North & South : The HALE/THORNTON WEDDING, A Group Fan-Fiction

I thought it might be fun to 'plan' the Hale/Thornton WeddingWhen would it take place? How would they go about planning it? Who would Margaret use to help her make plans? Who would be the attendants? the guests? their gifts? Where would the ceremony and the banquet be held? The honeymoon(hasn't that already been covered on the Tittle Tattler thread? ) Anyway, I will begin with the topic:

Subject: "Father of the Bride" Surrogate

I think it would be lovely if Margaret chose Nicholas Higgins to walk her down the aisle and "give her away" to John Thornton. True, it would shock most of Milton, but I can't think of another male person who has been involved with Margaret and her family that would have the emotional right to fill the spot. Mr. Hale is obviously no longer with us. Frederick is in exile. Mr. Bell is deceased (or about to be deceased in Argentina). Her aunt's husband is gone, too. It would be inappropriate for Henry to stand in considering his emotional attachment to Margaret. Her Cousin Edith's husband seems to be an inconsequential influence in her life.

However, it's not by default that Nicholas should be chosen. He has been an estimable character from the beginningrescuing Margaret during the mob scene on the staircase, refusing to take advantage and coinage from her. He has shown himself to be an attentive father to Bessie and Mary and stepfather to Boucher's children. He probably was a good husband, too.

He sized Margaret up and decided she surpassed his expectations in being sincere when she finally came to visit and befriend his Bessie. Nicholas's and Bessie's friendship and home became a refuge, a haven, for lonely Margaret. He trusted her and her father during his time of distress. He valued their advice on not leaving town and heading south for employment. He took Margaret's advice on going back to Marlborough Mills and speaking to Thornton himself.

A comfortable intimacy existed between Margaret and Nicholas. She felt close enough to Nicholas to tease him about "speaking well of a master" as she was apparently cooking a meal for him. When she left town, she insisted on helping monetarily with the Boucher children (which I imagine she might have continued when she came into her own fortune). She kissed Nicholas fondly when she was about to leave Milton for good (so she thought).

Nicholas obviously admired and respected this young womanperhaps she had become an "adopted daughter" of the heart. So, I think he would have been chosen by Margaret and John who also has come to respect and love this dear friend to both of them.

Finally, and most importantly, Nicholas would be chosen because he would look handsome and sexy in a tuxedo and a cravat!!!

Do you have any ideas about the Hale/Thornton Wedding???

I'll offer to guy Nicholas a new pair of shoes for the wedding!

Very considerate and practical, oso! A tuxedo without shoes would be very avant-garde, I agree!

Nicholas is definitely the best choice to give Margaret away *sniff*

Nice write up, Heartfelt, and a great idea for a thread!
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Oso: you read my mind. My first thought was "Shoes the man needs new shoes!"
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Off the top of my head: I would say that Margaret's biggest challenge would be getting around her future mother-in-the-law . She would have to be patient and always make her feel that her opinion is valued. Then there's Fanny, who'd want to offer advice on everything from wallpaper to mattresses, so Margaret would have to be prepared for that as well.

The real "wedding planner" confidante, though, would be Edith. When a girl's planning a wedding, there's not enough ink in an inkwell to cover all those minute details. Edith would need to make several trips to Milton and meet directly with Margaret and give her some real "hands on" advice.

Flowers at the wedding should be none other than Helstone roses(if they can find enough of them, no thanks to the new pastor). At the very least, they should be in the bridal bouquet.

A must have in the wedding party: Mary, not just because she's Higgens's daughter, but because she's Margaret's friend and it would be a lovely tribute to Bessie's memory. Bessie would be there in spirit. :)

Along with her father, she'll have to be on the guest list: Ann Latimer. Well then let's seat her waaaaaaaaay in the back. She's tall; she's used to it. She won't say a word. *meow*

One more thing: Margaret should wear her bracelet, the one that fascinated Thornton when she was pouring the tea. Or maybe not On second thought, let's leave that for the honeymoon.

I'll see what else I can come up with. I'm eager to hear what these other ladies have to say Obviously, I've planned alot of weddings in my time.

alfa, it's obvious that you have planned a number of weddings! Your input was greatMargatet will smile and hire you on the spot, I'm sure!

