Chapter 2

I awoke to the sensation of cool sheets against my skin and the sound of birds chirping outside the window. For a moment, I lay there, hoping the events of the previous day had been nothing more than a vivid dream. But as I opened my eyes and took in the unfamiliar surroundings, the truth settled over me. I was still in 1765.

Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes and let out a sigh. The names of the family I had met-the Bennets-sparked a memory. I reached for my medical bag and pulled out my Kindle. Opening it to my favorite historical novel, I began to read about Thomas Bennet, now fully grown, with a sister named Rachel. According to the book, Thomas had five daughters: Jane, named after his mother-in-law; Elizabeth, named after his mother; Mary, named after his sister-in-law; Rachel, named after his sister; and Lydia.

I frowned. I could have sworn the account had been different. I remembered the account, Thomas had lost his mother and a baby sister, who only lived for three days. The child was named Elizabeth, after their mother. His fourth daughter was named Catherine, not Rachel. Yet, the book now told a different story, one where Thomas's mother lived to an old age, and his sister Rachel was alive and well. The events from yesterday had somehow changed the past I knew.

Turing off the Kindle, I felt a strange sensation, as if the old history had been erased from my mind, replaced by the new events that had transpired. The thought both fascinated and unsettled me. But why did this family's history matter so much to me? Because Thomas Bennet of Longborn was my ancestor, ten generations removed, through his second daughter Elizabeth. My own existence was tied to this family's past. The fear that any change in their lives could ripple into my future gnawed at me.

As I pondered the events I had read, feeling that they align with what I had always known, and my worries that I had changed the past disappeared as Sarah knocked and entered the room, clothes draped over her arms. She seemed a bit flustered, her cheeks pink as she tried to muster the courage to speak.

"Good morning, Miss Palmer," She began hesitantly. "Mrs. Bennet has offered you some of her older gowns, as it appears you have nothing appropriate to wear."

"Thank you, Sarah," I said, trying to put her at ease. "I appreciate your help."

She nodded, setting the garments on the bed.

"Please, just call me Rachel," I said with a smile. "I hope we can be friends."

Sarah's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "Yes, Miss Rachel."

As she entered the dressing room, I examined the clothes she had brought. The layers of fabric and complex design were overwhelming. I had no idea how to put them on properly.

When she re-entered the room, I froze. Then I decided to be honest with her. "Sarah," I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed, "could you help explain how to put these on?"

Sarah's eyes widened, but she quickly composed herself. "Of course, Miss Rachel. That's why I'm here to assist you."

She approached the bed and picked up the first item. "We'll start with the stockings," she said, handing me a pair of long, white stockings. I sat down and pulled them up my legs, securing them with the garters provided.

"Next is the chemise," Sarah explained, holding up a simple, white linen garment. "It's the base layer." I slipped it over my head, feeling the cool fabric against my skin.

"Now for the stays," she said, showing me a stiff, corset-like piece. "This helps give shape and support." I stood still as she laced me into the stays, tightening them carefully. It was uncomfortable but not unbearable. "How do you breathe in these?" I asked, half-joking.

Sarah smiled shyly. "You get used to it, Miss Rachel."

She then handed me the busk, a long, flat piece of wood or bone that slides into the front of the stays to keep them rigid. "This goes in here," she said, guiding my hand to the right spot.

Next, Sarah handed me a white shirt. "Slip this on under your stays for added comfort," she instructed.

Following that, she produced a pair of small, fabric pockets that tied around my waist. "These are your pockets," she explained. "You can keep small personal items in them."

Then came the under petticoat, which she tied securely around my waist. "This adds fullness to the skirt," she said, smoothing the fabric.

After that, Sarah helped me into the quilted petticoat, adding even more volume to the ensemble.

"Now for the slippers," she said, handing me a delicate pair of shoes. I slipped them on, feeling slightly more grounded.

Finally, she handed me a kerchief. "This goes around your neck," she said, tying it gently in place.

Sarah then assisted me with the gown itself, a beautiful dress with intricate details. "Raise your arms," she instructed, and I complied. She slipped the gown over my head and adjusted it, making sure it fit properly.

"There," Sarah said, stepping back to admire her work. "You look lovely, Miss Rachel."

"Thank you, Sarah. I couldn't have done it without you," I replied sincerely.

