I posted chapter 3 for a few hours but then saw major mistakes and took it down to re-write it, I suggest re-reading it or reading it for the first time before reading this chapter. Again constructive advice always welcomed, since this is non beta. I probably wont post again til Friday.

Chapter 4

Three years had passed since I first found myself at Longborn. The house and its people had become my home, and I had settled into a life that, while challenging, brought a sense of fulfillment and belonging. The local midwife, whose illness had precipitated my sudden integration into this world, had eventually succumbed to her ailment. With her passing, I took on the responsibility of the caring for the village and the surrounding estates, applying my modern knowledge to the best of my ability within the constraints of the eighteenth century.

Today, however, was a day with mixed emotions. Standing by the carriage, I watch as Thomas prepared to leave for Eton and Henry for Oxford. Their departure marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, both for them and me. William Lucas, Thomas's best friend, was also there to wish them farewell. Despite his limited educational opportunities.

I noticed William glance in my direction, a curious look in his eye. "Mrs. Rachel, did you go to a parish school too?"

His question caught me off guard, and I smiled softly. "Not exactly, Master William. My education was a bit…different."

Thomas chuckled, sensing my hesitation. "Mrs. Rachel is a mystery, William. She knows things that none of us do."

This brought a smirk from his parents and myself, but I changed the subject, "I will miss you boys and I expect letters from both of you not just greetings you put in the letters to your parents."

Mr. Bennet stepped forward, placing a hand on each boy's shoulder. "remember, boys, your education is a privilege. Study hard, be honorable, and make us proud. And remember, yes as Mrs. Palmer said remember to write home regularly."

"Yes, father," Thomas and Henry chorused, their faces solemn with the weight of his words.

Elizabeth stepped forward, her eyes bright with unshed tears. She embraced each of her sons tightly, and kissed them on the check, "be safe, my dears. We will miss you every day."

As she hugged Thomas, little Rachel toddled up and grabbed his leg. "I want to go too, Thomas!" she demanded, her small face scrunched up with determination.

Thomas knelt down to her level, gently prying her fingers from his leg. "Not this time, Rachel. But I'll come back and tell you all about my adventures."

Rachel's lip quivers, and Elizabeth and I knelt beside her. "Rachel, darling," Elizabeth said softly, brushing a stray curl from her daughter's forehead, "Thomas and Henry are going to school to learn many things. But you need to stay here with us. We will have our own adventures, I promise."

I nodded, adding, "We will take care of the garden and the animals together. And you can help me with my work. We will have so much fun."

Rachel sniffled, her tears abating slightly. "Okay, Mama. Okay, Mrs. Me."

That was something Rachel had started doing when she was told she was named after me, she insisted I was named after her, so now she calls me, Mrs. me.

Thomas and Hery gave their final goodbyes, and the carriage pulled away. We watched until it disappeared from view, a sense of pride and bittersweet longing filled our hearts.

Turning back to the house, I saw Elizabeth waiting for me. She smiled, her eyes reflecting the same mixture of emotions I felt. "They will do well," she said softly, slipping her arm through mine.

"Yes, they will," I agreed, drawing strength from her presence. Together, we walked back to the house. As we walked inside, I took a moment to reflect on the past three years. Life at Longborn had been a series of ups and downs, each event shaping my experience and strengthening my bonds with the family.

One of the most devastating moments had been the loss of a mother and child during childbirth. Despite my knowledge and the limited equipment, I had managed to bring with me, I had been unable to save them. The grief and guilt I felt were overwhelming, and it was Elizabeth who helped me through the dark time. Her compassion and understanding were a lifeline, reminding me that even in the face of tragedy, there was still hope and purpose in my work.

I recalled Elizabeth's words to me at the time. "Rachel, you have saved so many, including my Rachel and me," she reminded me gently. Her words had been a balm to my guilt-ridden soul, but the weight of the loss never truly left me.

Another repercussion of that tragic event were far-reaching. The mother had been a tenant on Netherfield Park's land, and it was through this connection that the Countess of Lichfield discovered my secret. Lady Rebecca Lee had been kind and surprisingly accepting of my origins. She promised to keep my secret, understanding that my presence and knowledge, while unconventional, had the potential to bring much good in the community.

