Hello lovely readers,
Though life is busy right now I am loving writing this new era of the story! There have been some big changes in this chapter and I am very eager to hear what you all think. Thank you, so much, for the continued love.
All the very best, xoxo
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The Rochester's carriage slowed along the Eshton's drive until it came to a full stop in front of the somewhat imposing main steps of the house. The children were all buzzing with perhaps a little too much excitement at the prospect of seeing their friends, so Jane took the opportunity to speak to them as Edward stepped out of the carriage.
"Now, please be on your best behaviour. Remember your manners".
"Yes mother" they replied, and Jane smiled at them as Mr Eshton, Anne, Matilda, and Margret walked out of the front door to greet their friends. Edward helped his wife out first, and then Adele, before he lifted his younger children out one by one. Henry, James, and Emmy climbed the steps towards the Eshton's while Edward hoisted Peter into his arms. When they reached the top, the two men embraced as well as the two women, Anne pulling Adele into a similarly affectionate hug once she had let go of Jane.
Eshton admittedly was much changed in the time which had passed since his daughters were born. Though only 40, the majority of the hair on his head had turned a dark silver, matching his grey eyes, and had receded significantly from where it once sat on his forehead. The curls he had sported had also relaxed into not much more than waves which were thinning, especially on the sides. He had also grown larger around his middle, his waistcoats a little tighter than what must have been comfortable. But in spite of all this, his fundamental goodness made these changes endearing. In fact, Jane thought the extra roundness around his middle rather suited him, especially as he did not seem to mind them. And then, his face contained all of the same youthfulness it always did, and this had always been his most appealing feature.
Anne had aged in a much more flattering way as only a woman as beautiful as she could. At thirty she was well kept, partially because of how much effort she put into her appearance on a daily basis. If Jane was not aware of this fact for herself, however, it would have been difficult to tell, for she only ever appeared effortlessly. She had lost some of the youthful innocence of her face, but not the beauty. What had changed was her style and the way she fashioned herself. At one time she had worn her hair down, often elaborately braided or pinned in the way princess' styled their hair in fairytale books, but these days she preferred something more simple and elegant. Her dresses had also simplified, though what she did wear was no doubt the most beautiful clothing Jane had ever seen. She evidently valued fashion, and this was a value she had passed on to her children.
Matilda and Margret, born a year and a half apart, were two of the prettiest little girls Jane had ever seen. Closer to twins than sisters, they were always dressed and styled in the exact same way. They had blonde ringlets and bright blue eyes with long, thick lashes curtaining them. Their beauty, as impossible as it was to contest, was something the little girls recognised all too well, mostly because their mother wanted them to know how important it would be to them one day. Matilda and Margret would have suitors- as many suitors as either could want, and their beauty combined with their fortune would make their choice of husband an easy one.
After one particular night spent with the Eshton's about a year before, the first night that the Rochester's had overheard Margret showing Emmy her hair and pronouncing it the prettiest hair a little girl could have, Jane and Edward had discussed the matter amongst themselves over their nightly tea.
. . .
"Does it upset you that Anne is so proud of her girl's looks?"
"No" Jane had answered honestly, "It's not her pride. It is the pride she is instilling in Matilda and Margret. I just do not agree, though I have no right to an opinion on the matter"
"And yet, Emmy hears these things. By extension, perhaps she will one day fear she is not pretty enough. I know that matters to you"
"Well, I would like to hope that our daughter will have more sense in valuing the things which are far more important than her appearance. I hope that her intelligence, and kind heart, and good sense will matter to her far more"
"With you as her model, I have no doubt they will" Edward assured her, "But she is young, and it is far easier to recognise her hair is not the same as a friend's then it is to understand that a person's character must always be superior to their appearance"
Jane chuckled as she sipped her tea.
"No, of course. But as she grows and begins asking questions I would like to think that our conversations will be enough to set any doubts she has to right"
Edward softened, his dawning look of understanding difficult to describe.
"You have such a certainty about you, Jane. One word from you and I fear the whole world would be unable to disagree".
