Wretched Beginnings 1817 — Chapter 3 - May June 1817
May 3
Mr. Knowles found Mary working in her kitchen garden early in the morning. April had been dry, so he welcomed the slow rain from two days ago. He shared news of Rosings Place. Mr. Fitzwilliam attended three livestock auctions in London with him. They purchased all the poultry, goats and cows they could. While Emilia and Beatrice both had small farrows of four sow babies each, he opined Mary should keep the three healthiest to fatten for butchering and smoking by Christmas.
Mary gave him leave to separate the sow babies for her and when weaned, he could give the five smallest sow babies to the Recovery House. She would add the sow babies to her ledgers and the donation at Midsummer. She requested he find laying hens for her if possible. Her poultry coop and run sat empty. He promised to talk to the Bensingers about poultry for her. Poultry had not fared well in 1816 along with other livestock. Mary also requested another beehive to place in her small orchard.
May 4
"Come to midday," Anne urged Mary. "There are things to discuss," she hinted darkly.
Mary agreed, as George was visiting Freddie at Rosings House. She attempted to be calm during midday, but Anne invited everyone to adjourn to the drawing room after dining.
Fitzwilliam offered drinks to everyone. Mary planned to refuse, but he pressed a glass of sherry upon her.
"Please know we are not gathering to chastise you," Vicar Capshaw began. "Rather, we felt you should be aware…" He handed Mary a letter with no return direction. "Please read, and then we will discuss."
"I am not in the habit of reading other people's personal correspondence," Mary wanted to refuse, but no one retrieved the letter from Mary. She took a deep breath, unfolded the letter and read.
April 26, 1817
Mast and Anchor Inn
London
Dear Vicar Capshaw;
I have refrained from writing until I was assured of your name. I was Vicar of Hunsford Rectory until before Easter this year. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam urged the Bishop of London to summarily dismiss me from my post. Mrs. Morrow and myself found ourselves and our possessions left at a coaching inn in London. My curate and sexton, Mr. Dyson, and our butler and housekeeper, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, were paid off, and released without character.
We thought Hunsford Rectory, and indeed, Hunsford itself, to be pleasant places where we could share the word of God with parishioners who worshipped God as we do.
However, since our removal, we feel you should be warned of vipers in your midst. The widows of Hunsford Rectory, Hunsford and even Westerham have been led astray by the proud beliefs and actions of Mrs. William Collins. We believe Widow Collins, who detests being styled as Widow, is a proud and vain woman who interferes too frequently in rectory business.
Mary folded the letter after reading, drank her sherry and then apologized to the Capshaws. "My sincere apologies…I felt I was not a friend of the Morrows…but I did not know my very existence vexed them."
"I assured the Capshaws there is very little truth in the letter." Fitzwilliam announced. "Since the Capshaws received counseling from the Bishop of London before accepting the post. I believe they are aware of the truth."
"I explained about the parsonage, the furniture, and your possession which were misunderstood by the Morrows. I worry, with their denial of guilt in the situation, they will continue to broadcast their discontent through half-truths and lies," Anne commented.
"Tis my fault for not asking the Bishop of London to censure the group more strongly. I feel their removal did not penalize them thoroughly." Fitzwilliam apologized. "However, they are not staying at the best inn in London. Perhaps they feel their banishment deeper than believed."
"Tis my fault and I offer my apologies again. George and I should have moved out of the parsonage as quickly as Rosings Place was offered. Perhaps if the Morrows had not seen Mr. Collins' legacy from his great uncle Collins, much dissention could have been avoided." Mary shook her head.
"I do not believe, nor will I ever believe, you are determined to undermine Hunsford Rectory, Hunsford Parsonage or Hunsford itself. Not only the Fitzwilliams, but many of the deacons board, the rectory council and Curate Crowdion are aware of your virtues." Vicar Capshaw protested. "I am decided. I will forward this letter to the Bishop of London. Mr. Fitzwilliam provided the direction to reach the Bishop. We have met the widows, and feel the widows gathered together to support themselves and the Recovery House in this time of great economic and civil upheaval."
