While I appreciate every review and your opinions, there is one reviewer who clearly just 'doesn't get it'. I won't call the reviewer out, but I will say this.
None of the family is forcing Isabella to do anything. They are very thoughtful and respectful of her feelings, wants, and wishes. They want the very best for her, regardless of if she ended up marrying Edward or not. At no time have they forced her to do anything. Yes, they have nudged and coaxed, but the actions have been because of the love they have for Isabella and young Charles.
At no point, has Edward done anything remotely out of order. To call him the names you have and suggested that he is anything other than a true gentleman is insane! I can't even wrap my head around why you could even think that.
In case you didn't see them, I have put up many notes at the top of each chapter to explain certain things. These were the normality of the day. Yes, we can look back and be horrified at the customs and traditions they had. Yes, as many reviewers have pointed out, to be a woman back then was horrible, but that was how it was. You can't change what has already happened.
We learn from history, so we (hopefully) don't make the same mistakes. I have tried to be as historically correct as possible with this story and I won't change it just because you don't like it or the characters, it's as simple as that.
Have you heard the expression, In an Ideal world?
Well, this is it. This story is the ideal world I have created for Isabella.
Would you like to know how it could have very well happened in a not-so-ideal world?
Renee and Charles died, the Landlord would have no option to kick Isabella and young Charles out. Young Charles would have been sent to a cotton mill, to work upward of 14 hours a day, on his hands and knees and would probably have been dead within a year due to very poor sanitary conditions, horrific injuries, and/or a very poor diet.
Isabella, if she had owed any money to the Landlord, would have found herself in a workhouse to pay off the debts, and again, would probably be dead within a year. If she was incredibly lucky, she may have found a job as a maid, but wouldn't have any options available to have young Charles with her. Isabella and young Charles would probably have never seen each other again.
There's no way I can force you to see the story in any way other than the way you're reading it, but I can defend myself and the characters.
This is normally the part when I break out in horrendous sarcasm (readers will know me well for this), but I just don't have the energy today to joke. My brother is currently on an operating table having his brain cut open.
Thank God we don't actually live in 1843 like our characters, because I've researched how they did operations back then. A bottle of alcohol and a barber. How's that for scary!
To the rest of you amazing and wonderful readers. You are simply one of a kind. Each and every one of you. Your kind words, messages, and support have truly given me something to cling to over the last few weeks.
…
Master Edward Cullen
"Such a beauty and I see that you are just as enamored with her as she is with you," Albert said as he stood up and walked over to the drink caddy.
"She is, and I am, but while she is in mourning there is nothing to be done, Albert," I said plainly, trying hard to fight my emotions.
"Don't be too hard on yourself or the situation, Edward. It will soon be over, and you will find a joy in being with her, unrestrained," he chuckled in reply, and my father joined in.
"He has been a lost puppy, Albert, he really has," my father laughed at my expense, but I knew he was trying to lighten my mood.
Albert passed us a small tumbler of whiskey and then sat down.
While the women walked about the house, the talk turned to business and Albert was very impressed with how Isabella was changing the use of the farm and offered any advice that he could for my father.
The ladies returned just in time for the servant to announce that dinner was ready and although Isabella looked a little more relaxed than when she had left, the mention of food had her looking on edge again.
"Remember, outside in, and if you're not sure, just watch the others. It is pointless looking at me, of course. I am still just as useless." I grinned while taking her arm in mine and followed the others.
"I hope you do not mind, but Albert decided on dinner tonight so instead of a traditional meal, we will be having schnitzel, which is breaded meat, and kartoffelsalat, which is a good type of potato salad," Alexandrina said as we sat down.
"It sounds lovely," Mother said with glee, and we all nodded apart from Isabella.
"Wait until you try the Baumkuchen, Esme, it is to die for. Lots of chocolate and batter," Alexandrina replied and then turned her attention to Isabella. "Do you like chocolate, Isabella? Normally we spend some time around Christmas and make presents, but this year I fear that we will not have the time. Chocolates make good presents, especially for women, I think," she laughed, and Isabella grinned.
"Lady Esme and Master Edward introduced me to the chocolates a while ago and yes, I do like them," she grinned happily, relaxing at last.
"Then I will make sure that you and Charles have enough to last you the year," Alexandrina laughed.