"Does that mean you presently disagree with me but cannot say?"
"No" he smiled, "I only mean that you have always been so sure of yourself because what you believe has always been divorced from what you should believe, and it gives such validity to all you say and do".
"I believe you give me too much credit"
"I do not" Edward contested seriously, "As my wife, as my life partner, and as the mother of my children, I do not know what I would do without your council".
At this, craving his closeness, she laid down her cup and stood so that she could move into his embrace. As she settled into his arms, he reached for her tea and handed it to her again so that she could clasp it appreciatively in her cold hands.
"I can be sure of myself because I am able to trust myself, and that is in part because of all the opportunities you have afforded me in being able to exercise my own judgement, including when I was forced to leave you."
She paused, and in the silence she knew her husband must have been both intrigued and pained by the sentiment. She was grateful that she did not need to look upon his face and that instead she could gaze out of the window as she collected her thoughts. Eventually she continued, her voice grave with the memory of their separation.
"Had I not been forced to make such a decision, such a monumentally painful and incomprehensible decision, I never would have thought myself capable of such strength. I am not quite sure how to put it into words, but I knew that if I was able to leave you then I could always manage to do what I felt was right, no matter how difficult".
Edward could not resist the desire to pull his wife closer to him.
"That is what I want for our daughter. I want her to foster care for what is right over what is easy, engage with what is important over what is fleeting, because they will make Emmy more fulfilled than any money, beauty, or marriage ever could".
"Yes" her husband agreed wholeheartedly, "I know it has made me so"
"But what say you to our sons?" Jane asked, wrapping his arms a little closer around her, watching the rain run down the hazy panes of glass before her.
"Admittedly, raising sons is different" Edward began, "They will have practically every door in the world opened to them because of their sex, and because they will have the money to enter any circle of acquaintances they wish to know. For Emmy it will be different because the world will see her differently. Still, I will not raise shallow sons. I want them to be principled, and just, and have more character than I ever did at their age. It is too easy for men to exchange their virtues for experience and their character for adventure. Our boys will be better than that".
"And how can you be so sure?"
"Because I never had a male in my life to look to for guidance. If I had, and if I respected him, I would have craved his approval above all else. Besides, even those who claim to love the lifestyle of moving between different cities, and different people, and different beds, feel an emptiness at the end of the day that no amount of activity can fill. If one does not approve of themselves, then there is no peace of mind. When they are old enough, I will tell the boys why I know such for myself".
. . .
"Emmy, do you want to play with our dolls?" Matilda asked, hands grasped behind her back, "My Aunt brought us a new one last week"
"Can I mommy?" she asked, turning back to look at Jane.
"Yes, of course darling. Have fun".
The girls ran off inside the house while Anne turned on Henry and James,
"Daniel and Arthur are not here yet, boys, but you can go up into the nursery. I am sure they will be here soon".
"The Roberts or the Clarke's aren't here yet, then?" Edward asked, laying Peter on the ground so that Henry could take him by the hand.
"No, they're not"
"And I thought we were late"
Eshton clapped his friend on the back,
"All is well, Rochester. As it is we were a little late getting ready ourselves today. One of the maids ran off last night with one of the blacksmith apprentices in town. It has thrown the house into complete disarray".
Anne looked at Jane and Adele, rolling her eyes.
"I advised her not to become involved with the young man but love is love, I suppose. She could not be talked out of it. I assume you could not be persuaded to do something so foolish, Adele?".
"Not with father to answer to"
Edward grinned as they entered the Eshton's main foyer, a space made no less imposing and impressive by all the time which had been spent in it over the years. Walking down the large main corridor so that they could round the corner into the formal sitting room, they found Diana and Captain Franklin conversing over their tea. When the Rochester's entered, they stood in greeting.
"Rochester, you look well" the Captain smiled, shaking his hand firmly. Jane pulled her cousin into a close hug, rubbing her back affectionately.