"I would like to prepare a letter to the Bishop of London to accompany your letter. I have never understood why the Morrows would believe the widows would donate their time to cleaning the parsonage or the Rectory. Vicar Morrow almost demanded to view the financial ledger for the Recovery House. He did not believe Mrs. Collins or other widows tithed properly to Curate Crowdion." Fitzwilliam announced. 'I am convinced Vicar Morrow did not receive adequate punishment for his campaign against Mary and the widows.'
Mid-May
Mary kept her silence when working in the kitchen gardens for Rosings Place, Rosings House, or the Recovery House. While she did not believe she created or urged discord, she would watch her tongue in the future. The Recovery House men discussed the British government's duties on American shipping interests. The increase was blamed on the number of citizens, especially the poor Irish Catholics, who fled to the opportunities of the Americas. Micah Broadmoor and a few men from the Recovery House fled to the Ohio Valley. However, several men opined the current immigrants would find themselves in poor American cities such as New York, Boston or Philadelphia. The continued uncertain weather and its effects on world crops filled most of the men's conversations.
The clear blue sky was dotted with small puffy white clouds. The sun shone brightly, but there was an occasional cool breeze. Mary thought today was perfect for working in the gardens. She reveled in the new green shoots in the gardens, and the buds and green leaves of the orchards.
Mary planted potato seeds from three pods which Mr. Knowles donated to the Recovery House. Mr. Knowles recommended planting three seeds to a hill. He believed the potato plants could be transplanted if all three plants tried to grow in one hill. One of the most elderly widows claimed potato seeds lasted about five years. She also recommended planting five or more plants per person. The Fitzwilliams allowed the Recovery House to turn half of the meadow into a kitchen garden. Every possible seed had been planted. Seeds which Mr. Knowles brought from London were being planted now in kitchen gardens everywhere at Rosings Park and for widows.
Everyone had been harvesting spring greens, spinach, scallions, and radishes. They all gazed longingly at the carrots, peas, broccoli, cabbage and the fruit trees. Everyone had been foraging. Mary took the Capshaw ladies foraging along the riverbank by their glebe. She pointed out the fruit trees and the ladies discussed harvesting. The Capshaw ladies showed Mary the kitchen and herb garden and the garden planted in their acreage. She enjoyed the walk through the orchard.
During tea, the Capshaw ladies showed Mary their comfortable living at the parsonage. They enjoyed the white lilac bushes which Mary planted. Their furnishings were better than the furnishings of the parsonage when Mary arrived. They asked Mary to please attend the Benefice Society meeting which would be held every other Friday while the deacon's board or the rectory council met. Mary agreed to attend the Benefice Society meetings if other widows attended. She also agreed to attend services at the rectory instead of attending at the Recovery House. She assured the Capshaw ladies of her support by sewing for the poor. The ladies ended their tea with a greater understanding of each of their dispositions and talents.
May 25
Mary left George with Freddie in the nursery, and greeted the Fitzwilliams. The trio walked to the rectory for services. Fitzwilliam opined they should be the first to arrive and the last to leave. He wanted to show their support of the Capshaws and the changes made to the rectory and with the rectory council, deacons board, and the Benefice Society. They were greeted by the Capshaws when they arrived. Mary sat with the Fitzwilliams and paid attention to the services. Although, she admitted privately to herself, she noted fewer whispers and looks in her direction. After the services, the Fitzwilliams circulated through the parishioners who gathered in groups to chat and gossip before going home.
Anne reported how the ladies were grateful for growing gardens and blossoming orchards. This week many would harvest the spring cherries which seemed abundant. Many harvested spring garden stuff and herbs. The men from the Recovery House harvested orchards this past week. Anne believed they might harvest gooseberries and currents this week. Mary thanked her for the basket which Mr. Knowles delivered yesterday. She appreciated the new potatoes and peas, in addition to the milk and six fresh eggs.
