My apologies! I realized too late that I had put "Chapter 11" for my last Chapter (Chawton), but it really is Chapter 12. (Ooops...). So here we begin our "Ireland Adventure". This will be a little more tricky because this is where my imagination will REALLY come into play as aside from names and dates of birth, I know nothing about the Lefroy children nor Tom Lefroy's siblings. Most of this next part will be completely fictional and based on my ideas, but I hope you will still enjoy it.

I had said at the end of Chapter 11-the REAL Chapter 11-that you will most likely see less of Tom's POV from now on, but he will be in the next couple of chapters at least as I needed to have his POV to introduce his own children, his sisters and how the Lefroy house-hold is generally run on a daily basis. Hopefully it will all meet with your approval! ;-D

FYI:

Tom Lefroy's siblings

Tom Lefroy was born of the Irish Lefroys, descendants of a Huguenot Lefroy who migrated to England in the 16th century[7], hence the French sounding name (the family head being a Lord L'Offroy). In 1765, Tom's father (Anthony Peter Lefroy) was secretly married to Ann Gardner in Limerick (Ireland). Five girls were born without Benjamin Langlois (Tom's great uncle and his family's benefactor) knowing it (Radovici mentioned five, but Cranfield mentioned four; it is possible that one of Tom's elder sisters died in infancy). Thomas Langlois Lefroy was the sixth child, also the first son. The list of Tom's siblings (including him) is as follows[8]:

1. unnamed fifth elder sister (actual birth order unknown other than being older than Thomas)
2. Lucy (1 January 1768 – May 1853)
3. Phoebe (15 April 1770 – 5 December 1839)
4. Catherine (18 September 1771 – 3 September 1805)
5. Sarah (18 March 1773 – 1836)
6. Thomas Langlois (8 January 1776 – 4 May 1869)
7. Anthony (19 October 1777 – 7 September 1857)
Anthony's son (Thomas Edward Preston Lefroy, 1815–1887) later married Anna Jemima Lefroy (1815–1855, daughter of Anna Austen Lefroy) on 9 September 1846
8. Elizabeth (17 April 1780 – 22 July 1867)
9. Benjamin (5 May 1782 – ?)
10. Christopher (26 June 1784 – 14 February 1805)
11. Anne (26 January 1786 – ?)
12. Henry (5 May 1789 – 29 January 1876)

IRELAND (FALL/WINTER 1815)

CHAPTER 13

Jane:

By the time we were to leave for Ireland, I still hadn't learned what "the truth" was that Henry had told our mother that convinced her to let us spend Christmas in Ireland with Tom and his family. When I did finally have the chance to ask him, all he would say was "You needn't worry yourself about it dear sister...you will understand soon enough." and would not budge from that answer no matter how often I pestered him about it. And knowing my brother the way I did, I had the feeling that he actually enjoyed watching my frustration over it. Once I realized that, I did my best to show him that I no longer cared about it and stopped bringing it up at all altogether. Of course it was still constantly at the back of my mind...

The morning we set out for Ireland was a cool and crisp. We took mama with us as we were to drop her off at my oldest brother's James's place. We had left early enough to allow us some time to visit James and his family for awhile as well as in case any inclement weather should delayed us along our way being that winter was on the doorstep.

As it turned out, our journey passed uneventfully and we even arrived in Limerick a little ahead of schedule. In order to pass some time while we waited for Tom to pick us up, Henry suggested we go into the Inn where the stage had left us and get something to drink. We wouldn't have anything to eat as Tom had promised that there would be food for us as soon as we arrived at his place.

Cassandra and myself followed Henry and Eliza inside the quaint eating room of the Inn where we were soon sat and waited upon. I cannot tell say how truly happy I was that I had my sister with us this time. Although I wouldn't admit this to myself, deep down inside, I think the idea of having Cass with me was so that she would...or could serve as a "buffer" between Tom and myself...to prevent him...or maybe myself from getting too close...

We were in the middle of enjoying our beverages when he appeared, as suddenly and almost as unexpectedly as he had at the last ball we had danced at. He had come up from behind where I was sitting so the other three had the advantage over me and happened to spot him first.

"Tom!" Henry exclaimed so suddenly that it took me by surprise. He stood up while Eliza and Cassandra looked towards Tom. I was the last to turn my head and look up at him, my pulse quickening maddeningly as I did so.