Diana and the Captain were perhaps the least changed of the entire group, most likely because they never had children to age them as the others did. Both were remarkably unchanged, in fact- in the physical sense, at least. Their attitudes, on the other hand, were rather different. Diana dressed and acted a little older then other women of her age normally would have, and one could only guess that it was because the weight of not having a child had taken a toll on her over time. It was true that she had grown less disappointed in her daily life, but a dull maternal pang still pulled at the back of her thoughts. Most significantly, it had put a strain on the marriage between her and her husband.
They had never known the full extent of the story, for Diana had been reluctant to talk about the incident once it had passed, but some three years previously the Captain left unexpectantly on a sailing trip for several months without announcing his departure to anyone, including his wife. He had left after Diana believed she was pregnant and, in learning that she was not, slipped into a depression for several months. Frustrated and unable to understand why they could not be happy without a child, the Captain had left in the middle of the night in order to have some space, but in reality, he left behind a devastated and grieving wife. At the time, everyone had been shocked to learn that he was gone, though as Edward and Eshton very likely would have convinced him to stay, and Diana was so ashamed, it was easy to understand why it had been kept so quiet. Eventually, however, the Captain returned, and Jane had been as surprised as anyone else to learn that the time apart had in fact seemed to improve their marriage. Diana was more than eager to have him back, and he had made repeated apologies to both his wife and his friends. Still, Jane had struggled more than the others to accept what he had done.
The first night the Rochester's had returned home from visiting the reunited Franklins Jane had entered her husband's study feeling somewhat distressed from their visit.
"Jane, sweetheart" Edward had reassured her, "It is not your marriage. It is not your life. If Diana is willing to move forward then you must be a support to her. She is happier than I have ever known her to be with her husband back".
"I know, I know. And I am happy for her, truly. But I cannot get it out of my mind that the Captain just left her, knowing how unhappy she was. It does not seem right".
"You know", he began, opening his arms so that he could hold his wife, "Some couples do benefit from time apart. Sometimes, space is what is required for people to be able to see more clearly what they did not see before. In the Franklin's case, things were so emotionally wrought before he left. Perhaps they needed to be away from each other to see just how much they needed one another"
Jane was considering his words, and agreeing with them, before her mind was pulled in a different and more distressing direction.
"Do you think he left to be with other women?"
For a moment it looked as if Edward was going to answer quickly, but he stopped and instead pulled his lips together, considering.
"It is a possibility, I suppose. But it is also a very real possibility that he simply felt overwhelmed and wanted time away from everyone, perhaps even himself. I could not say".
Jane rubbed her fingers over her husband's knuckles.
"Well I know it would be wrong to treat him differently based on speculation alone, and I am fond of the Captain. Most importantly I do not wish for there to be any animosity between us, even though I disagree with his leaving. As you say, Diana is happy now but that will not last if she suspects I have not forgiven the Captain as she has".
"Exactly. And besides, you have that rather remarkable quality where all of your acquaintances open up to you regarding the very darkest secrets of their souls. Surely if anything did happen you would be the first one to know".
Though Edward's words were meant in jest, they were not entirely wrong. Some several months after that conversation, the Captain did open up to Jane about his time away in Paris- how he had regretted his decision from almost the moment he left, but he felt that since he had already committed an inexcusable act against his wife in departing so abruptly, he should take the time away to reflect on his own behaviour.
"She had given up, Jane" he said lowly, glancing at his smiling wife across the room who was talking to Edward and Anne, "Though it may seem now as if that never could have been the case at the time she would barely open her mouth, scarcely ate anything, and did not move from her bed or the chair most days. She is a rather changed woman now".
"But did you not worry that your departure would make things worse? That leaving would exacerbate all of what she was already feeling?"
"Everything was so bad at that point I could not imagine how it could become any worse. I did not know what else to do. You know me. You know that I had accepted that we would likely never have children of our own. I could accept that but she could not. I did not know what else to do".
Jane saw shame and guilt in the face of the man before her, so she took his hands and looked at him with all the understanding she felt. From the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Diana glancing over in their direction.