June 1
Darcy and several men viewed fields with winter wheat. The winter wheat, if the weather held, would be harvested by Midsummer. Early spring wheat had been sown, and the growth in the fields was encouraging. Spring wheat would be harvested by Michaelmas. Gardens and orchards were producing, which helped his tenants and staff. However, there was little to be bartered as the land recovered and people were uncertain of weather and harvests. Darcy wondered if any pineapples would appear on English docks this year. Uncle Reggie related there were no oranges to be had in January.
Darcy and Elizabeth discussed moving back into the manor house at Pemberley. They felt it was better to stay at the dower house. Opening the manor house required increasing the staff. Everyone was needed to work the farms, orchards and gardens. Darcy and Elizabeth filled the library at the dower house with books from the manor house library. They enjoyed walking the paths and gardens of Pemberley when they had time. Darcy was thrilled to see the return of tench, pike and carp to the lake and streams.
Darcy conferred with Bingley regarding the livestock. Both knew the land, labor, feed and management needed; not the mention the capital required. Bingley's sheep were culled to the youngest and sturdiest. He felt the flock would rebound. Bingley had Suffolk sheep to provide meat and Merino sheep to provide the best fleece for wool. While he purchased two young dairy cows, his family depended on the milk, butter and cheese from the goats. Darcy agreed to breed Bingley's cows when it was time. Jane and Elizabeth wrote Mary about the best ways to care for their scarce flocks of chickens, and how to ensure the best egg production possible.
June 10
The slow rain accompanied an occasional burst of sunlight. Mary had awakened early to work in her garden and orchard. However, the grey of the rain and rainclouds overwhelmed the pinks and purples of sunrise. Mr. Walker assured Mary the firepits were cleared and enough wood was stocked to keep the air warm should an unexpected cold accompany the rain.
Mary embroidered muslin bags for holding herbs and seeds. She hoped for large crops from the kitchen garden, herb garden and orchard this year. She knew she missed working in gardens last year, and missed the joy of watching plants grow and produce. What little she could grow in the conservatory was a help, but did little to ease her desire to surround herself in garden tasks. She felt restless during rain this spring and early summer. She did not want to be an impatient person…and wondered how Lizzy enjoyed the warming weather.
By dusk. Mary received a black sealed letter from Mr. Phillips. 'Please let Papa, Charlotte and Thom be well. Please let the Gardiners be well. Please let the Phillips be well.' She opened the letter and sighed. Deborah Phillips was dead. She had not suffered, nor sickened and died. She had not been sleeping well this past week. When Deborah announced she planned to retire early, Patrick did not question how she felt. Deborah's maid informed the housekeeper, who interrupted him at breakfast. Deborah died peacefully in her sleep. Uncle Phillips asked Mary and George to come to Meryton. The Bennets had room for them.
June 11 through 14
Mary was prepared to mourn Aunt Deborah until Michaelmas. She had black gowns and accessories, and only recently had returned to half mourning clothes. The Fitzwilliams loaned horses for Mary and George to travel to Longbourn. She was grateful for cleared roads, despite the increase of people in London. The Season was winding down, having been more subdued than in previous years.
Mary enjoyed seeing her family, despite the sadness of the gathering. George played with all his cousins. She felt grateful George did not ask when he would have more siblings. Charlotte was generous in sharing Thom with his half-sisters. Jane felt grateful the family survived the previous year. The Gardiners had not moved back to London. Uncle Gardiner continued to visit London monthly, attempting to keep contact with his partners in trade. He still had stored materials and sold his nieces what they would need for the following year. He explained the increase in prices for fabrics because of last year's weather. The Gardiners tasked Brother Phillips and Bennet with alerting them to estates for sale in the area. Mr. Gardiner did not want his family to return to London. Finding an estate for them, near London, would answer their needs.
Mary discussed the gardens and orchards with Papa and his tenants. He listened when Darcy suggested planting of winter wheat. Pastures turned green and supported the smaller livestock herds which Papa and his tenants shared. Mary had written her sisters and Charlotte, drawing a picture of potato pods. She shared the estimated number of seeds per pod, and how to grow starter plants in conservatories until the plants could be set outdoors in gardens. She was thrilled to see how Uncle Gardiner sought potato pods from seed warehouses in London, and the growing potato plants at Longbourn. Papa shared the information with Lucas, Benson and Goulding.
