March 1814

"…Elizabeth is of age and you don't need my consent. It is sensible for her to want to get to know you better before getting married and not tell anyone outside of the family about the engagement. In this way, you can write letters to each other, and you know that you can visit her here whenever you want and can." Mr. Harington sighed, "I know you have your savings, your colonel's salary, the London house is yours and your mother's £5000 dowry is at your disposal. I know that with that money, added to Elizabeth's dowry, you will be able to live comfortably. Besides, knowing Elizabeth and your mother, I am sure you are even going to save."

"Believe me, Frederick, I would like to have much more to offer her. Elizabeth is an amazing woman and she deserves all the best."

Mr. Harrington nodded, and the Colonel said, "I am willing to wait as long as it takes for Elizabeth to have no more doubts... I am aware that she hesitated before agreeing to give me a chance, and I know that if I pressure her to get married before six months, she will probably say no… In fact, I still cannot believe she gave me this opportunity to win her trust and her heart…" With much seriousness and concern, he added, "Although I confess, I am afraid of doing something wrong, and she decides to break off the engagement."

Mr. Harrington shook his head, "I do not think that will happen, I know you very well and I am sure you are going to do everything possible so she doesn't regret it…"

The two cousins stayed talking for several more minutes; Frederick was pleased because he cared for Elizabeth and was fond of Patrick. He knew his cousin was an honorable man who was in love with Elizabeth. Frederick was not worried that they knew each other for two months because they were going to have a very long and private engagement. He hoped that in time they would get married...

April – June 1814

The days in 'Redstone' passed happily and peacefully. Jane and Frederick were growing closer and more in love with each other. Colonel Barton whenever he could be away two or three days from his regiment went to Redstone. Sometimes he arrived at noon and had to return to London a few hours later.

The correspondence between them was very fluid; Patrick was more and more convinced that Elizabeth was the woman of his life, and little by little Elizabeth was convincing herself that she had done the right thing by committing herself to him. They had many things in common and in others, they complemented each other very well. They were both honest, and loyal, and had suffered many losses.

In Colonel Barton's case, his father, older brother, and only sister had died of smallpox when he was ten years old. His mother was very ill, but she survived. Miraculously he did not get infected, and when he joined the army, he had the opportunity to get vaccinated and encouraged his acquaintances to do so.

July 1814

Elizabeth was worried about Jane; for a couple of months, her sister had been very pale and often felt bad. Two weeks ago, the doctor examined Jane; her sister told her that she should not worry, and tried to convince her that in a few days she would feel better... but Jane wasn't getting any better.

That particular day, Jane had eaten breakfast in her bedchamber again because she was feeling dizzy. Very worried, Lizzy went to her sister's bedchamber, and found her writing to Aunt Gardiner. Seeing Lizzy, Jane smiled.

"Jane, I'm worried about you, how are you feeling?"

"Ohhh, Lizzy, I am so happy. I was just about to go looking for you." Jane got up and hugged Lizzy tightly and tearfully said, "I have such wonderful news; I am pregnant. I am so excited."

Lizzy's eyes widened and she stammered, "You are pregnant…"

"Yes; for a few weeks, I had suspicions. The doctor said he couldn't be sure until I felt a strange feeling in my stomach, and today I did. Also, I haven't had my period for four months… I'm so happy."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I was so afraid of being wrong, and I didn't want you or Frederick to get your hopes up. I wanted to be sure." She smiled, "I want you to be my child's godmother."

"With pleasure, Jane." She smiled, "Are you alright?"

Seeing Lizzy's worried face, Jane added, "Yes, I am fine; the doctor told me that in the first months of pregnancy it is common to have dizziness and nausea. I am so sorry you worried about me, I should have told you before... Please, forgive me, Lizzy."

Lizzy smiled and nodded, "Have you told Frederick yet?"

"No, but I think he already knows. I was just writing to Aunt Gardiner, to tell her the good news. Although from the questions I asked her in the last few letters I sent her, she probably suspects that I am pregnant…"