"Captain, you need not prove how sorry you are to me. I know mistakes were made, but lessons were also learned. That is what matters most. We are family and I am glad you are home. I missed you while you were away, you know".
He smiled,
"You were ever gracious, Jane. Of course I missed that quality in you while I was gone. The social life in Paris is nothing compared to our small group of acquaintances here".
And so, with time, things returned to the way they had always been, with slightly more understanding between everyone involved. The Captain had worked hard to gain back not only his wife's trust, but the trust of all his friends, and his efforts had not been in vain. His leaving had certainly been a mistake, and not a small one, but it had led to a renewed sense of hope for his and Diana's marriage which had secured them happiness for the past few years.
. . .
"And how are you, Adele?" the Captain asked in the present, bowing to her in what was an overly formal but playful gesture.
"Well enough, thank you"
"And how do your paintings come along?"
"I fear I am never quite satisfied with them, but I am enjoying the process of learning to paint immensely".
"That is what your mother once said to me" Edward said, "And if you are half as stubborn as she is you will never be satisfied. Might as well give the whole thing up".
Jane narrowed her eyes at her husband and he grinned at her.
"Well enjoying yourself is all that matters, anyways" the Captain reassured, "How many of us can be DaVincis or Rembrandts in our lifetime anyways?"
Diana shook her head.
"Adele, ignore him. You can be whatever you like. The Captain does not know whether or not you have the talent or skill to be a world-famous painter one day"
"And what if I have neither?"
The group laughed as they took their seats, Jane settling herself beside Edward on the couch.
"Oh Jane, Diana" Anne said, turning and seeing them already situated beside their husbands, "I was going to recommend the ladies stepping into the smaller sitting room for tea. You too, of course, Adele"
"Why do we not wait for Mary and Emma?" Diana offered, "I am sure they will not be long"
"Yes, that is good thinking".
"I hope, Ms Eshton, you are not trying to steal my wife away from me already" Edward said, putting his arm protectively but playfully around Jane who rolled her eyes.c
"Oh I am. I am much deprived of all my dear friends' company at the hands of their husbands and children and it is not fair. Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly, looking out of the window, "That will be the Roberts' carriage I suspect. Come, dear"
Mr Eshton groaned as he reluctantly rose from the chair he had just sat in, walking slowly towards the door where Anne waited for him. As soon as he reached her side she turned and bustled towards the front door, leaving the room in silence.
"And how is little Peter doing?" Diana asked the Rochester's conversationally, "Is he feeling better from last week?"
"Oh yes" Jane assured her, "Much better. He was slightly feverish the following morning but by the night he was better again. Thank goodness it was nothing worse".
"And none of the other children contracted anything?"
"No, thank goodness".
Adele nodded in agreement.
"I remember once when we were young, St John contracted a horrible illness at school and when he brought it home it swept through the entire house. Mother did not know what to do with us. She was at her wit's end for weeks, for when one child would recover, the next would take ill. It was an absolute nightmare"
"And how is your brother?" Edward asked, "Have you heard from him recently?"
"I would not know any more than you since the last letter arrived some months ago now".
Jane smiled at her cousin.
"I suppose we would be foolish to expect anything different. After all, if St John committed some capital error, or even lay dying, I am not sure he would not think it pertinent to inform us".
Diana chuckled sadly at her cousin's assessment,
"You are not wrong, Jane. I wish he would think to take a trip back to England. Then, perhaps, he could be convinced to stay".
"I am not sure anything could convince St John to return now that he is serving his God so fully. Anything less than that would be simply unacceptable to him".
"Well all I know is that I would like to meet him" Captain Franklin said, finishing off his glass of amber liquid with one swig. "He seems like a fascinating fellow. Besides, I would like to meet the only man on the earth capable of making Fairfax Rochester jealous".
Edward grinned,
"I've heard it said that a happy man is always a jealous one".
"I hope you have not" Jane interjected, but the group only laughed as Father Roberts and Mary stepped into the room, their two children clinging close to their side. Mary smiled in greeting but her husband looked rather cross- advancing into the room as the children hovered next to their mother.