The warm weather brought a welcome spring and summer to England. Weather had been as expected for May. Fields grew and turned green. Fruit trees budded without frost and promised a welcome harvest. However, 1816 taught everyone the meaning of a lean year. Jane explained they used a small field at one of the estates Bingley purchased as a pasture. The grazing sheep would provide fertilizer in the pasture, which they would use to create an orchard next spring.
The warmth of the days did little to cool the ardor of protestors, while green gardens and orchards called to thieves.
June 16
"Dr. Locke," Mary rose and curtsied. "May I offer you tea?"
"I would be most appreciative of a restoring cup," Timothy Locke agreed. "Miss Lucas, Mrs. Lucas," he acknowledged the two who approached.
"We have not had the pleasure of your company for a long time, Dr. Locke," Grace Lucas simpered.
"The ill in London have kept me from visiting Meryton and my parents." Locke replied. "I wanted to condole with the Bennets, Mr. Phillips, and the Gardiners." He bowed to Maria Lucas. "Miss Lucas."
Maria curtseyed, "Dr. Locke…how are your parents? We have not been ill, so I have not seen Mr. Locke recently, other than at church."
"Father and Mother are well," Locke acknowledged before turning to Mary. "Father and Michael send their regrets. Father has calls to make this afternoon, and Michael goes with him most days. He will begin at Cambridge this autumn. He planned to join the army; however, I have shared the news of our troops dying of typhus in India. I offered to stay in London and help the sick and poor. Michael will stay at Meryton and continue Father's business. He will be home from university during breaks."
"You will not return to Meryton?" Maria inquired.
"Infrequently, my work keeps me busy in London. I will endeavor to visit home when Michael is not at university. He should have started a year ago, but the times and weather kept him here."
"Will you attend the Midsummer assembly?" Grace inquired.
"While an assembly sounds delightful, I have many demands on my time," Locke apologized. "I return to London tomorrow."
"Well then," Grace replied a bit too cheerfully. "Perhaps you could join us for dinner?"
"I thank you for the invitation. However, Mother planned a family dinner for this evening. I promised to attend. Tis the reason I'm not departing immediately for London."
"You must say hello to Sir William." Mary did not miss the smug look on Grace's face when she led Locke over to Sir William. Mrs. Goulding circulated the room. She wished Mrs. Goulding had taken a very enceinte Grace home before the men returned from the funeral. She did not appreciate their enjoyment of socializing.
~X~
"Will you be staying in Meryton for the Midsummer Assembly?" Grace asked Mary when she returned from escorting Dr. Locke to Sir William.
"I don't believe so. George and I plan to return to London by Friday, and be home in Hunsford by Saturday." Mary shrugged. "As I will be in mourning for my aunt, I cannot imagine dancing at an assembly until Michaelmas or later."
"Do you believe in cleaning forests this year before Midsummer?" Maria changed the subject.
"We cleaned the wooded areas at Rosings Park all of last year. Mr. Fitzwilliam was particular about not removing trees from river banks. He felt lack of trees to hold the banks in place might encourage dissolution of the riverbanks and excessive flooding. We had so much rain and snow last year. We have been quite busy at Rosings Park this spring, transplanting tree seedlings to create new orchards in empty pieces of Rosings Park."
"We are all grateful for the weather," Grace began to say when Charlotte could be heard discussing enlargement of the Longbourn and the Lucas Lodge kitchen gardens with Lizzy.
The groups of men discussed the weather, field planting, and animals. Mr. Gardiner's group discussed ships and imports. Mr. Bennet's group discussed the construction of the Erie Canal in the United States. Some of the men, like Darcy and Bingley, discussed purchase of livestock and letting animals out into greened pastures. Bingley's flock of sheep had been culled of the older animals. He was grateful for the new lambs, but opined not nearly enough were born this spring. He hoped for a larger number next spring. The last group of men discussed how some harvests around the world had perished because of unexpected frosts or flooding rains. The men discussed the price of grain and the steady increases of costs since 1815. The men discussed the best ways to transport grain for sale.