Henry now went over to Tom and shook his hand.

"So you've made it, on that long journey." Tom remarked to him with a smile, then turned to the rest of us, addressing us each in turn. "Mrs. Austen..." he first addressed Eliza who acknowledged him in return and then gave his attention to Cassandra, "Miss Austen...it is a pleasure to have you join us."

He said with a slight bow to which Cassandra returned it with genuine sincerity, "I thank you for your invitation, Mr. Lefroy. It was most kind of you to include me."

"You are most welcome, Miss Austen. I hope you will find your stay to be an enjoyable one."

"I am sure that I will." Cassandra assured Tom and they both bowed simultaneously.

Now he focused on me, "Jane..." he greeted me gently with another bow which I of course returned with a bow of my own.

"Mr. Lefroy.."

It was strange how after the time we had spent in London together that I had suddenly become rather shy in his presence. But then some time had passed since then...I told myself.

"Would you care to have something to drink before we carry on to your place Tom?" Henry now asked him.

"I am not in need of any drink at this time, thank you Henry, but I will sit down and join you while you finish yours. But please do not rush because of myself. We have plenty of time."

As the table was meant for four people, an extra chair had to be sought out and was placed at the corner between Henry and myself for Tom...and whereupon Tom and Henry engaged in a light conversation about our trip.

At one point, I noticed Cassandra looking at me with a slight smile on her lips. I knew that she was trying to let me know that she was pleased with what she had observed in regards to Tom. I offered her a slight smile in return to let her know that I understood.

As we only had drinks, it didn't take us long to finish them and soon we were on our way out to Tom's carriage. He held the door open as he and Henry helped the three of us woman up into it before entering the carriage themselves. As like in London, Tom and I were facing each other again but it was Tom and Henry who continued to do the talking. As well along the way, Tom pointed out various points of interest to us.

I was glad that I wasn't expected to contribute to the conversation as I have to admit that I was starting to feel a little bit anxious about the idea of meeting his children. Jane of course I already knew, but I still felt nervous about the idea of Tom's other children who had lost a beloved mother. Our own family is no stranger to large families with a lot of children as our two of brothers have large families of their own, but this was different, not being family, not knowing them at all as we had never met before...with the exception of Jane. I was looking forward to seeing Jane again, but I wondered what the rest of them would be like...

It seemed like it was all too soon when Tom announced that we were approaching his place. I couldn't help but look out the window of the stage coach door as we became closer and closer to it. I admit that I had also been curious as to what to expect for a house of Tom's, being the successful lawyer that he is.

When we finally arrived at his place, I stared in amazement. The garden at the front of the house was, although not huge nor spectacular like Mr. Wisley's aunt, Lady Gresham's, it was lovely enough, in my view. And the house...again, not as big or grand as Lady Gresham's but big enough none the less and very quaint. Before I could stop it, I found myself thinking that I was pleased that it was a size that I was comfortable with...I could tell right away that had I not stated that Cassandra and myself were to share a room, that the house was definitely big enough that we could have each easily had our own room, but still, I was glad that we I had made sure to let them know that we were to share.

We now pulled up in front of the attractive home and the carriage came to as stop. Both Henry and Tom alighted in order to help us down.

I was so taken by the scenery of the house and garden around me, that I don't even know if it was Tom or Henry who had helped me out of the carriage.

"Welcome to my " Irish country home". Tom now said once we were all down and then lead us up the stairs towards the front door of his home where at any moment now, I would see Jane again and meet the rest of his family...

Tom:

My place in London had become too quiet after Jane, Henry and Eliza had left and I knew that Jane was feeling down about their departure. I remembered Jane's advice and did whatever I could to keep my daughter busy and kept reminding her that every day that passed brought us that much closer to when we would see our friends again. I also reminded her about keeping up with the piano songs that "Miss Austen" had taught her to play and I took her out of the house more often than I normally would have. But I admit, I also needed to keep myself occupied and get out of the house as much as she did.

When Jane's first letter arrived, the look on my daughter's face was one of pure joy. Jane hadn't said too much in her letter but it was what she had said in it, about her telling her sister about Jane that once again touched my heart.

"Oh father! Just think! Miss Austen has told her sister about me! And that she would like to meet me one day! Do you think it's possible that might happen?" She asked me.