I think Edith's husband should walk Margaret down the isle, being family and Higgins be John's Best Man. They did become close at the end.

Very true, geniethat would work too. As long as Nicholas has an important part, I'm happy!

Hmmit's true that Edith's dad could do the honours, but I like the idea of having Higgins give her away. The Shaws didn't even come home for the family funerals. That was very insensitive of them, so I'm not convinced they'd be there for Margaret's wedding. Higgins would be a terrific best man, though. :)

Tommy! We forgot Tommy!!!! More new shoes

I guess Sholto/Cosmo, or whatever name he's going under, would be a ring bearer?

alfa, isn't Margaret's aunt a widow? I was under that impressionbut good point about the insensitivity of that side of the family. They seem to be a bit self-centeredthe aunt only took time out from her daughter's impending confinement because she HAD TO come and bring Margaret back to London, not done cheerfully at alldefinitley not my favorite character, always frowning!

You're absolutely right, heartfelt, her aunt is a widow. I read that incorrectly and wasn't thinking straight.

Genie suggested Edith's husband (the dancing Captain!) but for me he would be far down the list, even though he's family. I love the bond that we see growing between Margaret and Higgins. He would be my first pick to give her away.

Mine too, alfabut there's plenty of room for a variety of 'wedding planners'! Any more out there?

OK Alfa Who do you see being John's Best Man?

As I see it, this wedding would be breaking a lot of social barriers if Higgins were to give Margaret away or be the Best Man. But I, for one, would relish it. Because if I were Margaret, I would plan a wedding breakfast or reception of some kind to be in the eating place at the mill, so that the workers would be included in the festivities.

thomas, that's a wonderful idea! Kind of like the ending of Emma [not the G. Paltrow(sp?) version]! All the other mill owners who don't really have their workers at heart would squirm and Thornton would be a hero and the standard for employersgreat idea!

Thomas,. really a nice idea.

That would be Margaret.

Hannah, of course, would decline to attend. LOL!

I would love to plan their wedding.

I think that they should bring Frederick over from Spain to walk Margaret down the aisle. I know, I knowyou're all thinking "too risky", but I have a plan. He grows a beard and moustache and takes on a different identity. The wedding would be in Milton and with Leonards conveniently dead there probably isn't anyone to identify him! If anyone did come forward Mason would take them aside conveniently tell them of what happened to the last person that crossed the Hale family.

I'm sure the engagement of John and Margaret came as a huge blow to our beloved Thorton matriarch, Hannah, but when she comes out of her catatonic state of shock I'm sure she'll be more than happy to pitch in. Either that or she'll pitch a knife right into her future daughter-in-laws back. Yikes!!!

Fanny will definitely be available to offer Margaret advice on home decorating. Since there is no end to Fanny's piano playing and singing ability I think it's fitting that she perform and sing a little piece at the wedding. Maybe a song that will showcase her lovely (ahem) soprano voice.

Ann Latimer will be tied up and placed in a closet in her home. There is no need to gag her as she is mute. (Or I assume she's mute.)

Nicholas will be John's best man. He'll throw one heck of a bachelor party at the pub, what's it called? The Golden Dragon or something? There they will down pint after pint of ale and check out the wenches. Wink Wink

Cousin Edith will be a tremendous help to Margaret. She'll have a wedding shower in London for her where she'll invite all of their friends and Margaret will recieve some "naughty lingerie" for her honeymoon. Ooo la la.

All of Boucher's children will be ring bearer's and flower girls. Six kids under the age of 7 or 8? More than enough.

Dixon can arrange the flowers and complain about how she does all the work and how she isn't a servant. Woe is her. She had plenty of opportunities for marriage I'm sure.

Have I covered everything?

LOL! I liked your plans for Fred and Dixon best - however, I feel for Fred growing a beard and moustache might not be disguise enough. The best thing to hide one's identity is undoubtedly a pair of glasses possibly with a fake nose attached.

Ha! Okay at ChocolateIsMyDrug's request, Frederick Hale will sport the Groucho Marx glasses, nose and bushy eyebrow combination look as part of his disguise! I honestly think no one will suspect a thing! LOL!

