Mercifully, Margaret's trousseau was delivered just as supper was announced. The trio, drawn together by Fanny's acid tongue, conversed quietly and ate leisurely. In contrast Fanny ate in haste and left as soon as was reasonably acceptable to inspect the crates in the drawing room. She was eager to find anything lacking in Margaret's taste or judgement.

When Fanny left, a discernible calm fell over the room. Until Hannah had Fanny as a direct comparison to Margaret she did not realize how completely Margaret's calm demeanor and gentle ways had won her over. In a comfortable silence Hannah, John and Margaret finished their supper as each silently mused the various tasks that needed attention the next morning. After clearing the table a maid brought coffee and a letter for Margaret.

"What news?" asked John.

"My aunt. She has arrived in Milton but is greatly fatigued and will not be joining us tonight. She plans to stop by in the morning." Margaret said the relief evident in her voice.

Suddenly there was a sound of wood being split followed by a loud bump.

John calmly reflected, "That will be Fanny. She finally found her way into the first crate."

Margaret felt she should be shocked by Fanny's behavior, but found she was not. After a moment she asked, "I'm not sure what etiquette requires of me. When we join Fanny should my reaction be anger, amusement or sympathy?"

"I believe the proper response is to not respond at all. We should all retire to our bedrooms rather than the drawing room. Fanny can continue to pry and we will find a modicum of peace." Hannah rose and motioned for John to remain seated. "I believe Psalm 39 will be a great comfort tonight. Good night children."

Hannah heard their muffled laughter as she climbed the stairs. For the first time in a very long while she felt her mouth bend and unbend with an urge to laugh and on her face rested a mirthful smile.

After breakfast, time fairly flew Tuesday morning. Fanny, exhausted by her previous nights inspection slept late, and left hurriedly to call on a friend before the wedding. John left for the church an hour before the service to meet Higgins. Margaret, found herself alone and pacing. Where was her Aunt?

Just as she was giving up hope Margaret heard a knock on the door. A few moments later Simpson, a bit awkwardly, announced, "Mrs. Shaw."

With one look, Margaret could see that her Aunt had not resigned herself to the marriage. Respectfully Margaret listen without being moved.

In a fit of temper her Aunt exclaimed, "Really Margaret, if you continue in your infamous, stubborn behavior everyone will soon be calling you Lydia Wickham.

"I am in no mood to be patronized Aunt, so please do not attempt a literary allusion. My husband and I did not live in sin before we were married therefore I am most certainly not a Lydia. And further, if this were Pride and Prejudice I am the plucky heroine, Elizabeth, and your meddling makes you Lady Catherine." Margaret paused. "But I digress, in exactly a quarter of an hour John and I will repeat our marriage vows. You are welcome to witness the ceremony and then join our celebratory wedding breakfast. However if you do join us I ask that you treat my friends and new family with courtesy. I will give you time to consider your decision." Margaret gave her Aunt a grave parting look and shut the door. Margaret hoped that her Aunt would join the wedding party in the church or at the breakfast. But she also felt peace knowing she had said what need to be said and knowing that her happiness did not lay with her Aunt's approval.

Margaret and Hannah rode the short ride to church together. Hannah was glad for the brief opportunity to speak to Margaret. There were a few things that she felt must be said: "Margaret, you know I love John, more than my own heart's blood. In the past year I prayed for many things. I prayed that you would stay away from Milton, that John would be saved the shame of losing his mill. But God did not answer my prayers, not in the way I expected. But He did answer the spirit of my prayer which was for John's happiness. Seeing my son married and content-I am at peace. The only other thing I can wish for is grandchildren." Margaret blushed a deep scarlet, and after briefly looking at the floor again met Hannah's steadfast gaze. "I say all this to say, Thank you."

Margaret was lost for words, but with tears of joy brimming over, she took Hannah's hand and gently squeezed. The carriage had stopped at the church and John met them at the entrance. The appointed hour had come and the service was about to begin. They entered the church together and Higgins offered Hannah his arm and escorted her to her seat. Moments later, Margaret and John walked down the aisle to the waiting minister. There in front of God and man they repeated the vows they had first said only a week before in Scotland. After the final benediction and blessing the happy couple walked up the aisle, out of the church and into a waiting carriage. They had very little time to be alone before the wedding breakfast. In those moments Margaret was full of tumultuous thoughts. She knew no one could know what the future held. Life was uncertain and with joy and love there was sometimes change, sorrow and pain. But Margaret knew John would be there with her though good and bad times. "Where you go I will go" she repeated silently to herself. And she knew without a doubt he felt the same. They had a love for each other that had been refined by misunderstanding, time and distance but the fruit of that pain was a strong unquenchable love.

Margaret reminded herself that there was also another love she and John shared-the Lord the giver of life, had ordained them for each other and even now He was there with them. He would guide and direct them in their life together. As if John was completing her musings he suddenly said, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

The End

I apologize for being so late in finishing the story. It was very difficult for me to leave my version of this story that I love. Thanks for your reviews-they are very helpful.

Blessings! April Lizzy