"Apologies for our lateness"
"Not at all. I fear everyone was late today" Eshton assured, but Roberts did not let it go.
"We were not late in leaving our house but the roads were such a mess between the parsonage and here it was impossible to make any headway within a reasonable amount of time. It was nothing but mud on both sides"
"Mother" Daniel said lowly to Mary, putting his hands behind his back and stepping closer to her, "Mother, may I go and play with my cousins?"
"Yes" she said, "Go on. Have fun. You too Ruth".
But by the time she turned her brother was already gone. She started to wander back towards the door, but Jane caught her attention.
"Will you not say hello to your aunt first, Ruth?"
The little girl turned and ran over to jump into Jane's lap for a hug. Across the room, her father accepted a drink from Mr Eshton and her mother sat beside her sister.
"How are you? I have not seen you in a while"
"I'm good" she said in her small, high voice, pushing her fingers together absently.
"Hello there Ruth" Edward said, and she twisted to look up at him,
"Hi uncle. Is Emmy here?"
"Of course she is. She is in the nursery with the others. I think she is excited to see you"
Ruth grinned, and Jane helped her slide from her lap onto the floor. Turning back towards the others, still smiling at the sight of little Ruth being led away by the hand by one of the nannies, Jane saw that Roberts was watching her. They exchanged greetings, and when he and Edward began talking of some event which had happened in the church the previous week, Jane was free to reflect undisturbed for a few moments.
. . .
Father Roberts and Mary's union had hardly been a surprising one to onlookers. The story of an older, widowed man and a spinster who had never married was not a unique one, yet it had been a surprise for their small group of friends. Jane and Diana had, of course, suspected years before that there may have been something romantic between them but they did not want to become involved, not after what had happened with Father Andrews. Because of this they had never mentioned their suspicions to Mary, and she had never let on that there was anything more to her feelings towards the priest than respect and friendship. And then, one night, Father Roberts had appeared at the Rochester's home looking to speak to Edward, and though it had been assumed it would be a social visit, it had turned out to be something entirely different.
"I will not waste your time, Rochester" Father Roberts had said, sitting in front of his friends' desk rather than in front of the fire where Edward was about to make himself comfortable.
"Are we about to conduct some business?" he joked, but Roberts's face was set and Edward's fell out of it's smile.
"I do hope so"
Brow furrowed, Edward advanced slowly and sat behind his desk.
"What is all this about, Roberts?"
"As I said, I will not waste your time. I would like to ask your permission to wed Mary Rivers seeing as her brother is not here to ask".
For a moment all that could be heard was the sound of the crackling fire, one log rolling and hitting the grate.
"You wish to marry Ms Rivers?"
"Yes, I would".
Edward stared at him another long moment before leaning back in his chair.
"You must forgive me but I am rather surprised. I had no idea that you had any intentions set on Ms Rivers"
"I have not shared my intentions with anyone, not even the lady herself, for I have been taking the time to consider if proposing marriage would be the most responsible choice to make. In truth, I had to consider if I even wanted to marry again. After serious deliberation, however, I have made what I know is the right decision. I respect Ms Rivers, I admire her heart for service, and I believe we would make a suitable match. Though, I humble myself before you in admitting that I do not have much in the way of money. Almost any other suitor would have more to offer than I. But as you know I have the Parsonage, and there is enough room there to make it a comfortable home for a small family. She would certainly want for nothing".
"I hardly think, Roberts, that Mary would have any objection to your fortune, nor the Parsonage as her home. I think more of your compatibility as a couple"
"Yes, another subject I have given much thought to"
Edward paused before continuing, wanting to proceed with sensitivity.
"Roberts, I hope you know that as your friend I must be nothing short of honest with you".