Excellent job, oso! It's true that having Frederick there for Margatet's sake would be a dream come true! She would weep for joy! Having him escort her in their father's place would be so touching.except for the fact that he would look like a complete idiot in his Groucho Marx get-up!!! Just kidding!!

I think it would be great if Frederick's being there was a complete surprise for Margaret! She would expect Nicholas to walk her down the aisle, only he's nowhere to be found. In desperation, she would be looking out the window for him, and then Frederick could step out of the shadows saying, "Will I do?" (!!!!!) After their emotional greeting, they would start down the aisleMargaret, walking on the arm of the brother she loves, towards the man she loves, beautiful John Thornton, her eyes fixed on his form in the front of the churchbutwho does she see next to him, all handsome in his new tuxedo and new shoes, but Nicholas, the friend she loves and John's best man!

Yeah Oso for all your wonderful ideas!! I think it would be terrific if Frederick came back. That would make Margaret very, very happy and then Higgins could be best man.

Genie: If Frederick couldn't return and give Margaret away, I don't know who would be best man. Thornton has no true male friends. There's Mr. Bell, but he can't return; Williams, I guess, would come the closest but theirs is a business friendship. Watson is family but they're hardly close. Nope. We'll have to bring back Frederick. I hope Delores can make it, too.

Thomas: What a lovely idea!

I think you all have hit on the very best idea. Margaret thinks Higgins is going to walk her down the isle. No best man is actually needed so she is not surprised when John decides to wed sans Best Man. Frederick has been quietly stowed away at the Thornton's until the big day.



John is at the alter (wearing a yellow rose in his lapel), with Nicholas by his side. Margaret steps into the chamber to proceed down the isle but looks for Nicholas. Just as the music starts and Margaret is almost panicked, out steps Frederick in his tux, no false makeup, and wraps Margaret's arm over his. He looks into her eyes, smiling. She can't believe what she is seeing. He has made her wedding complete and more then the happiest day of her life. Frederick encourages her to take the first step, shushing her because he can see all the questions on her face. He's says, I love you sis, this is your day and I could never had missed it. Let's go, alright, almost laughing at her surprise. Margaret's eyes well up, she's struggling to see that vision in black formal attire at the alter. She sees Nicholas next to John. Her legs get wobbly, but Fred holds her up. They proceed down the isle. She can't even look side to side to smile at the guests - she's in her own little heaven at this very moment. Fred is holding her tight. She looks out of her tears to see John's face which is so warmly glowing. She's never quite seen this look on him before - it's a look of the deepest love. A love of her. Frederick and Margaret reach the alter. Frederick places Margarets hand in John's.

(next author enter here)

Everything you all have writen is simply calling for a SEQUEL!!!

You would be a great team to do such a thing:))






Try as we might, happy as we were- we cant go back!

Giving Frederick a fervent look of love and amazement, Margaret turns toward John with a radiance on her face that causes his heart to pound within his chest. She has never looked so lovely, her eyesluminous, glowing with an inner light.* Thank you God for bringing this woman into my life he prays. Help me to deserve her!

As he looks deeply into her eyes and smiles, a wave of delight washes over him. Can this be truly happening? she whispers to him. Yes, my love! he whispers in reply. Drawing her arm under his, then placing his hand upon hers, John and Margaret turn toward the minister awaiting themMargaret sighs, Oh, Father, if only you and mother were here!Yet, I believe you are here. Thank you for bringing me to Milton!

Dearly beloved, we are gathered her in the presence of God and man to join this couple in holy matrimony. John and Margaret are listening intently as the age old ritual is performed anew on their behalf. How deeply the words penetrate their hearts this day!

Looking intently at each of them in turn, the minister says : This is what we are told by the Lord in the book of Ecclesiastes,

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

As the morning sunlight streams through a stained glass window up above, bathing the couple in a heavenly light, the old reverend holds up, for all to see, a golden ring tied with three braided, colorful, satin cords. He continues:

The braiding of the three stands demonstrates how John and Margaret
are joined by God in marriage. Each strand holds special meaning.

The Gold strand represents God and His majesty.

The Purple strand represents the groom and his life.

The White strand represents the bride and her life.

In braiding these three strands together, he continues, John and Margaret have
demonstrated that their marriage is more than a joining of two lives together. It is a unity
with God as well.

