I never could tell which spoonful I hated the worst." After the marriage John and his wife came directly to their own home.
John could not leave his mill and his business, and Lord and Lady Harlow considered his resolution a wise proceeding.

Jane was also praised for her ready agreement to her husband's business exigencies.

But really the omission of the customary wedding-journey gave Jane no disappointment.
To take possession of her splendid home, to assume the social distinction it gave her, and to be near to the mother she idolized were three great compensations, superseding abundantly the doubtful pleasures of railway travel and sightseeing.
Jane's mother had caused a pleasant surprise at her daughter's wedding, for the past year's efforts at Harlow House had amply proved Mrs.
Harlow's executive abilities in its profitable management; and she was so sure of this future result that she did not hesitate to buy a rich and fashionable wedding-garment or to bring to the light once more the beautiful pearls she had worn at her own bridal.

There were indeed few ladies at John's wedding more effectively gowned than his mother-in-law--_except his mother_.
Mrs.Hatton's splendid health set off her splendid beauty, fine carriage, and sumptuous gown of silver-gray brocaded satin, emphasized by sapphires of great luster and value.
"I hevn't worn them since father died, thou knowest," she had said to John the day before the wedding, as she stood before him with the gems in her hands, "but tomorrow he will expect me to wear them both for his sake and thine, thou dear, dear lad!" And she looked up at her son and down at the jewels and her eyes were dim with tears.

Presently she continued, "Jane was here this afternoon.