Sorry for the delay, I don't know if everyone experienced it or just me for the last 3 days Fanfiction didn't seem to update for me, all comments and all stories stop on June 9, but this morning it looks like it was fixed. Thank you to all the reviews I read them quickly before work and will re-read them again to digest them, but since FF is working again at least for me I wanted to post the next chapter.
Chapter 15
Most of Rachel's and Lord John's courtship took place away from my eyes, as Elizabeth and Rachel were invited to Scotland, where his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, resided. Though I did receive some letters from them both keeping me updated with their progress.
Blairwood Hall
January 1, 17-
Dear Aunt Rachel,
I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. I wanted to share with you some recent events and my thoughts, as your advice and support have always meant so much to me.
After arriving in Scotland, I was quite nervous about meeting the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. The grandeur of their estate and the formality of the occasion made my heart race. For the first few days, I felt quite intimidated, worried that I might not live up to their expectations or fit into their world.
However, to my pleasant surprise, the Duke and Duchess were incredibly kind and welcoming. The Duchess, in particular, took me under her wing, introducing me to the various aspects of running an estate of their size and sharing stories of her own experiences as a young woman. The Duke, with his gentle demeanor and keen interest in my teaching work, made me feel respected and valued. Slowly but surely, I found myself warming up to them and feeling more at ease in their presence.
John has been wonderfully supportive throughout this time. He seems to understand my feelings without me having to voice them. His patience and encouragement have been a great comfort to me. We have spent many delightful hours together, walking through the beautiful Scottish countryside, discussing our hopes and dreams for the future. The more time I spend with him, the more certain I become that he is the one I want to share my life with.
I must admit, Aunt Rachel, that I am very happy with my courtship with John. He is thoughtful, caring, and deeply respectful of my passions and interests. The more I get to know him, the more I realize how lucky I am to have such a man interested in me.
Mother has been a wonderful support as well, providing me with guidance and friendship. She often reminds me of the strength and wisdom you have always shown, and I feel blessed to have such incredible women in my life.
I wanted to thank you for your constant support and for believing in me. Your words of encouragement have been a source of strength, especially during moments of doubt. I hope to see you soon and share more about my experiences here.
Please give my love to Thomas, Frances, and the rest of the family. I am looking forward to our next meeting and catching up on all the news from home.
With all my love,
Rachel Bennet
Blairwood Hall
January 2, 17-
Dear Rachel,
I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. Scotland has been a whirlwind of experiences, and I feel compelled to share them with my dearest friend. The beauty of this place is breathtaking, and the warmth we have received from the Duke and Duchess of Argyll has been beyond what I expected.
When we first arrived, Rachel was quite nervous about meeting John's parents. The grandeur of their estate and the formality of the occasion did intimidate her initially. However, I must say, she handled herself with grace and poise. The Duchess has taken a particular liking to Rachel, and it is heartwarming to see them bond over shared interests and experiences.
The Duke, too, has been nothing but kind and accommodating. He seems genuinely interested in Rachel's teaching work and often engages her in thoughtful conversations. It is clear to me that they see the same wonderful qualities in her that we have always known.
Now, onto the most exciting part, Rachel and John's courtship. John and Rachel have been spending a great deal of time together, and it is evident that their relationship is blossoming beautifully. They enjoy long walks in the countryside, deep conversations, and quiet moments that speak volumes of their growing affection for each other.
Between you and me, Rachel, I have a strong feeling that a proposal is imminent. The way John looks at her, the care he takes in ensuring she is comfortable and happy, all point to one conclusion. I think it won't be long before he asks for her hand. Rachel seems so content and sure of her feelings for him, and it is a joy to witness their love unfold.
I know how much Rachel means to you, and I wanted to keep you updated on her happiness. She speaks of you often and misses your guidance and support. I believe that when the time comes, Rachel will be over the moon, and we will have a wedding to plan!
I will write again soon with more updates. Please give my love to Thomas, Frances, and everyone else. I cannot wait to share all the details with you in person.
With all my love,
Elizabeth
Blairwood Hall
April 12, 17-
Dear Aunt Rachel,
I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. I have the most wonderful news to share with you, and I can hardly contain my excitement as I write this.