Lowering the golden ring, he again gazes intently at the bride and groom. In a lowered voice, the aged gentleman smiles, saying, Are you ready? Gazing wistfully, yet solemnly, at one another, they nod.

John and Margaret, as you place the rings , the symbols of the holy covenant which you are now making with one another on each other's fingers, repeat the vows pledging your troth to one another. John, you may begin.

Turning towards Margaret, eyes fastened on her face, John reaches for her finger upon which he begins to slide the ring. In voice a filled with emotion, yet in clear, deep tones that resonate throughout the sanctuary, he says:

Dearest Margaret!I, John Thornton, take you, Margaret Hale, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow before God and man.Margaret, all that I amall that I have is yours!

Standing perfectly still, as if not to break the spell they both are under, Margaret's gaze is riveted on Johns eyes. She feels as if she has stepped into a pool of exquisite, yet tangible, light from which she is incapable of removing herself. After a slight pause, the reverend clears his throat, saying, Margaret? John gives her a smile of encouragement while squeezing her hands gently. Taking a deep breath and smiling happily at him, she begins in a tremulous voice while slipping the ring on his finger:

John, my dearest love! I, Margaret Hale, take you, John Thornton, to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, til death do us part: according to Gods holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge you my love and faithfulness. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, my friend. Everything I am, and everything I have is yours, from this moment forth, and for eternity.

Her voice, filled with emotion, yet clear, Margaret looks longingly and lovingly at John and then, with tear-filled eyes, she lifts Johns hand to her lips and kisses it tenderly.

Moved by this sudden yet familiar caress, John slips his arm around Margarets waist and draws her to himself and begins to kiss her gently, on her closed eyes, then on her cheeks and, finally, on her full lips which beckon to him. Lost in another world for what seemed like eternity, they are both drawn out of their reverie by the sound of thunderous applause echoing throughout the rafters of the old church.

Mr. and Mrs. John Thornton, smiling at one another, red-faced, turn to face the world, their family and friends,surrounded by a heavenly peace that surpasses all human understanding.

*"luminous, glowing with an inner light!" * Just for you Chocolate!

LOL - thank you! I love the description you have given - maybe someone should start writing fanfiction!

My favourite bit is how they don't even wait for the guy to say he can kiss the bride. Btw, did you know all the stuff about the 3 strands or did you research?

Chocolate, My younger brother had that Scripture reading at his wedding, so I did a little research and found a site where you can order the gold ring with the three strands which the bride and groom can braid during the ceremony. It's very symbolic and meaningful for some Christians. It probably was not part of the ceremonies during the N&S time period, however I wanted to bring something visual to the story instead of just listening the M & J recite vows.

Genie & Heartfelt, those are both fabulous!

I'm saving in My Documents for easy reach.

:-)

Eat your heart out, Elizabeth Gaskell! These are beautifully written. Bravo to both of you!!

Genie & Heartfelt - wow, my eyes welled up at those stories! Would Margaret give up that idea of getting up, putting on her dress & walking to the church idea then? I suppose though that she couldn't do that in Milton - a church probably isn't as near as that in Helstone, & she's likely to get her dress pretty dirty. Besides, if I were her, I'd want as many people as possible to witness my marriage to JT!

It'd be nice if Frederick could give her away - maybe, as Margaret suggested before, Henry could try to get him pardoned. Long shot, but nice idea. The idea of him only appearing at the last minute to walk her down the aisle is touching. Failing that, of course Nicholas could do it. He could always do the double role of giving her away & being the best man.

I've always wondered how Margaret & Hannah would get on afterwards. I don't think they'll ever have a great affection for each other, but I think Margaret has some respect for her already & maybe it'll be mutual. Plus, if I'm not mistaken, Hannah said in an earlier episode that she'd try to like Margaret for John's sake, & I'm sure Margaret would do the same, so perhaps over time they would learn to get on alright. I don't know about Fanny, but she & Margaret had a civil enough relationship, & while I can't see them having a great friendship, they'd be alright. They probably wouldn't see that much of each other anyway. Just as long as Margaret didn't follow any of Fanny's fashion advice - I thought all her outfits were horrible & way too OTT.

Can we do some more fan fiction? While I like writing fiction at times, I'm a bit crap at it, but I'd like to read what anyone else has to say!