The next few days passed in a blur of routine and reflection. I continue my duties as the village midwife, attending to the needs of the community with a renewed sense of purpose. The loss I had experienced early on had taught me a valuable lesson, and each successful delivery reinforced my commitment to the work I was doing. I also felt it necessary to expand my help by assisting the local apothecary with natural remedies, combining my modern knowledge with the traditional practices.

One evening, Elizabeth and I took a leisurely stroll in the garden. The air was cool, and the scent of the blooming flowers filled the air. "Rachel, there is something I have been meaning to ask you," she said, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Yes, Elizabeth? I replied, curious about the sudden seriousness in her tone.

"Have you ever thought about what you would do if you found a way to return to your own time?" she asked, her gaze steady and searching.

I paused, considering her question. "Yes, I have thought about it. As much as I would miss all of you, part of me still longs to return to my own time. But I also know that my place is here now, with you and the people who need me."

Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "We are grateful for your presence, Rachel. You have become an indispensable part of our lives."

"Thank you, Elizabeth," I said, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for her acceptance and support. "That means more to me than you can imagine."

As we continued our walk, I reflected on how much had changed since my arrival at Longborn. The connections I had forged and the challenges I had overcome had transformed me in ways I had never expected. While the future remained uncertain, I knew that I was where I was meant to be, making a difference in the lives of those around me.

A few days later, I found myself in the kitchen chatting with Sarah as she was doing the ironing. I could not resist teasing her about the butler, Mr. Hill, who had been the object of her affection for some time. "Sarah," I said with a playful grin, "I noticed Mr. Hill has been spending quite a bit of time around kitchen lately. Do you think he might be trying to catch your eye?"

Sarah Blushed, her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson. "Oh, Mrs. Rachel, you know it's not like that. He's just doing his duties."

"Are you sure?" I teased, raising an eyebrow. "Because I think he might be considering offering for you."

"Mrs. Rachel!" she exclaimed, her embarrassment turning to laughter. "You are terrible! And if you don't quit it, I just might have to style your hair unbecoming. Though…I suppose…it wouldn't be so bad, would it?"

I smiled warmly at her. "No, it wouldn't be bad at all. In fact, I think you tow would make a lovely couple."

Just then, Mr. Hill entered the kitchen, and I couldn't resist one last tease. "Mr. Hill, have you ever thought about settling down?"

He looked taken aback for a moment but then recovered, his eyes twinkling with humor. Well, Mrs. Palmer, if the right lady were to come along, I might consider it."

Sarah and I shared a knowing look, and I left them to their conversation, feeling a sense of satisfaction at having brought a bit of joy to their day.

My satisfaction was short-lived, however, as Elizabeth came to me with troubling news. "Rachel, I have discovered that Jane Gardiner is increasing," she said, her brow furrowed with concern. "but she refuses to use you as her midwife. She insists on having a doctor from Longdon attend her."

I frowned, knowing exactly who she was referring to. "The one famous for using bloodletting for morning sickness, and forceps to help the birth along."

Elizabeth nodded. "yes, and I know how dangerous those methods can be. Please, Rachel, try to talk to her. Convince her to let you help."

I nodded; determination filled me. "I'll do my best."

When I visited Mrs. Gardiner, I found her as resolute as Elizabeth had warned. "I want a real London doctor," she insisted, her tone haughty. "Not some American midwife."

"Mrs. Gardiner, I beg you to reconsider," I pleaded. "The doctor you're referring to uses methods that can be very dangerous, both to you and your baby. Please, let me help you."

But she dismissed my concerns with a wave of her hand. "He has been trained in the latest techniques; you know nothing of proper medical care. Leave me."

Despite my efforts, Mrs. Gardiner went ahead with her plans. Tragically, both she and her unborn son, Edward, did not survive the ordeal. The loss was a heavy blow, not just to her family but to the entire community.

As I stood by the grave, I felt a gnawing fear for my own future. Edward Gardiner was supposed to grow up and play a significant role in my family's history. His death could have unforeseen consequences for my own existence.

Desperate for answers and haunted by the implications of my presence here, I turned to my Kindle. The device was dead, but I remember that it worked when charged atop Oak Mount. Determined and filled with trepidation, I set off for the hill, clutching the solar charger and the Kindle.

Reaching the summit, I set up the charger, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and dread. As the screen flickered to life, I scrolled through the historical records searching for any sign of Edward Gardiner's legacy. My hands trembled as I navigated through the entries, praying that the timeline had not been irreparably altered.