Love Quest

by TheShippyQueen

A brief look at the seven types of love Mr Molesley experiences in his life. Starting with a prologue, the journey will take you through love and angst as Mr Molesley searches for love and happiness.

1. PROLOGUE

TITLE: Love Quest

RATING: K+

SUMMARY: A brief look at the seven loves of Joseph Molesley.

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.

A/N: I am rather fond of Molesley, he needs love in S2! The prologue is just a little glimpse into Old Mr Molesley's past. I gave his mother the name of Elsa as we don't know her name, only that by S1 she's dead. I shall post one at a time, starting with the prologue.

Prologue

Mr and Mrs Molesley are very much in love. Childhood sweethearts, they are inseparable and marry young, spending the early years of their marriage delighting in each other and their mutual love of gardening.

Despite the amount of love, no children appear, and soon they begin to worry that God has not blessed their union and that they will never be parents. Then, five years after marriage, Mrs Molesley finally falls pregnant; sadly, it's not to be. The babe is stillborn, a girl they name Rose after the flowers growing in their beloved garden. Another year, and again, another stillborn girl. They name her Flora and she joins her sister in the church graveyard. Three years pass and once again, Elsa Molesley is pregnant, she goes full term and births a live girl, she's small and weak but she's alive and their happiness is limitless. They name her Faith, but their Faith fails them and three days later, she dies in her mother's arms.

Their grief is overwhelming, they believe that they are not destined to be parents and give up all hope of ever having a healthy child. Two years later and Elsa Molesley suspects once more. She's terrified, and doesn't tell her husband, hiding the swelling of her belly as best she can. This time she feels all will be different, she visits the church every day and prays for the health of her unborn babe. On her knees, gazing up at the statue of her Lord, she begs and begs that they be given this chance of a healthy child.

Her belly grows, the baby moves, and Elsa tells her husband. Together, they pray every day, making every kind of deal with the Almighty that they be given this chance.

Finally, after a labour that nearly kills her and ruins any future chances of more babies, Elsa delivers a boy, a boy they name Joseph; and though she is weak from loss of blood and hours of agonising pain, Elsa knows this boy will live. He's healthy, his skin a lovely pink and his lungs in full working order and both Mr and Mrs Molesley believe he is a true gift from God.