Catriona x


"a babe with a bob cut & a magnificent bosom" - Geraldine, "The Vicar of Dibley"

Thank you, catrionalowe84! Genie started this train rolling by transitionin from wedding prep details to the wedding itself! Actually, my fantasizing about Frederick showing up by surprise and Nicholas appearingwith shoes on might have helped stoke the engine's fire. Then genie pulled the whistle yelling FULL STEAM AHEAD! Now it's racing down the tracks! The ride is fun, so ALL ABOARD!

I had forgotten about Margaret's desire to walk to her weddingI suppose when your planning your own wedding, as opposed to watching your cousin plan hers, you 'tweak' the details a little.

Mud on her wedding shoes?!! Margaret and Nicholas would be a matched set!

There is a beautiful coach with 4 black horses and 3 coachmen, waiting at the church doors. The coach is ringed with yellow roses. John has spared no expense. As John and Margaret exit the church a coachman is there to politely open the coach door for the newly married couple. John steps to the side of the door to take Margaret's hand to assist her inside. As he takes her hand, he kisses the back of it and then leans in and gives her a soft kiss on her mouth.

All the attendants have exited the church and begin to throw rice. Even Hannah has accepted her new place and is happy that John is happy. Never before has she seen John so overwhelmed with joy. She comes to terms that he has made the best choice for himself and she has resigned herself to that fact.

Margaret pulls up her gown slightly so that she is sure footed getting into the coach. She sits closest to the window. John quickly follows and sits next to her, putting his arm around her waist. They kiss once more. Margaret looks out at all the well wishers, throwing a kiss to Frederick, who she knows she'll see again shortly at the gathering. She lifts her bouquet and tosses it to the crowd where it falls into the hands of Mary, Nicholas's daughter.

The coachman ruffles the reigns and the horses depart. Unknown to Margaret, John has already instructed the coachmen to take a long ride out into the country before they get to the gathering. As they leave Margaret waves out the coach window to everyone. She sees Hannah, and Hannah is smiling genuinely. The day doesn't seem like it could possibly get better, but it just did.

They ride quietly out of town looking into each others eyes. Margaret says to John "What are you thinking right now?" These are the first words spoken since the "I DO's". John says, "I don't want to tell you - it's not that pleasant". A frown appears and Margaret insists on knowing John's thoughts. John smiles slightly as he begins to tell her. "I once watched you in a carriage like this, leaving my life forever. My world came crashing down at that moment. In my heart I pleaded for you to look back at me, giving me some sign that there might be some hope for this day. You never looked back. I never recovered from that moment ever until that day at the train depot when your vision appeared on the platform. So much weld up in me at that moment, I am surprised I got any words out to speak to you. And now here you sit, in this coach, next to me, with my ring on your finger and to know that you belong to me forever . again is almost too much happiness to bear. I'm getting very close now to being speechless. John pulls Margaret to him, almost smothering her in love. He kisses her hair and cheek and mouth. He pulls back and looks into her eyes, taking Margarets face into his hands. "Tell me what you're thinking Margaret"

[next author]

Ohhhhhh! I'm partly glad you've stopped there, Genie, cos otherwise my top would be sopping with tears. You should write this kind of thing for a living! Him remembering about 'looking back' is the sweetest thing to be thinking of at that point.

If we're bringing Frederick over, could his wife Dolores come too, or would that be too much? He did say he wanted her & Margaret to meet.

Catriona x


"a babe with a bob cut & a magnificent bosom" - Geraldine, "The Vicar of Dibley"

That..(sob)..is..(sob)..so..(sob)lovely!!! (sob, sniff)




"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me"

I've been reading back through those stories (well-equipped with tissues this time), & so: we have had the wedding service & John & Margaret in the carriage. What next. I must admit, I'd like to know what Margaret replies to John's, "Tell me what you're thinking." Personally I don't think I could say anything after that gorgeous speech of his, I'd be too emotional! So next we have the reception - the earlier idea of workers' gathering or whatever it was sounded good. It'd be interesting to see Hannah & Fanny mixing with the Higginses etc. I'm suddenly seeing a right old knees-up with a few barrels of ale, lol!

