Meanwhile in the Hale household, all is not well either. Mrs. Hale's health has been gradually failing- so gradually that it has allowed Mr. Hale to be in denial about the situation. Margaret however is in no doubt about the seriousness of her mother's condition, having insisted that her mother's attending doctor tell her the truth. Mr. Thornton is also aware of Mrs. Hale's condition as Dr. Donaldson has confided in him. Thornton says nothing, but is especially kind to Mrs. Hale, often bringing her fresh fruit, which expensive and hard to obtain.
Mr. Hale, troubled by the growing resetment between men and masters, asks Mr. Thornton about the reasons behind the strike. Thornton explains the cotton market situation which justifies lowering the workers' wages. His explanations are rational, but Margaret finds herself resenting his implacable position as she thinks of the families suffering in the town.
Despite the strike crisis, at the Thornton's plans are going ahead for their annual dinner party. The other mill owners are invited as well as other leading citizens in Milton. The Hales have been invited, somewhat grudgingly, by Mrs. Thornton at her son's insistance. Margaret, whose time is spent caring for her mother and visiting the equally ill Bessy Higgins, often bringing food for families suffering due to the prolonged strike, is in no mood for a party. Mrs. Hale, though too ill to attend herself, takes pleasure in planning what Margaret can wear to the dinner and so Margaret reluctantly goes along with it.
The night of the dinner party, Margaret is surprised to find herself enjoying the event. A good deal of the talk is of business and the strike, and Margaret listens earnestly, trying to understand the ins and outs of the situation as Mr. Thornton and the other millowners discuss it. She is disappointed and bored when Fanny draws her away to sit with the ladies and she can no longer hear the men conversing.