"There is one more thing," Sarah added. "your hair. It needs to be styled appropriately."

I sat down as she began to work on my hair, her fingers deftly weaving and pinning it into an elegant updo. As she worked, I could sense her curiosity.

"You must think I'm very strange," I said softly.

Sarah hesitated, then said, "it is not my place to judge, Miss. Rachel. But yes, everything about you is different from what I know."

"I understand," I replied. "And I appreciate your help despite that."
She finished with my hair and stepped back, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "There. Now you look like a proper lady of the time."

I stood and looked at myself in the mirror. The transformation was astonishing. I looked like I belonged in this time period, even if I felt like an imposter.

"thank you, Sarah," I said again, turning to her. "You have been very kind."

"It is my duty, Miss. Rachel," she replied with a small curtsey. "if you need anything else, just ask."

As she left the room, I took a deep breath and prepared myself to face the day. The world outside might be unfamiliar, but I was determined to make the best of my situation. Just then another knock at the door. Mrs. Watson was on the other side, she said that the mistress would like a moment of my time. I figured I was more than likely going to give check up to them both so grabbed my medical bag and followed Mrs. Watson out.

Upon entering the chamber, I found Mrs. Bennet awake and alert, her eyes filled with gratitude as she greeted me. "Good morning, Miss. Palmer. I trust you slept well?"

"Very well, thank you, Mrs. Bennet, and how is Miss Rachel this morning?" I replied, setting my bag of medical instruments on the bedside table. I was shocked and touched that Mrs. Bennet had insisted the baby be named after me, since she said that she knew neither she nor the child would be here if it was not for my intervention. "Shall we proceed with an examination?"

With Mrs. Bennet's consent, I conducted a thorough examination of both her and baby Rachel, my modern knowledge blending seamlessly with the practices of the time. To their relief, I pronounce Mrs. Bennet and Miss Rachel to be in good health."

"Now, Mrs. Bennet," I began, "I have some unconventional advice for you. I recommend that you try to get out of bed today and move about as much as possible. It is also recommended if you can feed your own child. For both your benefit as well as hers. I know it is contrary to the norm for this time, but I believe it will benefit both you and Rachel greatly." I think proceed to show Mrs. Bennet the best way to hold Rachel and feed her.

As I was doing so, Mr. Bennet entered the room. His expression was a mix of gratitude and curiosity.

"Miss. Palmer, may I have a word with you?" he asked politely.

"Of course, Mr. Bennet."

He led me to a sitting area near the window, where we could speak privately. Mrs. Bennet watched us with interest, her face reflecting her husband's curiosity.

"Miss. Palmer, I must admit, the events of yesterday were quite extraordinary," Mr. Bennet began. "Your arrival, your clothing, the strange devices the maids described…They all raise many questions."

I nodded, understanding his concerns. "I realize how unusual it must seem. I come from a distant place, both in geography and, well, in time."

Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow. "time, you say? Could you elaborate?"

Taking a deep breath, I explained, "I am from America, from the year 2024. I don't know how or why, but I found myself transported to your time. The devices you saw are form my time, used for various purposes."

He listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "And you are a midwife in your time?"

"Yes," I confirmed. "I trained extensively in modern medicine, which is why some of my methods and tools may seem unusual to you."

Mrs. Bennet, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "it does sound fantastical, Harry, but the way Miss. Palmer helped me yesterday…There is no denying her skill and knowledge."

Mr. Bennet nodded slowly. "indeed. I cannot deny the result. Your actions saved my wife and child. For that, I am deeply grateful."

He paused, considering his next words carefully. "Given the circumstances, I believe it would be best if you remained with us as our guest. We can introduce you to the neighborhood as a long-lost cousin on my wife's side from America. This would explain your presence and allow you to integrate more easily."

I smiled, touched by their willingness to accept me. "Thank you, Mr. Bennet. I would be honored to stay."

"There is one more thing," Mr. Bennet added. "If you wish to practice your skills as a midwife here, it would be more acceptable if you were introduced as Mrs. Palmer, not Miss. In this time, only women who had had children themselves can be midwives."

I nodded, understanding the need for such a disguise. "I agree. It will help me to blend in and continue my work."

