How Far the World Will Bend by Nancy Klein

Author:Nancy Klein [Klein, Nancy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-07-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18. Wool and Water

Dixon was amenable to accompanying the Hales to Oxford to act as lady’s companion to Meg. She and Meg determined that they would be gone for several weeks, and Dixon asked Mary if she would check in occasionally to ensure that all was well in their absence. When Meg told Doctor Donaldson of her impending trip, he replied that he was glad she was going, and ordered her to enjoy her time in Oxford. “You deserve a holiday and a change of scenery after all that you have been through the past few months,” he exclaimed. Nicholas and Mary wished Meg good travels as well, informing her that, although they would miss her dreadfully, they would be eager to hear stories of her grand trip to Oxford upon her return. “After all,” Nicholas said roguishly, “We will be looking for a school for Tommy soon enough.”

Mr. Hale had fretted that he should tell Mr. Thornton about their departure, so Meg urged him to leave a letter with Nicholas, who could deliver it to Mr. Thornton at the mill. She had no desire to meet Mr. Thornton before they left for Oxford. At the wedding breakfast, when their eyes had met, she felt as if she stood before him naked. She feared he had seen the love and longing in her gaze; she knew he had seen something by the way his eyes had kindled. She was grateful for Fanny’s interruption which had allowed her to slip away. Informing Mr. Thornton of their departure by letter seemed the most expeditious, if cowardly, means.

Within twenty-four hours of receiving Mr. Bell’s letter, the three intrepid travelers found themselves settled on the train bound to Oxford. Meg had worked with remarkable speed to sort things out so that she and her father were bound for Oxford within a day of receiving Mr. Bell’s invitation. Each was lost in their thoughts as they rumbled along in their train compartment. Mr. Hale was anxious and excited; he had been away from Oxford for so long, he did not know if he would recognize it. Dixon was happy to be away from the fog and smoke and endless chores. For her part, Meg was relieved to be away from Mr. Thornton. She was drawn to him, and luck seemed to derive ways to place him in her path. He was dangerous to her resolve, and she could feel her determination to maintain her distance from him slip a bit each time she was in his presence. Time apart from him would help her regain perspective. If only I knew what was ahead, she thought. Perhaps Mr. Hale would decide that he wanted to live in Oxford. He had so many fond memories of this venerable city, and had told Meg numerous stories of his studies while he had been there. If he were surrounded by his friends and academic pursuits, he might not be as dependent on his daughter. Meg might be able to return to Milton—and slip back to her own time.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.