PP AU Non-Canon General Regency

Ties That Bind

NOTE: Hans is NOT selfish... there just a couple of sentences that were clues that his and Brianna's talk was all an act for his gossipy wife.

Previously:

"Hans, all I am simply asking for is your verbal support if you cannot see your way to help me financially. If people ask you about my ability, vouch for me. Let them know I can handle things. I am not asking for a large number of students. Just a handful... five or six at most. Surely, as a brother, you can give me that much."

Hans, knowing the real talk would need to be had later, agreed to do as she was asking. "I honestly do not know what people will think. I will think on it; I will find a way for you to make money other than what little he left you."

Children

Ch. 4

Marianne stood in a dark blue dress with her blonde hair done up in ringlets, her finely chiseled features might as well have been crafted by a master sculptor. She gazed at her reflection, lost in thought. The bedroom was painted a pale blue, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. The pale blue walls contrasted beautifully with the dark wood furniture and the vibrant fabrics that adorned the room. A large bay window with a cushioned seat allowed ample light to pour in, illuminating the space and providing a charming view of the garden outside. The window's deep sill held fresh flowers in a simple yet elegant vase.

As she awaited the time for her to depart with her mother and sister to a family gathering, Marianne could not help but feel a sense of disquiet. Her friends had been like siblings for so long. And to have them gone now seemed so odd. Yes, she now had Tamara, but that little girl was only two. And now- with less noise around the place- she felt a strange connection to something, or someone, she could not quite place.

"Maybe, it is just that I am too used to the neighbor's orphanage being open." she said aloud to herself, trying to distract from her wandering thoughts. "I suppose the one good thing, if Tamara does not get in the way, is I can spend more time on my drawing and music."

The young lady sat down on the edge of her bed, her mind drifting back over the past few years. "Mother will not let me have a beau," she murmured, recalling the strict yet caring guidelines Mrs. Morgan had set to protect her. Marianne sighed deeply. "I know she means well, but sometimes I just feel so out of place," she thought. "I cannot really blame her I suppose. What happened when I was thirteen and well, I cannot say what I allowed myself to listen to again last year... and..." Marianne stopped what she was going to say; the topic was just sad on one hand and nothing could be done about it. And yet there was so much hope at the same time.

Marianne looked around the room, seeking comfort in the familiar surroundings. "Mother is different," she whispered, almost as if trying to convince herself. "She expects us to take the time to think; most do not," she continued, thinking about how Mrs. Morgan's approach to teaching and raising them was unique. "Even with Tamara, she asks simple questions. I am amazed at what that little girl is starting to understand all because Mother takes the time to teach her. So, how come I take longer than those around me?"

Marianne chanted. "I am not stupid; I simply learn differently, that is all. My gift with drawing and music is beyond compare. Mother says so, she does not lie nor does she hold it against me, and neither should I."

Just then, she heard a shout from outside the room, "TAMARA, get down from there right now!" followed by her sister's cry filling the air. Marianne could not help but smile and chuckle, knowing exactly what had likely happened. Tamara had probably climbed on something she should not have, and now their mother was taking firm but fair measures to discipline her.

"My little sister is quite the handful," she thought, laughing softly. "Mother will earn her gray hairs with that one, I think."

With that, Marianne stood up, smoothing her dress and preparing to join her sibling. She could not shake the feeling that there was more to her story, but for now, she would focus on the present and the family that loved her.

"She is a bit bullheaded, is she not?" She spoke as Mrs. Morgan appeared in the hallway. "I think that two-year-old beats half of England."

"Try all of England." Their mother walked into the room carrying Tamara, who was wearing a scowl on her face. "And she can pout away; if you cave into her, you lose your evening activities after the family party."

"Sorry, Tamara, do not look at me." Marianne went to her desk. "I may learn differently than the rest around me, but I am not slow in life's lessons." It was all she could do not to laugh as she could have sworn Tamara turned around to face the wall in her cradle and muttered, "Just wanted a cookie."

Marianne loved where her carved wardrobe stood, its doors closed to reveal a collection of dresses and personal items. She had placed her writing desk with a few scattered papers and an inkpot, adding to the room's functionality and charm.

As Tamara fell asleep, her mother came back into the room after one of the servants, overhearing the young girl, told her of Marianne's comment.

Pulling up a chair and sitting down next to Marianne, her mother spoke gently. "I want you to remember, my dear, that each of you is unique and valuable. Remember what I have always said; you may learn differently, but that does not make you any less capable or important." She then looked at Marianne's drawing. "I never could draw a tree and make it look as natural as you do, and I certainly cannot make music flow through the air like you do, and no one in their right mind would ask me to sing a solo. So, if anyone condemns you for your struggles in the academic world, ignore them."

"I know, I chanted a reminder to myself not long before I heard you hollering Tamara's name." Her gaze softened as she absorbed her mother's words. The room around them seemed to embrace the two, offering a sense of peace and unity that transcended their individual challenges.

"Now, since Tamara is asleep, why do you not draw, or come and practice your music while I work on my sewing project? Those of our family members passing through will be leaving soon, so our gathering is still being held tonight. However, we still have some time before then."

Later, As the evening light wore on, the family wound down their activities and turned into their own beds for the night.

Brianna; however, could not sleep. She wanted to give the girls a wonderful Christmas, should have easily been able to, an estate of five hundred acres may not have been considered large, but it was still plenty. However, Jay had barely kept it going. There were times -in the early days of their marriage- Brianna had to go to the market and practically beg for food -it had been right down embarrassing. Her mind turned to what had gotten started teaching in the first place.

"Mrs. Morgan..." Mrs. Tshida, a lady whose ancestors had actually come from Japan, spoke to Brianna one day as they were quietly talking at the woman's booth one summer day in the town' market. " It is no secret that Jay is having trouble managing the estate. I can see your situation is growing dire, a solution is very much needed. Children adore you. Your skill with them is beyond anything I have ever seen. Why not start a school Morgan Halls? It could be a source of steady income and give you the means to support your family in these difficult times. And, if something happens to Jay, well, think of it as an investment in your future."

"Would help the community too."

"Would at that."

It had taken a bit. Jay had not been overly thrilled. However, even he had to admit the creditors needed to be kept quiet or they would lose the estate. Hence, she had been allowed to open the school open. She, and later, her girls were kept busy and Jay had -conveniently stayed gone the majority of the year. So, in a way, any lack of proper care of them through his will came as no surprise.

'I suppose this was your way of thinking people would not back me up and I would lose my land and the girls." Brianna set her jaw hard. "You and your son bit. I will show you. I will not lose those girls. I will fight for them. I will see them succeed. And, oh, Jay, I am already studying men a lot closer than I ever did you. So, your attempt to send Lord Sanderson my way failed." Praise be that man was now also dead.

Unfortunately, that all meant their Christmas as going to be slim pickings for Brianna refused to put the estate at risk over one holiday. It would have been great to talk about the real idea Hans and wanted to discuss. And their 'disagreement' at the dining room table, and his concession, had all been put on for the benefit for his gossipy wife's sake.