I didn't have anything to do with the creation of Twilight.
Chapter 42
Mr. Newton took the seat vacated by Mr. Call. He, too, took Bella's hand, but his touch was not warm and his demeanour was much more businesslike. He explained that he was a solicitor for the county and charged by the magistrate to oversee the completion of her father's estate.
He asked her to present the music box that was the only possession she had of her mother's. Bella was quite reluctant to let it go but upon Mother Superior's prodding she went to her room and retrieved said item.
When she returned to the office, Mr. Newton surprised her by shaking the music box gently. There was a small rattle, there had always been a small rattle, one that Bella had forgotten about.
Mr. Newton turned the box over and with a small knife pried the bottom panel off, revealing a tiny hiding place. Inside there was a small brass key. He placed the key in Bella's hand. With a nod to Mother Superior, the old nun began to tell Bella a long story.
"As I mentioned in the letter I sent, I have some things from your family for you. When your father married for the second time he left a small trunk in the possession of his first mate and best friend. After your father died everything was sold, the money from the sale was placed in a trust for you, for when you came of age. His friend gave the trunk to the magistrate to hold for you. When I found out about the bequest from Mr. Clearwater, I arranged with the magistrate to release the trust early. Just a few weeks early. It is not a great deal of money but paired with the estate, you know have a very tidy nest egg. As Mr. Call mentioned you could sell the house and live comfortably, maybe for the rest of your life. On the other hand, it would make a very good dowry if you chose to marry."
Bella looked down at her hands in her lap and blushed. Mother Superior continued.
"No one knows what is in the trunk. Your father hid the key in the music box for you. Would you like to be alone while you open it?"
Bella asked that Mr. Newton leave the room. He did after Bella signed his paperwork and the trust was released to her. Bella, with Mother Superior's support, unlocked the trunk and looked at the treasure within.
There were a few bundles of letters, some lace edged handkerchiefs, and a small portrait of a young lady with long dark hair and laughing eyes. The main prize was a box containing three rings.
Her parents wedding rings.
The first picture of her mother Bella had ever seen. She looked so lovely, young, and happy. Bella could see some of her self in her mother's portrait, the hair colour and the shape of her face.
The letters were addressed to both Bella's father and mother. Letters they had written to each other over the years of their courtship and marriage. She didn't stop to read them all, saving them for further exploration.
Bella, after years of having no family possessions, save one music box, now had a wealth of memories.
Mother Superior held her close as she cried, her tears both happy and sad.
When Bella got hold of her emotions again and dried her eyes, she and Mother Superior discussed Bella plans for the future. Mother Superior was very pleased with Bella's most immediate plans and optimistic for her longer reaching ones.
They called Mr. Newton back into the office, and after a long conversation, gained his legal advice. He saw no issue with what Bella wanted and offered to help if he could.
It was too late in the day for Bella to head back to the Cullens. With any luck she would meet up with the Cullens just after they arrived at home.
Mr. Newton arranged a carriage for the next morning and would accompany Bella back to town.
Bella spent a very joyful evening with the sisters and the children at the orphanage. There was laughing, singing and much telling of stories.
Mr. Newton was indeed a great asset to Bella the next morning as she finalized the transfer of her trust and bequest. He also drove with her to look at the house Mr. Clearwater had left her. It was a grand home, in need of some repair but could be fixed up with a little time and money. As luck would have it, Bella had both.
AN: Bella is back in town.