Circumstances connected with Mr. Bell’s estate require my presence in London for several days longer than anticipated. I regret that this will keep me from returning for Christmas Day, though I trust you will understand that the matter is not one I may set aside.
He paused, frowning. She would want more than that — she would want assurance, detail, proof that he had not been careless.
You may be certain that I am well lodged and that the business at hand is, while pressing, not cause for alarm. I have written to Williams with the necessary instructions for the week. The mill should proceed as usual in my absence, and I expect to have matters resolved shortly after the holiday.
He could picture her now: chin rising, eyes narrowing, questioning every vague turn of phrase. She would not be pleased. No—she would demand to know why he had acceptedsuch obligations from a man so recently deceased, why the mill required his absence at such a time, and why she had not been informed sooner. He pressed the nib to the page again.
I am sorry to disappoint you at such a season. I know how much care you have given to our preparations, and I hope the day will yet be a cheerful one for you. Please extend my regards to Fanny and her husband if you see them, and do not trouble yourself with undue concern. I will return as soon as the business is concluded.
Your affectionate son,
John
He sanded the letter and sealed it before he could falter.
It would not satisfy her entirely — nothing short of his physical presence at her table could — but it was the best he could offer without inviting questions he could not yet answer.
And speaking of taking lodgings over Christmas Eve… He pulled out a sheet to scrawl a short note for Harcourt, with his direction. Just in case the solicitor should ask to see him sooner rather than later.
Next, he reached for a sheet for his overseer.
Williams,
Proceed with the usual week’s work. Delay the dye shipment if possible. No new orders unless absolutely required. Keep an eye on supplies; do not overspend. I will return as soon as circumstances allow.
J. Thornton.
He paused, then added a line:
Do not alarm the hands.
He signed it before he could think better of it.
One more. He hesitated before taking the third sheet. Since he was stuck here for a while, he might as well make use of his time and write to Higgins. He stared at the blank page for a long moment, pen hovering.
This letter was harder.
Not because Higgins would judge him—Higgins did not flinch from truth—but because the act of writing it admitted something Thornton could scarcely bear: that he might not be able to hold the mill together much longer.
At last, he wrote:
Higgins,
I am from home for several days on business. Should anything arise among the men, keep matters calm. Tell them I will see to wages the moment I return.
I settled the account for the mill kitchen before I left. It should be well stocked until the end of the year. Look to the needs of any family who wants for coal or bread. I will reimburse it myself when I come back.
J.T.
He sealed that one too, before the ache in his throat could climb any higher. Only when all three letters lay in a neat stack did he finally let himself look toward the satchel on the bed.
He should leave it closed.
He should sleep.
He should force himself to think only of the figures and the looming decision of Miss Hale—
Margaret.
