Chapter Ten: The Long Awaited Reunion

 The grass swayed according to the early morning winds. As local farmers worked, ducks and geese rushed across the earth searching for food. On a rural road outside the city of Oxford persisted a small home where many had long taken refuge. 

Lady Anne's Cottage was what the Bartons called their home. Resembling a medieval cottage from centuries earlier, it was a medium house on a little hilltop. Here, the Bartons had lived for generations. It was also here that young Felicity had once been born, and she had spent hours reading her favorite novels in English. For this young woman, little was more appealing than many hours spent in studying Ovid and Chaucer. 

Heading to their family's cottage, Felicity Barton considered the coming of their aunt on that early morning. Following her father as they paced toward their house, she also noticed the early Spring honeysuckles breeding around them. Smiling at their sight, her heart was satisfied that this recent Spring had been a winsome one. 

Isabelle Barton, meanwhile, who was seventeen years of age, was gardening as Felicity approached. Auburn-headed, she loved music as much as her younger sister did literature. Lifting from the wet earth beneath her shoeless feet, she was as pleased to see her sister as Felicity was her. For many years, they had been the summer sun to one another. When feeling isolated by their eldest sister, Margaret, or neglected by their parents, the Barton sisters had long found joy in one another. 

''Felicity, you have had a long morning, haven't you?'' Isabelle began. 

''Indeed, I was reading to myself,'' Felicity replied. ''I knew that today was a lovely day to study.''

''Of course. Aunt Margaret should be here soon. I wonder how she is doing now that Ada is wed.''

''Ada has always been one of the sweetest souls in all creation. I suspect that our beloved aunt's youngest now being wed, means that she will be more lonely at Churchill Estates without her.'' 

''I am certain of it. Ada has always been a cheerful mayapple to all in her life.''

''Yes, though Peter, her husband, seems far different. Although I do not know him well, he seems reserved, Isabelle. And I do not mean simply in his quiet reactions to others. There are good men who remain silent while others speak. Mr. Devonsham seems so unlike Ada. Oh, I cannot understand why she ever wed him to begin with.''

''Neither can I.''

''Ada is so pure.''

''And he is very strange.'' 

''More strange, I am certain, than anyone in our cousin's life.''

''Agreed, sister. Aunt Margaret has known many people all her days, including respected gentlemen of the highest esteem. Like you, I do not understand why Ada chose to marry Mr. Devonsham over the rest.'' 

The thought was still sinking in. Neither Barton young woman knew Peter well, though having encountered him at the wedding a year prior, they had always observed him to be unfriendlier than his wife, whom they had cherished since their childhood. 

''We have always loved Ada,'' Felicity added. 

''Rightfully so,'' agreed Isabelle. ''I know no creature on this earth who I admire more than her and mother--- except you, Felicity.'' 

Mutually smiling, each young lady felt graced by the other's presence. 

''I feel the same toward you, Isabelle. I am certain that whatever joys or ailments we may face in the future, that we can always turn to one another to find hope and share in thanksgiving of our dear friendship to one another.'' 

They clasped hands. The physical affection had long been a tradition in their loving sisterhood. 

Turning as several greenfinches flew through their way, Mr. Barton, who had been conversing with his wife, noticed a respectable coach also head their way. ''That should be Mrs. Weathers,'' he said, as all else around him anticipated the arrival of the lady from Yorkshire. 

Seeing Aunt Margaret in the distance, Felicity smiled with all of her adolescent charm and maturing beauty. Glancing toward her aunt, she also began to swiftly run through the meadow while heading toward her. 

Mrs. Weathers wore a fashionable green gown and a wide hat of the same color resting on her dark hair. Her neckline, which was graced by silver jewels, emphasized the blueness of her eyes. As classy as she was loving, she remained an example of ladyship to the Barton sisters. 

''Felicity, I am pleased to see you again,'' Margaret began before feeling surprised that Felicity appeared more mature than the last they had met.

''Oh, Aunt Margaret, Isabelle and I have long awaited your arrival at Lady Anne's,'' Felicity returned. ''It has been a long time since you have been here or since either of us has been to your home.'' 

''Too long, I regret. Someday, when an opportunity arises, I will make certain that I have you and Isabelle to Churchill Estates again.'' 

''Oh, that would be lovely.''

''For now, however, Ada needs my full attention as she is still a new bride. Besides, you are very young, dear, and in a few years, you will be even more ready to meet some of my acquaintances in Yorkshire.'' 

Margaret paused. Smiling, she saw Felicity as herself. The two of them were much alike; they enjoyed their alone time. For Mrs. Weathers and Miss Barton, there was a time to dance but also a time to write and think without others present. 

As her teeth unintentionally grasped at her lips, Felicity remained in awe of her aunt's impressionable presence, which charmed every gentleman and lady who observed it. 

''I would love to see your home again,'' Felicity hinted. 

''Indeed,'' Margaret smiled. ''For now, however, I know a young lady who would make a worthy friend to you and Isabelle. Her name is Helena Somerset, and she is as sunny as any somerset can be.'' 

Nodding, Felicity was always open to new friendships. ''Of course,'' she gladly conceded. 