"I ask for nothing but your honesty, Rochester"
"Then I will tell you what is on my mind- though I have no reason to suspect you have not already considered these things for yourself. Firstly, I want to remind you of Mary being the mother of Daniel. People in this community know that he was born out of wedlock, even though the horrific situation in which his conception occurred means nothing to them. Though Mary was offered a proposal from Father Andrews with this in mind, he ultimately could not handle the judgement he would have faced for having made such a choice and it nearly devastated Mary. I could not watch such happen again. If you have any reservations regarding her or her child, if you fear the judgement of those in the community, for there will be judgement, then I ask you to speak of this subject no more and pretend this idea never occurred to you".
"I have given this particular point much thought, and I am willing to accept whatever judgement befalls us if Mary does indeed accept my proposal. I am too old to care of such trivial things now. Providing a home to her and her son means more to me than what my congregation may think of me"
"And yet, Mary and Daniel shall want for nothing in this life whether or not you marry her. The Captain and myself would never allow for that, let alone our wives. She is not in need of your saving, and so if pity is the reason for your offer of marriage I beg you again to think no more on this subject".
He shook his head,
"I wish to provide a home for them because I care for Ms Rivers, and I want to see her cared for. She is provided for at present, but she deserves the protection of a man and her son deserves a man in his life to set an example for him".
"I agree. I do not wish Mary to be alone for the rest of her life, especially as she is so young. But she is young, Roberts. She is not yet five and twenty. There is so much about life she does not know whereas you are a man close to his fifties. You have lived a life. You have had a family, and lost a family, and have carried that weight for more years than she has been alive. Is this really the kind of relationship you want? Is it the kind which will bring you fulfillment?"
He paused thoughtfully.
"I know there is a significant difference in our age, but I believe that is exactly what may allow this marriage to work. In truth, I do not want a wife who has all of the baggage life often gives to people. I do not want a wife who has suffered as I have. I want to give her a life, not heal her from a tragic one like mine".
"Instead you're asking her to heal you?"
As soon as the words left Edward's mouth, Father Roberts looked guilty, as if he had been caught in some criminal act. He opened his mouth to reply, but his friend spoke first, his voice low and full of honesty.
"I understand the temptation, Roberts. But it is a false one, and an unfair one. No one can save you from yourself, nor your past. Mary will never be enough to do that, and it is not enough to base a union on. I can promise you that innocence does not equate refreshment. If you want to heal, if you want the pain of your past to end, then Mary will need to be your confidant, not your saviour. Besides, it will break her heart that she could not fix you. Do not fall into the trap of believing that a marriage to a young woman unacquainted with the world will make you whole again. That job rests with you alone".
There was nothing but silence between the two men for a long time. Worried that he had embarrassed his friend, or spoke to something he was not quite ready to admit, Edward continued.
"You know that as a man and as a friend I find no fault in recommending you as a husband. You are fair, upright, and moral. You are hardworking, dedicated to your line of work, and follow through on all you say you will do. But you have also been dealt an unfair hand in life and deserve happiness as much as Ms Rivers does. I have expressed my concerns, and I know that you will take what I have said to heart. With all this in mind, if this is what will make you happy, and you believe you can make Ms Rivers happy, then you have my full blessing".
Nearly a month passed after that conversation before Father Roberts finally asked Mary to marry him. During that time, Jane had time to observe the potential couple together and to assess their compatibility. Admittedly, Edward had been right. In terms of character they were perfectly suited for one another. Mary was quiet and reserved but eager to obey and serve. Enthusiastic and bright, dedicated to her responsibilities as a mother, she would no doubt be a cheerful addition to his quiet and sombre home. Father Roberts on the other hand was a natural leader, upright and moralistic, and authoritative and immoveable once he had made up his mind. To others, this would have been an intimidating quality, but Mary required guidance and reassurance after all she had been though- and as Father Roberts was generally a very good man, Jane did not fear he would abuse the dynamic between them.
