Remember, I am putting a tissue warning here. Sorry.

Curtains would be drawn, and the clock above the mantlepiece would be stopped at the time of death. Mirrors were covered with crape or veiling to prevent the deceased's spirit from getting trapped in the looking glass. A wreath of laurel, yew or boxwood tied with crape or black ribbons was hung on the front door to alert passersby that a death had occurred.

September 30th, 1843

Isabella Swan

Once I was inside my home, I let the smile break out on my face.

I could not believe that it was gone midnight and that I had to be up in less than five hours, but I was too excited to sleep.

I also could not believe that Master Edward Cullen had stayed with me while I gathered some fresh air at the dance and then personally escorted me to the door.

With a large smile still on my face, I quickly called out a hello to Mrs. Cope and then ran upstairs to change out of the gown.

There was no way that I could stay in it for any longer amount of time. For one, it was Lady Cullen's and now that the dance was over, I could take it off and know that it had not been stained or damaged in any way and also, I needed to take it off to relieve my poor lungs.

It was like I could finally breathe when pulled on the thin cord of the contraption and I removed the corset. I smiled wider as I thought about never having one on again.

I pulled on my nightgown and took all of the pins out of my hair before making my way back downstairs to see Mrs. Cope and mamma in her room.

No doubt they would both like to hear of the nights events if mamma were awake and up to hearing about it.

My joy of the evening was short-lived when I saw the look on Mrs. Cope's face as soon as I walked through the door of mamma's room.

"It is in God's hands now," she said solemnly as she took my mamma's hand and kissed the back of it before putting it back to her side and she stood up.

I'd known this day would come, but not so soon.

I did not think that I was strong enough to cope with this, not yet.

I still needed her.

I needed her to tell me that it would be okay.

"I will go and send for the doctor, he needs to be here," Mrs. Cope said, but it sounded muffled.

All I could think about was my mother and how it was nearly time for her to leave this earth and find papa in heaven.

I sat next to mamma, trying to hold it together and her breathing shallowed deeper and then it hit me.

Maybe mamma needed the strength to go. Maybe she was scared that she would lose her way to heaven.

I needed to find the last of my strength to tell her we would be okay. We would be safe.

I promised her over and over that I would lay my life down to protect her son, my brother, and that I would keep strong for her and for him.

Mrs. Cope and the doctor returned within the hour, but as I took in the look on his face, I knew there was nothing that could be done for her now.

"Go be with papa, mamma. I am strong, and we will be fine. I will be sure to make you and papa so proud of Charles. He'll grow to be a strong and wonderful man. I love you, mamma. Please give papa a hug from me and tell him that I miss him so much," I whispered tearfully in her ear along and walked slowly into the kitchen, leaving the doctor to examine her.

Mrs. Cope made me a sweet cup of tea with honey, and I was grateful that she was here. I would not know how to deal with all of this if it were left up to myself.

"I think I should call for Lady Cullen to be here. You need someone to care for you, youngin'," she said kindly.

I looked up to the clock on the mantle.

"It is but two in the morning and she needs her rest. I will send for her at first light if need be," I replied automatically, no emotion in my voice.

I had just finished my tea when the doctor walked in.

My eyes whipped up to his as he stood in the doorway.

"She is with God and your father now, Isabella." he said sadly as he turned his hat in his hand.

I could not describe the feelings that surrounded me as Mrs. Cope cried next to me.

I was an orphan now and so was Charles.

We were alone and all we had were each other.

It was painful and numbing at the same time.

I did not know how long I sat there, with silent tears falling, but I vaguely remember the doctor leaving and Mrs. Cope walking about the house changing and moving things.

"I have stopped the mantle clock, Isabella, and covered the mirrors, but I cannot find any black crepe or ribbon, do you know where any may be found?" Mrs. Cope gently asked me after a time, and I remembered with perfect clarity that mamma had put it all in a drawer in her and papa's room after he passed.

Once I told her where it was kept, she was quick to find it and dress the front door appropriately.

I carried on sitting at the table of the family home, deep in thought on how I would tell Charles about mamma.

He would take it painfully and I just hoped to God that Emmett would help me with him.

...

Lady Cullen

I felt as though I had just gone to sleep when Betsy woke me from my slumber.

"Excuse me, ma'am, but we have just received word from Mrs. Cope that Mrs. Swan passed a little while ago and she requests your presence," Betsy said sadly as she held out my nightgown.

The room was dark, only lit by the dying fire in the hearth.

Carlisle stirred next to me as I rolled over to get out of the bed.

"Dear, Renee has gone, I need to go to Isabella," I whispered and got up from the bed.

"Betsy, be a dear and call for Edward, I need him to accompany me," I said as I brushed off her aid to help me dress.

"Yes, ma'am," she said quickly and then left the room.

Once dressed, I brushed my hair and covered it with a bonnet then hurried downstairs.

Edward was already down there when I reached the entrance hall and although his appearance looked harried, concern was full in his eyes.

"This was the girl you wanted to introduce me to?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

I knew he was quick to put the pieces together, but the previous night had gone so well that I didn't want him to dwell on anything but the positives of Isabella.

"Isabella Swan is the daughter of Charles and Renee Swan. Charles worked for your father as a loyal tenant for many years. Renee was a schoolteacher. Charles passed two years ago from influenza and Renee's health has never recovered from the same illness or from losing her husband. We knew it was only time. Isabella is just sixteen."

~ sniffs ~ It is so sad, but I think we all knew it was going to happen.

I will be posting at least another chapter today.

- Just a quick point to make if you were unsure of something. Why didn't Edward actually know Charles and Renee? Well, he spent a lot of his childhood at private schools, etc... and then he lived in town (London) in his adult life. Carlisle lives in the country because he is the Lord of the estate and has to be there, but most men who ran their own businesses like Edward, lived in the city. Edward wouldn't have got to know his future tenants, etc... until Carlisle was ready to hand over the estate if he knew he was nearing the end of his life. Living in those times was a pain in the butt, lol.

xxx