Catriona x


"a babe with a bob cut & a magnificent bosom" - Geraldine, "The Vicar of Dibley"

Thank you Cat and all. It *is* fun. Please join in. Anyone can pick up the ball and run. Let's just see where it goes.

sorry, I couldn't help myself



Margaret, her eyes tear-filled as she listens to the pain in Johns voice, slowly closes her eyes causing a tear to slowly trickle down her cheek. The recollection of how much sorrow she has caused him is unbearable. How she loves him! How she wishes she could go back in time and erase those memories! To have hurt the most important man in her life because she chose to misunderstand every admirable thing about himhis character, his compassion, his honorall excellent!

What prejudice! What willful blindness to the goodness in this dear man! Lord willing, I shall spend the rest of my life making up for my errors! Loving him more than I love myself will not be a duty, but an honor!

Opening her eyes once again, Margaret is almost startled by the look of concern mirrored in Johns strikingly blue eyes. Margaret, dear, what is it? I have caused you pain sharing this memory with you! he whispered regretfully.

Margaret smiles through her tears and takes a deep breath. John, darling, do not worry about my discomfort it is well deserved. What I am feeling right now is a deep sense of gratitude for you and your love! How merciful and forgiving you are after all the pain that I have caused! I cannot express to you how humbled I feel that you have chosen me to be your wifeyou lifes partner. Still having her face cupped in his hands, John tenderly kisses her.

Margaret, looking deeply into his eyes, begins My love, there is something you need to understand about that sad afternoon after Father died and I came to your house to say goodbye. What you do not know is that I, too, was in painsuffering from the knowledge that you believed the worst about me after seeing me at the station with Frederick. I came to your house for the last time hoping that somehow we would have an opportunity to talk alone. I had decided to confide in you concerning who Frederick really was to memy brother, not my lover. The visit passed without the opportunity for which I prayedmy hopes destroyed and my heart broken." At this, John staightens suddenly, his hands on Margaret's shoulders, looking into her eyes intently.

"You see, darling, I had come to care deeply about you, about what you thought of me. Your approval was all I thought about, day and night The look of alarm on Johns face is obvious. As he tries to speak, Margaret gently puts her fingers over his mouth, her eyes watching as her fingers caress his lips. Looking into his eyes once again, she says Shhhlet me finish before you speak. John, you must know that as I entered the carriage to drive out of your life forever, I was praying that you would come to methat you would run to me and take me out of the carriage and into your arms, never to let me go! As the carriage pulled away, I was weeping silently for you, John. I wanted you so much! You never came to me and I never looked back! We almost missed each other for eternity!

Both weeping openly now, John and Margaret simultaneously reach for one another, embracing in desperate hug, thankful that they have indeed found one another at last and forevermore.

Me too:)It is a real pleasure to read all the literary works! I myself especially like Heartfelts 1st story





Try as we might, happy as we were- we cant go back!

Ooh, mysterious! But I speak for all us writers when I say to both you & your source, Imba, we're v flattered! Hope you enjoy the rest!

Catriona x


Love makes a poor man rich, & a beggar a prince

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Confession - a poster here recommended I read the fanfic on this board. I'll leave her to confess. Or not. Are your ears burning Ms. [censored by the Imba police].

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Anonymous poster hereoh wait, is my name on this? Dang! So much for anonymity. Well, nobody knows me here anyway.

I was so confused when I first started reading HF and Cat's fanfics. Of course I started with the wrong one and had to go back and start over. It made so much more sense when I read them in the correct order! I know you'll enjoy them Imba. You're in for a real treat!



Kids in the front seat cause accidents.
Accidents in the back seat cause kids!

So many talented ladies on this board, such lovely romantic prose! Hmmbut I think there's something lacking in this weddingyes, I know. Drama. Yes, ladies, all this lovely romance is fine, but where's the dramaz??? We go back in time


As Margaret gazes into John's eyes, lost in thoughts about the Night to comeahemthe minister continues.."If any person has any reason why this man should not take this woman in holy matri " Suddenly there is a frightening crash as the rear doors of the chapel slam open. Margaret shivers as a strong gust of wind courses through the assembly, penetrating the tender folds of her gown and covering her body with its chill caress. All assembled turn toward the rear where the shadowy stunted figure of a man in a tall top hat is framed against the night sky.

