” John intones as he stands and walks around his desk. Nicholas also stands out of courtesy.

Nicholas: “And what is that?”

Clapping Nicholas on his back, propelling him forward through his office door, John smiles broadly.

John:  “Come, come, man.  You will have to pose your question to Mrs. Gordon herself--perhaps during a garden stroll.”  John gazes out of the Mill Office window and rethinks his suggestion.   “And you had best do it before much longer this afternoon, or I fear that the skies will open their flood gates and you will not have a private garden strolling opportunity again until tomorrow.”

Nicholas nods and quickly heads toward Thornton Manor, whilst John closes his ledgers, dons his coat and heads home.

***

Nicholas is ushered into Thornton Manor by their footman who asks him to wait in the small parlor.  The size of the room is by no means an indicator of Higgins lesser station than that Thornton’s.  It is quite the opposite.  This smaller parlor is used for family and close friends.  And Higgins as a regular weekly guest of Thornton Manor when he courts Nanny Brigid Gordon, is very familiar with this room as their usual meeting place before walking outside in the garden.

After being informed that Mr. Higgins awaits her in the small parlor--when today was not arranged for them to meet since Brigid is to go into town with Margaret Thornton this afternoon--Brigid is uncertain why Nicholas Higgins has come to call.  Brigid  smoothes her hair, checking her hairpins as she gracefully walks down the main Thornton Manor staircase.  Brigid pauses at the closed small parlor door before turning the door knob and entering the room.  Nicholas turns toward the opening door with a hopeful expression upon his face, then smiles when he sees his lovely Brigid.

Brigid: “Nicholas! I was not expecting you today.”  She smiles, letting him know that though his visit is unexpected, it is still welcome. 

Nicholas: “Hello, Brigid.”  He smiles, but does not move toward her.  Nicholas is trying to work up his courage for what he hopes to ask of her.  The moments tick by as they gaze at each other.