Generation One: Chapter 9 - Little Feet

Chapter Nine - Little Feet

Henry is in love. He’s head over heels for his little sister Ellen.

 I cannot fault him, for my daughter has the whole household wrapped around her finger, me included.

He spends much of his time with her, playing games and telling her stories. It does me good to see them this way. I was never that way with Caroline. Alexandra, yes, but she never was close to us. She was cold, even as a child.

Generation One: Chapter 8 - Unexpected Enemy

“Papa! Papa!” cried a little voice as I came in the door from a long day at work. There was my precious son, Henry, toddling unsteadily towards me. Charlotte stood behind him in the entrance hall, smiling as my son tottered into my outstretched arms. 

Generation One: Chapter 7 - Joyful Bundles

Chapter Seven - Joyful Bundles 

The last six months have flown by. The time for my newest nephews or nieces to arrive rapidly approaches.  Both of my sisters are far gone with child, and Caroline is more than ready to welcome her firstborn. While I truly believe she is pleased to be a mother, pregnancy has not been kind to her.  Her early illness, and as she progressed her back ached fiercely. There is little that could be done for her, and it has exasperated her temper.

Generation One: Chapter 6 - Wedded Bliss

Chapter 6 - Wedded Bliss

 

Introducing my dear Charlotte to my family is a true joy, for the most part. Both of my brothers-in-law like her and have heartily welcomed her into the family. My sisters, as is common, had differing reactions. Alexandra liked her immediately, telling me later that she was glad I would have the same happiness she did. Caroline was in true form, and icy towards my fiancée from the outset. This upset me initially, but Charlotte was quick to reassure me that she understood and was not troubled.  How in the world had I been blessed with such a woman!Perhaps some of Caroline’s rudeness stems from recent sickness. She has been unable to keep anything down of late and often cannot abide by the food served at meals and is not eating with us. I worry about her even after the pain she has caused me before. I will always love my sister.

Generation One: Chapter 5 - Hope Realized

Chapter Five: Hope Realized

 

My name is Charlotte Dubois. I once fell in love with a man I could never have, and now that there may be hope at last I cannot find the words to seek either a confirmation or a denial.

A few months ago Charles Darcy wrote to me, telling me of his sister’s agreement to choose his own bride. He did not propose in his letter, and I cannot help but wonder if his feelings have changed.

When we parted that painful day, we agreed to write frequently as friends. In this way I know of his brush with tragedy and all that followed in its wake. We have not conversed again about our feelings for each other. My feelings have not lessened, only grown stronger. But I do not know if the same is true for him. If his are gone, then if I ask I will seem foolish. But if I do not ask will we ever have a chance?

I am loath to risk my heart again. When I told him of my love for him, it took all the courage I possessed and now I am too afraid to risk again. So I will be guarded with my tender heart.

Generation One: Chapter 4 - Uncertain Future

Holding the tiny form of my nephew Alexander only makes the ache in my chest sharper. I long for children of my own. I begin to fear I never will be blessed with them. There is only one woman whom I can see as the mother of those children, and I have not spoken with her in over a year, and there was no understanding between us when I saw her last. For all I know she could be married to another and I nothing but a memory.

Generation One: Chapter 3 - Fragile Hope

Chapter 3 - Fragile Hope

Six months have passed in the time of grief, and now Caroline has become Mrs. Davenpore. Alfred’s will has been changed, arrangements made and perhaps Caroline will be content. Because it is a wedding, Caroline and Alfred wear white, even though this is a second marriage for both, the rest of the family still are in mourning black.