"I object!"

His words are as forceful as his stride as he moves toward the altar, his eyes locked in cold combat against Thornton's thunderous glare.

"Mr. Thornton, I had thought you weren't one for dabbling. Except, it seems, dabbling with young women of fortune.

Hannah, seated in the front pew, manages to lower her eyes before anyone can detect the faint look of joy that has crossed her face.

Thornton's blue eyes are solid ice as he moves toward Henry. "What do you mean by coming here?"

"I have a wedding present." The red valise drops with a loud thud at Margaret's feet.

The minister interrupts. "Sir, if you have no real business here, I would ask you to take your leave."

The police detective has risen from his pew and is moving toward the altar. "I can escort him out if you like, guv'nor."

"Do you deny sir", says Henry, "that you had absolutely no intention of marrying this woman until you discovered that she had of late been made the beneficiary of a very large fortune?"

Thornton's tone is a low growl. "What business would that be of yours?"

"As Ms. Hale's solicitor and long time friend it is my business and my duty. Do you deny that you did not pursue marriage until you had driven your business to ruin and discovered that Miss Hale had the means to save you?"

"Henry!" Margaret's tone is pleading. "Please"

"Do you deny it Mr. Thornton? That Miss Hale is the legal owner of the mill, and once married, you will be its owner? I question your motives sir!"

The violence we have seen before from John Thornton seems close to erupting. "Ill not have you ruin my wedding day!" He moves toward Henry as if to strike him.

Margaret places herself in front of John. "Henry, you must go. There is nothing between us anymore."

"It is well known Margaret that this man's first love - after his mother, of course - is his "Cotton" mill." His tone is mocking. "He would doanything..to save them."

At this moment a female voice is heard. I would like to speak.

There is a gasp as a beautiful young woman rises to her feet.

Mother! Fanny fans herself frantically, in a loud stage whisper. Dyou hear that, Mother?! I TOLD John she could talk!

Ms. Latimers voice echoes through the Church. I must add my voice to those objecting to this union.

The minister protests. This is most irregular!

Fanny: "It is! Nobody's ever heard her before!"

Miss Latimer points at Mr. Thornton. Hethis manhas made love to me.

Hannah Thorntons face contorts, her countenance as black as her wedding finery. MySonis a man of Honor! One of the most successful millowners in Milton

Henry snorts, rolls his eyes.

..a Magistrate and a man of utmost propriety! MySoncould have any woman! My Son is incapable of impropriety!

A woman in brown rises to her feet. Oh he's capable alright. In more ways n one. Saw him meself, clear as day. Were at the train station one day and seen em kissing some girlpassed by six or seven times I mustve. Kissing like a pair a dogs in heat they was. Right in the light of day. Couldnt quite make out her face, but she were a busty one, that one. And he werent wearing no cravat either. Naked to the navel he were, some kinda kisseroh he's capable alright.

Margaret's face is flushed. Fannys eyes have gone wide. John?? That stick in the mudkissing.. in public..without his cravat? Her fanning is near hysterical now. "I've gotta go tell the servants..it'll be the tittle tattle of Milton!"

Ms. Latimers voice shakes with emotion. I had been ledin every way that a woman can be so led..to believe that I would be the next Mrs. Thornton. I was the object of Mr. Thorntons amorous attentions for the better part of a year. I stood with him in this very Church at his sisters wedding. Even after she .. nods at Margaret ..made such a vulgar display of her bodacious tah-tahs at the millowners party, John had chosen me, only me, as his bride. His wife. The mother of his children.

"It was only after the mill closed and it was discovered she was to be the owner her voice trails that I found myself rejected. No man will have me now.

The minister looks at Thornton. Had you made a promise, sir, to another woman?

I had not sir. I have loved Ms. Hale almost since the first moment I saw her, standing, like a lovely vision, in the snow white fluff of my mill.." His voice trails.. My southern comfort, my Helstone rose..


Nicholas speaks for the first time. I can attest to the Masters character, Reverend, he is a fine man with a good heart, one of the best owners in Milton, a fair boss

Another interruption, the voice is loud. Fair boss!? Well thats a mouthful coming from you!

Its another member of the congregation, one of the Milton millowners.