And so, when he did eventually ask for her hand, Mary's answer had been an easy one to give. She had accepted him, and it was not long after that they married in Father Roberts' small church with only their closest friends present as witnesses. From then on, their life became a quiet and settled one in the parsonage. Though there were initially murmurs about the union, the community was so fond of Father Roberts that all grievances were soon forgotten. Mary also gained credibility and favour in the neighbourhood in being the wife to their priest, hosting parishioners to their home whenever they came for ministry and watching the children of the community whenever she was asked to. More than anything else, though, Jane knew that her cousin enjoyed being married to a man she could trust, and serve, and obey.
And then, in quieter moments, Jane sometimes speculated on the nature of their marriage. There was never anything spoken aloud, positive or negative, to indicate the state of their relationship. They never showed affection outwardly, nor did they ever challenge each other in front of their friends. To onlookers, things remained consistent. Mary never confided anything of their relationship to her friends, though Jane always had the impression that she would have liked to if she felt that she was able to. The only private thing she ever mentioned was that Father Roberts was eager for them to have their own child, and to give Daniel a sibling.
Relying on what actions could be observed, then, Jane had always assumed that Father Roberts ran a tight, though not unaffectionate, household. His children were very well disciplined, though they were reluctant to act of their own accord, checking everything with their parents before doing it, even if it was as simple as changing their clothes or asking for a snack. In spite of this, it was evident they loved their parents. And then there was Mary who automatically obeyed to her husband the minute he suggested something, always leaving a gathering when he said, always doing what he wished, always being what he needed her to be. At first, Jane had been slightly taken aback by this level of obedience, but over time, in seeing Mary's happiness, she accepted it as a dynamic which although would not have worked for herself, worked very well for her cousin. In her final estimation, Jane thought that their love must have been slow-burning at first, amounting to more overtime as most marriages did. And whatever the truest nature of it was, they were both happy, as were their children, and so all was well.
. . .
As the afternoon progressed, the party split off to partake in their different planned activities. The men went off riding and shooting in the nearby forest while the women talked over tea. When the trays were eventually cleared away, however, and the men had not yet returned, Diana recommended that they travel out into the gardens to admire the work which had been completed since last they were all there.
The heavily manicured style of the perfectly trimmed hedges, clipped trees, and exclusively pink flowers grown in tight, clean rows was not quite to Jane's taste, but it was clearly the work of much-talented artistry. It was a stark contrast to her garden which was left maintained but slightly overgrown, yet there was something very impressive about the Franklin's garden which could not be denied by any discerning eye. Most importantly, however, Diana was proud of it, and took pleasure in showing off all the small details she had overseen.
The women talked in separate groups as they moved down the long gravel path which divided the garden on both sides of them into two equal parts. Diana, Mary, and Adele walked at the front while Anne and Jane hung a ways behind them, watching as the party before them stooped to look at certain details Diana indicated before continuing on. They looked as if their conversation was light-hearted, whereas Anne was musing over a particular frustration she was experiencing with her daughter.
"Matilda is just so strong-willed. It is not an attractive trait in a young girl. I do not know where she gets it from".
"What do you mean?"
"The other day, for example, she refused to put on her formal dress for dinner until I called her father in to speak to her. She wanted to remain in her play clothes"
Jane smiled,
"It is her age, Anne. She is learning that "no" is an answer she can give. She will grow out of it".
"I hope so. I just wish she could understand why I do what I do as her mother. I wish she could see how it would benefit her to practice being a lady, even at this young age. All little girls go through a phase where they wish to be otherwise but if she is going to grow one day to be a desirable woman for marriage, she would do well to start now".
"She cannot, and perhaps should not, understand what being a good wife one day will mean right now, Anne".
"What do you mean?"
"Well, she is only five. She has many years ahead of her where she will simply be Matilda Eshton, not the potential wife of anyone. That is an important time in any person's life, isn't it?"
"I hear the sense in what you are saying Jane, but my feelings were very much hurt because my mother let me believe for too long that I would have some of the things that she knew I would never have as a wife. I do not want my daughter disappointed in the same way".
Jane nodded sadly,
"I know, Anne. There is no answer for how to raise a daughter in the right way, not when we know that our girls will never have the same opportunities that young boys do"
"Exactly. And I do not want her to think that I do not want her to have everything she wants, but the truth is that she won't get them, and it is my job to teach her that".