In my own mind Jane was going to become a permanent part of my life and my children's lives hopefully not too long after I see her next, so naturally there wasn't a doubt in my mind that the two would meet, but of course I couldn't say any of this to my daughter. But...it did make me think...

"I have an idea Jane. What do you think about inviting Miss Austen's sister to join us for Christmas?" I suggested this knowing how close the Austen sisters were and knew that Jane would be thrilled with the idea of her sister being invited to come along.

"Really father?" Jane's eyes were wide with happiness.

"Really." I assured her.

"I think...that was be splendid of course!"

"Well then my love...why don't you write Miss Austen back and tell her that the invitation for Christmas has been extended to include her sister Miss Cassandra Austen."

"Oh I will, right away father! And..thank you!" She smiled up at me.

I smiled back at Jane, pleased to see her smile genuinely again as she had not smiled very much since the Austen's had left. She had relished practicing her piano for she was determined to be playing as well as Jane played when she would join us in Ireland and she could show her how much she had practiced. But that only lasted for so long. There were still a lot of hours to fill in a single day.

When Jane had her letter ready, we had it sent off as soon as we could. There would be another reply come to us eventually, Jane letting us know that her sister had accepted the offer. I could tell by the way she had written that she was delighted to have her sister asked. And my daughter was equally excited. This bit of news seemed to help Jane get through the rest of her time spent with me in London and when she finally had to leave me for home again, she seemed quite content. I promised that I should be home myself in a month's time.

With Jane gone back home to Ireland and me on my own again, I threw myself wholeheartedly back into my work...

It was the eve before the Austen's were to arrive when I asked my sisters Sarah and Phoebe who have been helping me to raise my family, to collect my children as I wished to speak to them in private. I had them brought to my study and gathered them around me for our special talk. Even though my children are good children, no one is perfect and they ARE children after all. Mary and myself never believed in raising them by a firm hand and under a strict regime. We both also believed that they needed to have daily outdoor physical exercise through play, both girls and boys, both the young ones-when they were old enough of course-and the older ones. Unfortunately, weather in Ireland does play a part and can keep them indoors for days at a time, so we converted some of our rooms into what we call "play rooms" and we even have a room large enough for us to play our more physical games in. I know for a fact that some people-including some relatives-frown upon our ways of bringing up our children and live in fear that they will all grow up to be as wild as jungle animals, but I have noticed myself that if anything, our children are quite happy and very well behaved as they are given the chance to exercise their energy in a positive way every day.

But despite this, I admit that I was still a bit anxious as I really wanted to make a good impression on Jane in regards to my children so I still felt the need to talk to them about our guests. I took my littlest one, Mary (because of Mary's passing I was grateful that we had named one of our daughters after their mother) who will turn four shortly before Christmas and sat her upon my knee while I spoke seriously, but lovingly to the rest of my children about the arrival of our guests.

"You know that I love each and every one of you." I started off with. "I have gathered you all together because all of you know that we are expecting guests who are very special to me. And it is my hope that they will become to special to you all in time as well." I looked over and smiled at my daughter Jane who gave me a smile in return. Upon my return home I had noticed that she had gone right back where she had left off, being a mother to her siblings..."They will be arriving around tea time tomorrow afternoon and they will be both tired and hungry after such a long, tiring journey. I know you are all very curious and eager to meet them and you shall of course for they will be staying here for at least a month, possibly even a little longer. However just for tomorrow afternoon, I would like it if you could leave myself and our guests to get re-acquainted and give them some quiet time to recover from their travelling when they arrive before being introduced. This means that you must stay upstairs in your rooms for awhile and I would like you to take your tea up there as well."

Not surprising, this was met with a bit of opposition in the form of groans and "Father, do we have to?"

"Yes...for this one time, you do." I replied gently, but firmly. They know when I use that tone of voice that I am serious. "For me please as like I said, I would like to give our guests some quiet time to recover after they have arrived. There will be plenty of time for you to meet them and get to know them, like I have also told you. You may all play together after your tea, but you must do it upstairs in any of your rooms. I wish to introduce our company to your Aunts first too, so Anthony, Jane.." I now addressed my two oldest children. "You will both be in charge of helping Anna out with your younger siblings for as long as your aunts are engaged with me and our company. After a suitable amount of time has passed, I will send for you all to meet with them. And I know I don't have to tell you this when we have company, but I expect you all to be on your best behaviour when you meet them."