Werent you the one leading a strike against him a year or two ago? Didnt a man commit suicide because of that strike? Didnt your own daughter die from the conditions at Thorntons place?? Funny how a good free lunch and and a promotion will change some peoples sight of whats fair.


Nicholas: I didnt know him then like I do now.

Yeah well I did. It is a millhand, a former Thornton employee, rising to his feet. People chiming in everywhere.

The minister is frowning. This is most irregular, indeed Ive never witnessed anything like it!

And I cant say as how hes gonna be a good husband to any woman who dont fancy a black eye now and again. Hes violent, that one. Nearly beat a hand to death one day, just for pulling out a cigarette, right in front of all of us. Not the first time neither. Man has a temper like the gates o hell, nice wedding and all but Id stay away sweetie, youre better off with a proper gentleman.

Fanny speaks up, You do have a terrible temper John. Everybody knows that.

Shut up Fanny! Hannah is glowering.

Dont talk to my wife that way. Its Fannys husband. He has no investment sense, either. And hes quite the pretty boy if you ask me! What kind of man lives with his mother til hes 36?

The Church has erupted into a melee.

"He took my favorite babysitter away!" shouts little Sholto.

"He utterly refused to notice ME looking looking looking back at him in the carriage! Margaret! Margaret! Margaret!" rants Aunt Edith.

People are shouting, arguments erupting everywhere, the minister is trying without success to get things under controlMamas boy! Wife beater! Shameless womanizer! Dont do it Margaret! The shouts are filling the church.

Poor Margaret stands staring at the ruins of her wedding as John glowers in impotent rage at her side.

Darling, you have to defend yourselfyou have to speak to them, let them know who you really are

Out of the corner of her eye she spots a man..no, it is a small boy..little Tommy Bouchershouting at John:

An-i-MALLL! You killed my father! He picks up a small vase in the and reaches back to hurl it with all his might. Margaret, realizing what is happening, throws herself in front of Johnand.

.To Be Continued

Ha Ha Ha!!!! That's hysterical!! Nearly wetting myself here!
Who's going to be brave enough to take up the literary baton after this? Not me!!!




"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me"

LMAO, emakii! When you said drama you really meant it, didn't you? My favourite part was when Ann Latimer actually spoke.

Oh my God, Emakii, I just shrieked out loud when I read this! It's CLASSIC (classic emakii!) and hysterical and everything all rolled into one!!

It's wonderful to see you back on the board, stirring things up. You don't come back often enough, my friend. We've missed you.

How in the heck can anyone follow up this kind of crazy? Oh my It's not going to be easy but these ladies are always up for a challenge.

I'm still cracking up here..making strange noises

Okay, now I better go peel my frightened cat off the ceiling.

Crimony!!

You could say that!

a loud thud, the sound of breaking glass, searing pain, and blood streams from Margaret's head, down her face and into her eyesan eery high pitched screaming fills the air as she is thrown to the flooras Margaret starts to regain consciousnesswhat is that screaming..who is it..sounds like a banscheeMother? Father?are you here, too?

voices yelling loudly, children cryingThis can't be happening

"Margaret! Margaret! Speak to me! You are safe, Margaretyou're with me!", someone says.

"who are you?" she asks as she attempts to wipe the blood from her eyes.

"It is I, John!" is the reply.

John?! she thinks in terror.

"I will see if there is a physician on the train. I will return shortly!" he said.

..the trainthe train?..THE TRA-A-A-I-I-I-N-N-N???!!!!!!!!!!!

Hearing a door close, Margaret slowly sits up, then gets to her feet, looking around herWhat.happened?I was sleepydecided to take a napso I rested my head on a shoulderhis shoulderJOHN THORNTON'S shoulder!! Oh nohe's coming back

at that point Margaret wrenches the outside door open and jumps from the now still and crashed train, and rolls down the embankment into the shrubbery. Getting up, and moving stealthily from tree to tree, she spies a sign postDrawing closer, she reads the sign..Cranford..I like the sound of thatshe says, disappearing into the bush


Just joing the spirit of irreverance! We can repent tomorrow(sorry John!)

You people are amazing! Bravo, heartfelt Well done! Who would have thought the biggest romantic on the board could have bounced back so quickly and with such delightful irreverence?