John has proposed, and I have accepted! We are officially engaged, and I could not be happier. His proposal was perfect, intimate, and sincere, just like him. It feels like a dream, and I am over the moon with joy.
There is something else I must share. Due to the health of the Duke, John wishes for our wedding to take place here in Scotland, so his father can attend. The Duke's condition has been stable, but John and I both agree that it would be best for his parents to be surrounded by family during this joyous occasion.
We have been making arrangements, and I sincerely hope you, Thomas, Frances, and Edward can join us here for the celebration. John and his family have graciously invited all of you to stay with us at the estate. It would mean the world to me to have you by my side as I begin this new chapter of my life.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon and hope that you will be able to make the journey. Your presence will make our day even more special.
With all my love and excitement,
Rachel Bennet
I found Thomas and Frances in the parlor, seated together on the sofa. The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on their faces as they looked up from their conversation.
"Have you read the letter from your sister yet?" I asked, taking a seat opposite them.
Thomas nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yes, we have. It's wonderful news."
Frances, however, seemed more reserved. She bit her lip, her eyes flickering nervously between Thomas and me.
"Frances, what's on your mind?" I asked gently, noticing her unease.
She took a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Mother, I... I think I might be increasing."
Thomas's eyes widened in delight. "Are you sure, darling?" he asked, taking her hand in his.
"I'm not entirely certain yet," she admitted, "but I've had some signs. I didn't want to say anything until I was more sure, but I felt it was time to share."
I asked Frances several questions, I told her that based on the information I could do an examination that would allow me to know, but I was pretty sure based on her answers that she already was, and informed them so with a wave of excitement. "Oh, Frances, that's wonderful news! I'm going to be a grandmother!"
Frances smiled, though her expression was tinged with apprehension. "There's something else, though. With the news of Rachel's engagement and the wedding in Scotland, I'm worried. If I am increasing, the journey back might be too close to my confinement."
Thomas's face grew serious, his protective instincts kicking in. "Your health and the baby's come first," he said firmly. "We can send our congratulations to Rachel and attend the wedding in spirit. I'm sure she'll understand."
I nodded in agreement. "Thomas is right. We can always visit Scotland another time, but your well-being is paramount."
Frances's eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you both. I was so worried about disappointing Rachel, but I know this is the best decision for our family."
"We'll write to Rachel and explain," Thomas said, squeezing Frances's hand. "And we'll plan a visit to Scotland when it's safe for you and the baby."
Frances sighed with relief, leaning into Thomas. "I just hope Rachel understands."
"She will," I assured her. "Rachel is family, and she knows how important this is. She'll be thrilled to hear your news, and she'll understand why you can't make the journey."
Blairwood Hall
September 10, 17-
Dear Rachel,
I trust this letter finds you well and in good spirits. I know you and Thomas are attending to dear Frances as she prepares for the arrival of her little one, and I send my love and best wishes to her during this joyous time. I wish you could have been here with us, but I understand the circumstances and look forward to reuniting soon.
I am writing to share the details of Rachel's wedding to Lord John Campbell, Marquess of Kintyre. It was a truly magnificent affair, and I hope my description does it justice.
The ceremony took place at the charming St. Mary's Church, a quaint yet elegant structure nestled in the picturesque Scottish countryside. The church, with its ancient stone walls and beautiful stained glass windows, provided a serene and reverent setting for the nuptials. The aisle was adorned with delicate white heather and wildflowers, adding a touch of natural beauty to the solemnity of the occasion.
Rachel looked radiant as she walked down the aisle, her gown a vision of lace and silk that seemed to float around her. Lord John stood at the altar, his eyes filled with adoration as he watched his bride approach. The ceremony itself was heartfelt and moving, officiated by the local vicar who spoke eloquently about love, commitment, and the bond that Rachel and John share.
Following the ceremony, we proceeded to Blairwood Hall for the wedding breakfast. The Hall is a grand manor, befitting the Campbell family's noble status. Its stately architecture and sprawling gardens provided a stunning backdrop for the celebration. The reception hall was decorated with an abundance of flowers and candles, casting a warm and inviting glow over the festivities.