Jane could hear the sound of crunching gravel beneath their feet as they walked.
"Let her be, for a little while at least. As I said, she will have many years to understand these lessons, and at present perhaps she is not even capable of it. Let her be for now, and do not worry yourself either".
"Okay" Anne gave in softly, resisting no longer. "Do you never worry about such things, Jane?"
"Of course I do. Worrying is only natural, especially when children are involved. But I try not to look too far into the future. We cannot anticipate it well enough to act on our fears"
Her friend nodded and then chuckled slightly,
"I suppose you are right. But for you, that time is not so far away as it is for me. Adele is of marrying age now".
Jane glanced to where her oldest daughter was holding a flower bud in her hands, showing it to her aunts enthusiastically.
"Marriage has been on her mind recently, but it is difficult to make her understand that she is not yet ready for that sort of commitment".
"And how will you know when she is ready?"
Jane paused, considering.
"It is a good question, for I am not sure that any person is ever truly ready for marriage. In Adele's case she is still trying to learn herself, and even though her younger, sillier years perhaps inhibited this somewhat, she is still only seventeen. How can anyone know oneself at such an age?"
"But does one really need to know themselves to enjoy a successful marriage?"
"I believe so" Jane said, watching Adele drop the bud from her hand, "Then again, everyone is different. Some people actually come to know themselves in marriage. Though I think if they do, the union is liable to abuse, for the wife is so often told that her identity is found in being obedient to her husband".
Anne chuckled slightly.
"Well, Adele is a lovely girl at any rate and in time she will make a lovely wife".
"I hope so" Jane smiled, "I hope she will be a happy one".
The blue sky had turned grey during the course of their conversation and small specs of rain began hitting the leaves all around them, creating a soundscape of water on foliage. Diana, Mary, and Adele turned and began walking back towards Jane and Anne, holding their shawls above their heads, squinting up into the sky.
"Shall we turn back?"
"Yes, I think we'd better. Dinner will be soon enough at any rate".
"Oh look" Mary said, pointing into the distance, "The gentlemen are returning now anyways".
Indeed, several horses could be seen in the distance crossing the field and as they came closer, their laughing voices were carried distantly on the wind towards the crowd of women.
"Well I am not waiting for them" Diana sighed, "I will get too wet"
"Agreed" Anne said, retreating with Diana back towards the house, "And I do rather like my hair today".
Adele looked undecided for a moment, but she also followed the others back towards the house. It was only Jane and Mary who waited for their husbands, and a few moments later they slowed and then stopped in front of the women shaded under the protection of a tree.
"Ladies," Eshton said, tipping his hat, "I see the others are retreating out of the rain"
His last words were sarcasm, for already the skies were clearing and the drizzle was subsiding.
"Something like that" Jane smiled as Edward dismounted from his horse and walked over to her holding the reigns in his hands.
"Hello," he said, laying his hand in the small of her back where the others could not see.
"Hello" she returned, smiling up appreciatively as he covered her head with his coat.
"Mary" Father Roberts warned, "Mary why did you not return inside? You will catch cold out here".
"I just wanted to welcome you back"
"Well now that I am welcomed, head inside and warm yourself. I will return the horse to the stable and then I will be inside".
She did not hesitate in turning and walking back towards the house which, although in view, was still a ways away.
"I will accompany you to the stables," the Captain said, "Here, Rochester, hand over your horse. If you wish to walk back with your wife I will put him away for you".
"Thank you" Edward said, handing off the reigns before the men rode off in the opposite direction. When they were gone, he turned back to his wife,
"How was your afternoon?"
His lips pressed against her forehead gently.
"It was good, thank you. What of yours?"
"Well, it was a day of hunting and shooting without much hunting or shooting".
Jane laughed, looking up into the grey sky.
"Come, let us get back before it begins raining too heavily. The Clarke's will be arriving for dinner soon".