~X~
"Horse!" George shook off his mother's restraining hand. He bolted for the dappled grey which contentedly grazed on grass in the open area of the Phillips' house.
Mary set her basket down, prepared to run after George.
"Whoa there!" Timothy Locke captured George before he could fling himself at one of the horse's legs. "Would you like a ride to your grandfather's house, Master George?"
"If we are not taking you away from your duties, I feel sure George would like a ride," Mary blushed when talking to Timothy Locke.
He settled George in the saddle. "Hold onto the pommel, not tightly…just a good grip to stay in the saddle." Locke adjusted George's hands.
Mary gathered her basket. She explained Freddie and George both wanted ponies. However, Richard opined despite the boys' size and heartiness, fourth birthdays should be celebrated with a boy's first puppy. Once they had a year of feeding and caring for puppies, they would understand the work needed to care for a pony. Locke agreed with Fitzwilliam's logic.
"When am I to wish you joy?" Mary asked Locke while they strolled back to Longbourn. George rode quietly and proudly atop Locke's horse.
"You mean Miss Maria…sorry…Miss Lucas and myself?" Locke could not hide his dismay at Mary's question. "I believe Mrs. Lucas wants me for Miss Maria more than Miss Maria wants me. I apologize…when I say Miss Lucas, I always think of Miss Charlotte. I suppose I would become accustomed to the proper form of address for everyone if I were in Meryton more."
Mary hid a smile. "I feel the same way…although I use first names for the Lucas family now that Charlotte is married to Papa."
"Please do not misunderstand me. Miss Maria is pretty and kind. I'm sure she has accomplishments and can manage a household. However, I want more from a wife than obedience, gratitude, accomplishments and excellent household management abilities. I always believed I would marry someone like my mother. She discusses more than dinner menus or children with my father. She is educated and can discuss Father's work with him. Mother manages Father's funds and his diary. She is adept in the stillroom, herb garden and with the bees. She is even tempered and kind to the servants, and with Father's patients."
"Do you see yourself returning to Meryton?" Mary asked.
"My brother wants to return after university and help Father at his business. I believe he and Emmeline Jones have a tendré for one another. Michael believes once he is educated, he can help both Father and Dr. Jones. Emmeline is adept with herbs, and discusses her herb garden with Mother. I have learned more by helping Dr. Acton in London in the past two years than I learned at university. I know I want to wed for love like the Actons. I want a wife who appreciates my mind and my interests as much as any security I could provide."
"I was sorry to hear of the death of Dr. Jones. I am sorry you lost a dear friend," Mary consoled Dr. Locke.
"Samuel was my best friend from the time we were young boys with one another. I am sorry to hear of your losses also. Your mother, Miss Lydia, your husband and now your aunt." Locke appraised Mary's black clothes. "Dr. Acton and I attempt to stop the spread of typhus and cholera in London. We have heard of a severe outbreak of typhus in India. The War Office is seeking doctors and medical help for military encampments."
"Are you considering joining the military?" Mary worried for Dr. Locke.
"No; I never wanted to see the world," Locke admitted. "My work in London with Dr. Acton is important. I signed papers for Father and Michael which is why I am in Meryton. I renounced my claim as the eldest son on Father's property and holdings. Father drew a will leaving everything to Michael. I accepted one-third of Father's funds for the next three years in exchange for the legacy. Michael will need to attend university. Father will need funds to rebuild here in Meryton. I know people believe this weather will return to what we knew before. However, having spent a wet and rainy May in London…I believe we may not return to the largess and weather of before 1815 for a few more years."
"Do not borrow trouble," Mary advised. "Even I have learned not to think dark thoughts to keep thoughts from becoming the truth."
"As I am well aware, since caring for the ill in London," Locke assured Mary. "You will be careful when passing through London to return to Hunsford?"
"I will. However, if you can offer advise places to avoid in London, I would be most grateful." Mary explained her plans while in London.