The breakfast was a feast of Scottish delicacies and traditional dishes, with an array of meats, pastries, and fresh produce that delighted all the guests. The centerpiece was a magnificent wedding cake, a towering confection adorned with intricate sugar flowers and delicate icing.
The Duke of Argyll made a heartfelt speech, welcoming Rachel into the family, and John could hardly take his eyes off her the entire time. Lord John's family were gracious hosts, ensuring that every detail was perfect and that all the guests felt welcome and celebrated.
Throughout the event, Rachel and John were the picture of happiness, surrounded by friends and family who shared in their joy. It was a day filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories that we will all hold dear.
I must say that my daughter has truly found a wonderful match in Lord John. They complement each other beautifully, and I have every confidence that their union will be blessed with happiness and prosperity.
Please give my love to Frances and Thomas Everything will be fine, and soon we will all be together, celebrating the new addition to our family.
With all my love and affection,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth made it home just in time for Frances's confinement. I was there to assist Frances in giving birth, guiding her through each step of the process with the care and expertise of a seasoned midwife. The labor was long and arduous, but Frances's determination and strength saw her through.
As the final moments approached, Elizabeth stood by her daughter's side, wiping the sweat from Frances's brow and holding her hand tightly. Her presence provided Frances with a comforting reassurance, her soft words of encouragement filling the room with warmth.
Finally, with one last push, the baby arrived—a beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl with porcelain skin, the spitting image of her grandmother. Tears of joy and relief filled the room as the baby let out her first cry.
I gently placed the newborn in Frances's arms, and she looked down at her daughter with a mixture of awe and love. Elizabeth leaned in, her eyes shimmering with tears as she gazed at her granddaughter.
"We did it, I could not have done it without my Mothers," Frances whispered, her voice filled with emotion.
Thomas was called in. Thomas stood by Frances's side, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and tenderness as he looked down at his newborn daughter. He had been there for every moment of the labor, holding Frances's hand and offering quiet words of encouragement. Now, as he saw his daughter for the first time, he was overcome with emotion.
Frances, still lying back from the exertion of childbirth, looked up at Thomas and smiled. "Would you like to hold her?" she asked softly, her voice tired but filled with love.
Thomas nodded, carefully taking the tiny, swaddled bundle from Frances's arms. As he cradled his daughter, his hands surprisingly gentle for such a strong man, his eyes filled with tears.
"She's perfect," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Absolutely perfect."
Frances looked up at me with a hesitant smile. "Mother," she began, "I hope you won't be offended, but I'd like to name her after my biological mother, Jane. She looks so much like her."
I felt a lump in my throat as I took in the sight of the tiny baby in Frances's arms. "It is as it should be," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "Your mother would be honored, and so am I."
Tears filled Frances's eyes as she nodded. "Thank you," she whispered. She then looked at her daughter and softly said, "Welcome to the world, Jane. You are so loved."
Thomas then bent down and kissed Jane's forehead, his tears falling softly onto her blanket.
"Jane," he said, his voice filled with love and reverence. "Welcome to the world, my sweet girl. We love you so much."
Frances watched him with a serene smile, the exhaustion of childbirth mingling with the joy of seeing her husband and daughter together for the first time. Elizabeth squeezed Frances's hand, her own eyes brimming with tears as she witnessed the tender moment between father and daughter.
Thomas looked up, meeting my eyes with a look of gratitude and happiness. "Thank you," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for everything."
I nodded, my heart swelling with pride and love for my stepson and his new family. "You are going to be a wonderful father, Thomas," I said. "Jane is lucky to have you."
As the family continued to gather around, offering their congratulations and love, the room was filled with a sense of peace and joy. Little Jane, named after her grandmother, was a symbol of hope and the enduring strength of family ties.
Frances looked up at Thomas, her eyes shining with tears. "I love you," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Thomas leaned down, kissing her gently. "And I love you," he replied. "Thank you for our beautiful daughter."
As everyone shared in this precious moment, the bond between us all felt stronger than ever. Little Jane, named after her grandmother, was a symbol of love, continuity, and the enduring strength of family.