Mrs. Bennet smiled warmly. "welcome to our family, Rachel. We are fortunate to have you with us, please call me Elizabeth or Cousin Elizabeth." I smiled then walked over and helped Mrs. Bennet…Elizabeth to burp baby Rachel and then nurse took her into the dressing room to change her diaper and then brought her.

Just as Mrs. Bennet settled comfortably with baby Rachel, a knock echoed through the room, drawing our attention. Mr. Bennet called out, "Come in."

The door creaked open, and Thomas stepped inside, his eyes wide with curiosity and wonder. He seemed hesitant, as if unsure whether he was intruding or a sacred moment.

"Good morning, Thomas," Mr. Bennet greeted warmly. "Come, meet your sister."

Thomas approached slowly, his gaze fixed on the tiny bundle in his mother's arms. "She is beautiful," he whispered, a mix of awe and tenderness in his voice. "Hello, little Rachel."

Elizabeth smiled, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Thomas, meet your sister Rachel. She will need all the love and protection you can give her."

Thomas nodded solemnly, gently reaching out to touch the baby's hand. "I promise to take good care of her, Mother."

Mrs. Bennet laughed softly. "Would you like to hold her?"

Thomas nodded eagerly, and with great care he climbed onto the bed next to his mother, she guided his arms around Rachel. As he held his sister, Thomas's expression softened with tenderness.

"Thomas," Mr. Bennet began, drawing his son's attention. "We need to talk about Miss. Palmer."

Thomas glanced up; his eyes filled with curiosity. "Yes, Father?"

Mr. Bennet exchanged glances with me before continuing. "Mrs. Palmer has been a great help to us. She is going to stay with us for a time to make sure your mother and baby Rachel are well cared for."

Thomas's face lit up with excitement. "That's wonderful! Miss Palmer, you are staying with us?"

I smiled warmly. "Yes, Thomas. I'll be here to help your mother and baby Rachel."

"But," Mr. Bennet interjected, his tone becoming serious, "there is something important you need to understand. Miss. Palmer comes from a very different place and time. We must keep this a secret to protect her and ourselves."

Thomas's eyes widened in realization. "You mean…she really is from the future?"

Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Bennet exchanged a glance, their expression a mixture of concern and understanding. "Yes, Thomas," Mrs. Bennet said softly. "Miss. Palmer has come to us from a time far ahead of ours."

Thomas's looked at me with a mix of awe and wonder. "I Knew it! I prayed for someone to help mother, and here you are. Maybe God wanted you here for more than just saving her."

I felt a lump in my throat at Thomas's innocent faith. I knelt beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Your prayers are powerful, Thomas. And perhaps there is a greater purpose for my being here. But for now, we must keep this between us."

Thomas nodded solemnly, his young face taking on a look of determination. "I understand. I will keep your secret, Mrs. Palmer. I promise."

Mr. Bennet went on to outline to Thomas how they were going to introduce me to the outside world, as their long-lost cousin from America, on your mother's side. With that understanding I had asked Thomas to call me either Mrs. Rachel or Cousin Rachel.

He agreed, but then asked, "Am I to keep the secret from Henry too?"

Mr. Bennet answered, "I think it would be best if we do not bring it up but if something happens and he finds out we will address it."

"I think I understand, sir."

Mr. Bennet smiled, his pride evident. "Thank you, Thomas. Your understanding and discretion are crucial. Now, Thomas, Mr. Bennet said to change the subject, "You must write to your brother Henry at Eton. Inform him of the birth of his new sister, Rachel, and convey our joy and good health. You may also tell him about our cousin visiting from America."

Thomas nodded eagerly. "I will, Father. I will make sure to write a detailed letter today." With that Thomas handed baby Rachel back to Mrs. Bennet with great care, his eyes lingering on his sister. "I promise to be the best big brother," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

As Thomas left, Mr. Bennet said, "You have made quite an impression on my son," he said softly. "thank you for your patience and understanding."

"It's my pleasure," I replied. "Your family has shown me nothing but kindness. I only hope I can repay it in some way."

As I stood at Elizabeth's bedside, the full weight of my situation settled over me. I was happy to be accepted by the Bennet family, but the fear that my presence could somehow alter the course of their, and my, future lingered in the back of my mind. Nevertheless, I resolved to make the best of my situation and to do whatever I could to help them, while cautiously navigating the delicate balance of time.