"I can advise places to avoid, but I can also recommend warehouses and shopfronts which seem to have goods for sale." Locke agreed.
After the funeral
"I have been tasked with a question." Charlotte began a difficult conversation with Mary.
"Tasked? Goodness, that sounds dire." Mary attempted a tease.
"Grace questioned your intentions regarding Dr. Locke."
"I have no intentions toward Timothy Locke. However, I would wager Grace has given him more than a momentary thought." Mary sipped her tea.
"From Grace's demeanor during the tea at Mr. Phillips, you could be right. Maria and I believe Grace is anxious for Maria to wed, and leave Lucas Lodge."
"Does Grace have a reason to hope for an understanding between Maria and Timothy Locke?"
Charlotte shook her head. "They danced at assemblies when he has been in Meryton. Dr. Locke has called at Lucas Lodge to speak with Sir William and William. He visited John at the farm."
"This must be a curse of widows, then," Mary solemnly addressed Charlotte. "Everyone wants to see us wed, or wishes us far, far away. Mr. Roberts offered for me while I was in Bath. He was willing, of course, to wait to wed until Michaelmas to give me time to mourn Mr. Collins. I refused his offer. The Morrows attempted to compromise me with Anne's steward, Mr. Knowles, before Easter." Mary explained both situations to Charlotte who appeared surprised and speechless.
"Gracious! Well, we know Grace would help a compromise if it provided an advantage for her. John will not inherit Father's title, but will inherit Lucas Lodge, holdings and funds when Father passes. Grace does not like living on the tenant farm. We feel Grace wants Maria to wed and leave Lucas Lodge. She wants to become the mistress of Lucas Lodge."
Mary laid quietly in her guest room at Longbourn. Friday, she and George would return to London. After shopping for a few things, and resting at the de Bourgh House overnight, she and George would return to Rosings Place on Saturday. She began making a list of items to seek while in London, referring to the places Timothy Locke recommended. Once she fell asleep, Mary dreamt of books and music…and of dancing with Timothy Locke.
Two days later
"I am dying," Grace gasped dramatically.
"You are not dying!" Mary snapped, remembering her mother's vapors and headaches.
"This part may be uncomfortable," Charlotte attempted to soothe her sister-by-marriage. "After the baby is born, you will not remember the pain."
"We have to move you now," Maria spoke from the doorway. "John is here with the wagon. He will transport you to home."
"I cannot move!" Grace howled.
"Your pains just started," Mary commented. "Babies come at their own time. This one does not seem in a hurry to arrive." 'If you yell at every little discomfort now…you will be screaming before this is over.' Mary thought uncharitably for a few seconds.
"I placed Grace in a guest room," Maria's voice could be heard in the hallway. She panicked when Grace arrived at Lucas Lodge this morning…complaining of birthing pains.
"Grace," John appeared in the doorway. "I thought you planned to stay at the house. What are you about?"
"I came to ask Maria to have the main farm gardeners come to the farm. I wanted ask about the kitchen garden and the roses. I NEED those roses," Grace declared firmly. "I need some beauty in my life!"
"You NEED to be at home!" John scolded before advancing to the bed and scooping up Grace. She squeaked with protest at his determined movements. "Ladies, I am taking Grace to the farm unless you believe she should remain. We are prepared for the birthing there…"
"I have everything Mary and I might need," Charlotte assured him. "I also have the one-horse gig. Midwife Eastman has been with one of Mr. Benson's tenants since the wee hours of this morning. She is birthing a baby there, and cannot be with Grace. Mary and I know what to do. If necessary, Mrs. Gardiner will come to us. She has had four children."
"I will remain here," Maria moved out of John's way as he carried Grace down the stairs.
"We will follow you," Charlotte assured her brother John. "Take Grace in your one-horse gig she drove here. Maria will have one of the farm workers bring the wagon back to you."
"I want Dr. Locke!" Grace fussed. "If I can't have Midwife Eastman, I want a doctor."