"Oh, please, do not inconvenience yourself," Isabella stuttered, but was brushed off by Alexandrina.
"You are family, and we always gift to them, just ask Edward. Last year we gifted him a large box of German sweets that he is so fond of, and I fear that by the New Year they were all gone," she laughed, and this time Isabella giggled my favorite sound.
Dinner was served, and while we ate the conversation was light. Even Isabella joined in for a little while before concentrating on her food again.
"I do not think I could eat another bite. Would it be rude to leave some?" she whispered in my ear after a time.
"Of course not, do not make yourself feel ill, but make sure you are not too full for the chocolate," I replied with a grin making sure I kept my eyes on our company.
Would this be something that Isabella could get used to?
I was so fearful that it would get to be too much, and she would run off back to her little farm and forget about me.
"I see love in your eyes, dear Edward. It pleases me so," Alexandrina whispered to me from my other side, and I paused instantly.
A low smile crept over me; I knew it.
But was I ready to make that declaration to anyone but myself? Of course, I loved her, to love her was as easy as breathing.
"Yes," I replied quietly so only she would hear.
"I think you will find that she is well on her way to loving you, too, if she is not already there. I am so happy for the pair of you and one day soon, I will be very happy to call her a cousin, too" she replied, and I finally turned to look at my cousin properly.
She was officially giving me leave to court Isabella and to make her my wife.
"Thank you, it means so much to have your blessing," I replied softly, a lump forming in my throat.
"All I want to see is you happy, dear cousin, and I believe she makes you so."
I gave her a swift nod of my head but said nothing further.
…
Isabella did in fact leave a little room for the chocolate cake that was served, and as the evening wore on, she opened up even more. She even promised a jar or two of her homemade preserve for Alexandrina when she showed a true interest when they talked of the farm.
When the meal was over the ladies retired to their room to talk while the men moved to the study for drinks and cigars, as was usual.
"And how is Jasper? He wrote not too long ago about a catch he was happy with and asked permission to see us about matrimony! I do not know who was more shocked, myself or Alexandrina," Albert laughed while pouring our drinks.
"It is true, he has declared himself in love, and I am truly happy for him. Alice, the young lady in question, is a delightful lady indeed. She has enough wit about her to keep him entertained, but enough force to ground him too," Father replied with a grin, and I found myself smiling along with them both.
I truly was happy for my brother.
…
Isabella Swan
Once the gentlemen retired to their room and we did likewise, I found myself seated on a comfortable couch by the open fireplace with the two women sitting opposite me.
Their grins made me feel a little uncomfortable until Esme let out a small giggle.
"Isabella, you do not need to sit so stiffly, we are friends," she chided me, and the Queen nodded in agreement.
Ever so slightly I let my body relax somewhat into the back cushions of the couch, and they smiled wider at me.
"Isabella, please tell me before my curiosity eats at me . . . How was it watching Edward milk a cow?" the Queen asked, and they both doubled over in laughter.
My eyes must have widened to an incredible size because they laughed harder still.
"I do not know, your Highness. Interesting, I think the best word to use would be," I stuttered out once they had contained themselves a little.
"Interesting? Alexandrina, Edward all but stripped off to nothing trousers and undershirt in the kitchen and marched out the door — pure determination in his looks. He came back in an age later covered in hay, and proudly produced half a bucket of milk!" Esme laughed again and the Queen looked like she was fit to burst.
"Oh! I should have loved to have seen that!" she exclaimed, and I felt myself smile.
Not long after our small talk and playfulness at Edward's expense, it was time to leave.
Normally we would have apparently stayed for music and songs, but this was a royal couple and they had duties to attend to first thing in the morning.
As we walked towards the front door the Queen held me back, and I feared for a moment that I had done something terribly wrong.
"Do not fret, all is well. All I wanted to say is thank you. I saw the effect the loss of Sarah had on Edward, and it is so good to see him smile and be happy again. When the time comes, I do hope to have an invitation?" she said, and before I knew what I was doing, I was nodding my head in acceptance.
Up next, some drama (sorry). I'll try and post it tonight. I feel utterly crap that I can't go and see my brother. No visitors, nothing. My poor sister-in-law had to just leave him at the hospital doors this morning. I HATE this bloody virus!