North and South

Thornton is so heartbroken at Margaret’s refusal that he takes an omnibus ride to another town and back. The pointless journey does nothing to relieve his anguish and he resolves to go on loving her despite her rejection. He must go home to face the strike and his mother. While she waits in anticipation of his return, Mrs. Thornton looks at the family linens. She removes the monogram in preparation to hand them over to Margaret. She thinks bitterly of all Margaret will inherit without any effort. When Thornton returns, she knows by his countenance Margaret refused the proposal. Thornton vows to love her still, but Mrs. Thornton says she hates her. Thornton asks to speak of it no more. Three men are wanted for arrest in the incitement of the riot. 

Thornton returns from a stay in the country with a clear head and renewed vigor to manage his affairs. Older businessmen in the town look to Thornton for his wisdom and quick decision-making. One day he runs into Dr. Donaldson, who tells him about Maria’s weakening condition. Thornton asks if there is anything he can do to help. The doctor mentions her certain affinity for fruit. Thornton rushes to the nearest market and purchases an assortment of fresh fruit and delivers it to the Hales. He does not speak to Margaret while he is there. Maria enjoys the delicious fruit, and Margaret remarks on his kindness. Her father recalls a memory from her childhood, and she leaves the room weeping. Dixon meets her with news of Bessy’s death. Bessy’s last words were of Margaret, and she asked to be buried in something of hers. Mary asks that Margaret come to pay her respects. Margaret is reticent at first because she has never seen a dead body, but she agrees to go.

Bessy appears at peace, and Margaret is glad her suffering is over. Nicholas returns home intoxicated and in denial of his daughter's death. Mary is deeply distraught. Nicholas tries to leave, but Margaret blocks the door, telling him of Bessy’s request to keep her father from drinking. Nicholas is angry and Margaret worries he might become violent. He has not been at work all day but trying to help Boucher’s ailing wife. Margaret invites him to come home with her for tea. They walk in silence to the Hales’ home. While Nicholas washes up outside, Margaret goes inside to warn her father. Richard is at first reticent to accept a non-believing drunkard into their home, but he relents promising to welcome him as best he can. Maria is having second thoughts about summoning Frederick. Margaret reassures her and says Dixon will help protect him if danger comes.

Margaret finds her father and Nicholas becoming friends: “[S]he found her father and Higgins in earnest conversation-each speaking with gentle politeness to the other, however their opinions might clash” (307). Nicholas explains most working people in Milton do not have religion because they are too occupied with providing for their families. He doubts the rich have true faith either. Having watched Bessy, Nicholas does believe in God though he struggles to make sense of her suffering. Talk moves to the strike, and Nicholas says it was a failure. He claims the owners treat the workers like machines and bringing in the Irish hands has made the situation worse. Richard attempts to explain the mistakes he sees the workers have made and offers to teach Nicholas from a book explaining why strikes do not work, but he refuses claiming it is a fruitless effort. Richard says both sides could benefit from an amicable conversation. Thornton is mentioned, and Margaret blushes. Nicholas explains the union members can be just as tyrannical as the mill masters, but he maintains hope they can use the power of their numbers to enact change. Richard thinks the type of union Higgins envisions sounds like Christianity. Margaret asks Higgins to join them in family prayer before he leaves.