"Yes, father." Jane was the first to reply. I knew that she would do anything for me but most especially when it came to Miss Jane Austen. "We will help with the younger ones and we will all be well behaved." She promised me. I knew she wanted to impress Jane as much as I did.

I smiled affectionately at Jane. "I know you will...I know you all will." I ended giving each of the a smile. "And now..." I stood up transferring Mary into my arms. "I think it's time for bed for some of you. Who wants to read to us tonight?"

"Please may I father?" Jane asked. Jane usually did most of the reading, but Anne also did her share of the duty. The boys tended to let the girls do it, although I would make both Anthony and Thomas read as well as I felt it was important for them and when I thought they hadn't offered to do it in quite some time. And soon now, I would start to make Jeffry and George read as well. Mary would be waiting for a couple or so years yet.

This was something that I had started when the oldest of our children were quite young but getting old enough to first be read to and then as they became older, I insisted that they start to do their share of reading, Jane of course being the inspiration for it all. Mary had quite approved of the idea herself and it became another family tradition for us, having a family reading before the youngest ones bedtime. We felt it was important to spend this time as a family together, every night.

"Alright then Jane." I agreed and we all headed off to the library where Jane found the book and where we left off while the rest of the family got comfortable, on chairs, settees and even the floor, wherever they chose to that would allow their imaginations run free while listening. Mary chose to stay snuggled up to me on my lap which is where she usually sat for our readings. Normally I too get caught up in the story, but tonight I could not concentrate on it at all, knowing that I would see Jane tomorrow...

As I feel that Jane Austen was a "woman before her time" with her writing, I also like to believe that Tom Lefroy was a "man before his time" which is why I have made him a father who believes in "unconventional child rearing-for the early 19th century at least! ;-D

Apparently, the stage had arrived a bit earlier than expected, but I would have been unable to get away from my work any earlier as it was. I noticed them as soon as I went inside the Inn where I said I would meet them. They were all seated having a drink, engaged in conversation.

Henry was the first to see me. "Tom!" He exclaimed, stood up, came over and shook my hand.

"So you've made it, on that long journey." I stated, glad to see they had arrived...and safely. Now that they were there, we knew that nothing had ended up preventing them from their Christmas visit to Ireland.

Turning to the ladies, I now acknowledged Eliza, Miss Cassandra Austen-I was glad that I had thought to invite her along after Jane had shared the contents of Miss Jane Austen's letter with me-and finally Jane. We didn't say anything else, there didn't seem to be a need to say anything more. I thought it funny that I should almost feel...awkward in her presence. Perhaps it was because of the amount of time that passed since seeing each other last. But also...I think it was because, even though I had talked with my children the night before and I had complete confidence they would not let me down, I still felt a bit anxious about them all meeting. Most likely because I wanted it to go over very well. And I did wonder about how Jane would feel about taking on seven children...no...actually, I don't like to put it that way. She wouldn't be "taking on" seven children...Anna would of course still be their nursery maid as she had been since Anthony was born. And I still expected my sisters to continue to help raise them as they had been doing. I didn't expect Jane to replace their mother...or even to become their mother. I'm sure that it would be an overwhelming idea for herself to be taking over that role. No, things would go on as they have been, but Jane would be a part of our family.

After they had finished their drinks and we were all on my carriage, Jane and I sat across from each other again, this time not because it had been "planned" for it to happen that way. It just happened on it's own this time. However, Henry and myself carried the conversation and I pointed out various landmarks that I thought they might be interested in noting on our way. As my house is not that far out of Limerick, it did not take us very long to reach it and soon I announced that we were approaching it. I noticed that Jane moved to look out of the window from her seat, I assume to look at my house. I couldn't help but wonder what she would think of it. Once the carriage had stopped in front, both Henry and I alighted and he helped Eliza down while I helped first Cassandra and then Jane down who seemed to me to be captivated by her surroundings. I really was hoping that I was reading her correctly and that she was liking what she was seeing as it would become her future home...although she did not know it yet.

I lead the group up the front of our stairs and saying, "Welcome to my " Irish country home".

As I felt that Jane Austen was a "woman before her time" with her writing, I like to believe that Tom Lefroy was also a "man before his time" which is why I decided to write him as a father with "unconventional child rearing" ideas. ;-D