Charlotte waited at the top of the stairs, watching John disappear. "Do not send Dr. Locke to the farm," she quietly warned Maria. "Grace will order him about like a servant."
"I do not fret about Grace treating Dr. Locke like a servant. I fret about her advising Dr. Locke to court me!" Maria admitted. "She wants me to marry…soon…and leave Lucas Lodge."
"Please know, Mary and I will always provide a sisterly shoulder on which to weep, wail or whinge," Charlotte hugged Maria goodbye.
~X~
"I stopped to let you know I am leaving Meryton and returning to London." Locke bid his friend Lucas goodbye.
A scream froze both their bones and they could hear the wail of a child, and the sobs from Grace.
"Sounds like you just became a father," Locke congratulated Lucas. "You must give Midwife Eastman a few minutes with your wife and child to make them presentable."
"Midwife Eastman is at Netherfield Park with one of Benson's tenants. Tis sister Charlotte and Mary Collins with her."
"I should leave, I do not believe Mrs. Lucas is ready for company. I feel sure the ladies will have sensible advice for you."
"NO!" Grace screamed.
"Go," Locke did not need to urge his friend. John took the stairs two at a time to Grace's room.
"I heard a scream," John panted.
"A girl!" Grace sobbed. "I wanted a son!" She pounded her fists against her trembling thighs.
'Mother probably sounded disappointed like Grace when my sisters and I were born' Mary cooed at the precious bundle, finishing ablutions for the new child. She carefully dressed and wrapped John's new daughter in a warm blanket. Charlotte cleaned and redressed Grace, and helped her to the bed.
"We are not finished with Grace, or righting the room. However, you may take your daughter," Mary carried the small bundle to John. "What is her name?"
"We did not pick a name for a girl," Grace wailed. "I felt sure I was birthing a son!" She pounded her fists against the mattress.
"Your mother felt sure you were birthing a son. The rest of us know God has plans," John admonished Grace. "I planned to name her after my Grandmother Lucas and your Grandmother Goulding. Hello Lillian Sarah Lucas. I believe I will call you Lilly, my little girl." John cooed at his daughter while disappearing with her.
"Well!" Grace attempted to look offended. "I believe I know my place!"
"You will be important to Lillian," Charlotte assured her sister-by-marriage. "Daughters are always more important to mothers than to fathers."
'Unless you are a Bennet daughter who was ignored by her mother unless she wanted something.' Mary prayed Grace would be a good mother to Lillian. "You must rest when she rests, for she will want you soon enough. Do not lie abed for the next two weeks. You will feel more like yourself when you return to your daily rituals. Moving about will remove remaining pain and lethargy." She considered Grace's mulish look. 'I shall tell John to make Grace move and leave her bed. He can't watch Grace's every moment with Lillian, but I will remind him to protect his innocent child.'
Midsummer
Louisa related all the news from Bath in her letter to Jane. As the weather warmed, more names were added to the Patron's Book at the Pump Room. More assemblies were held on Mondays and Fridays than before. Every Wednesday Louisa and Sophia were invited to card parties. They reserved Tuesdays and Thursdays for afternoon lectures or evening concerts or theatre. They still shopped only on Saturday, and walked Milsom and Bath Streets along with walks in the Sydney Gardens. As the weather warmed, the social activities increased. Roberts Estate and Roberts Farms participated on Fridays at the open-air markets.
The new assembly rooms were to be visited in July by His Grace, the Duke of Wellington. The new assembly rooms were rumored to hold six hundred dancers, in addition to new billiard rooms and card rooms. New supper rooms and cloak rooms were to be located off the widened entrance foyer and hall. Louisa opined she and Sophia might attend one of the public assemblies in August to view the new rooms.
~X~
The Fitzwilliams hosted a bonfire on Midsummer's Eve. Those men from the Recovery House who could attend brought baskets of potatoes to roast in the bonfire to feed everyone who attended. The men offered music for those who wanted to dance. Anne arranged for cold wine punch. All the tenants and staff worked to create a celebration for everyone. The warm weather, green fields and trees were another reason for everyone to celebrate.