Approaching their aunt, Isabelle was just as happy to see Mrs. Weathers as her sister was. 

''Aunt Margaret, so good to see you,'' Isabelle stated. 

''And you, my highly talented musician,'' Mrs. Weathers complimented in return. 

''I do have exciting news for you both,'' Margaret added before stepping down from her coach. 

''Oh?'' asked Isabelle. 

''A ball will soon commence in Bath,'' Margaret added. ''None of us should seek to miss it. Mr. and Mrs. Devonsham are the hosts. Their home is very impressive and is attended by many throughout the land.'' 

''That sounds exciting!'' they both shouted, feeling anxious about the event. 

Smiling, Thomas and Charlotte Barton faced Mrs. Weathers. ''Did I hear of a ball?'' he chuckled. 

''Well,'' Mrs. Weathers added, ''Felicity is sixteen now. She is of age.'' 

''True, Mr. Barton and I have desired to accompany our daughters to such an occasion soon. I think that fate has found a way,'' said Charlotte. 

''Wondeful then,'' Margret responded. ''Felicity, what have you been reading 

''The Aineid by Virgil,'' Felicity answered. 

The answer was shocking to Mrs. Weathers. Pausing her speech, she thought of far more than she was saying. 

Felicity noticed her aunt looking away. She expected her aunt to be considering events prior to the upcoming ball. She wasn't certain, however, why the reference to the Latin work by the famous Roman writer would seem to strike a nerve with her aunt.  

''Latin,'' Thomas combined with contempt, ''it is a dead language that no one use anymore except papists at a Roman Mass.'' 

Felicity ignored her father's criticism of Catholic practice. She was tuning into her aunt's mind, feeling a heavy burden that her aunt suddenly felt, which she did not know. 

''Anyways,'' Margaret began while reaching her hands for her teacup, ''Bath is a great city. When I was younger, I used to go to the city with my parents to be cleansed there. I had close relations there, as we still do now. For instance, our Mansfield cousins reside there. Long ago, my mother's brother settled in that city, and his grandchildren remain four sweet daughters: Emma, Cynthia, Joan, and Eleanor.'' 

''Our Mansfield cousins are all very dear to us,'' replied Isabelle. ''For many years, Felicity and I have enjoyed long summer days flying our kites with Emma and Cnythia.'' 

''Indeed. When she was a small girl, Ada also enjoyed their company. Now that my daughter lives in Bath, she spends much time with them when her husband is away.''

''And will Ada be attending the ball in Bath?'' asked Felicity. 

''I should hope so,'' replied Margaret. ''I never enjoy social events without my daughter nearby. My sweet Ada has journeyed with me through many trials in life. She is certainly my closet confident.''

''And also ours,'' agreed Isabelle. ''Ada is as trustworthy as any angel from heaven.''

As all else spoke, Felicity was gratified to be able to attend such an event. Having forgotten the tension that she had observed in her aunt, she, alongside Isabelle, could only dream of the occasion to come. Suddenly, the Barton sisters were dancing under one of the oaks while imagining fancy balls and handsome gentlemen to encounter. Margaret, their elder sister, though, approached them while annoyed by their joy. 

''Bath is a long way,'' Margaret Barton said in a negative tone. 

Isabelle and Felicity, however, didn't respond. They were used to their sister finding no delight in their conversations. Though the eldest Barton sister was golden-haired and gorgeous for many to observe, her frequent sour expressions eventually turned off her potential admirers. 

Turning to her sister, Charlotte, meanwhile, saw the rising ball as an opportunity for her eldest daughter's future. ''Margaret, my dear golden child,'' she said in a braggish tone, ''will come to enjoy the ball soon enough. She just needs time for adjustment.''

Mrs. Weathers nodded, though her smile expressed her disagreement. Though the eldest Barton sister was named after her, the two had little in common. She had always felt more connected to Isabelle and Felicity. ''Of course,'' she simply replied. 

''We have not attended an event as noble as the one that you are describing in a long time. My husband, as you know, has always been cheap with his money. He would rather pay for doughnuts at our Baptist congregation than for occasions that culturally improve his mind.'' 

Turning to her younger sister, Isabelle said, ''I can't believe that we will get to attend a ball in Bath. This is going to be interesting. Besides, Aunt Margaret says that we will find a worthy friend in Miss Somerset.'' 

''Yes, though I also do hope that Ada, our beloved cousin, is there,'' Felicity desired. ''And I wonder about our Mansfield cousins? Will Emma and Cynthia be present?'' 

''Who knows, for now, all that matters, I think, is that we will be attending a well-respected home, the home of the Devonshams, and Aunt Margaret will be near us!'' 

''True. We have much to look forward to.'' 

As the coach-rider helped her to the earth below, Mrs. Weathers faced Lady Anne's while considering her nieces. 

''Come inside; let us share some refreshments with you, sister,'' Mrs. Barton offered. 

Grateful, Margaret was always easy to satisfy. ''That would be delightful. Thank you. The ride from Chesterfield has been a long one. I am certainly grateful to be here now.''

''We have waited weeks for your coming,'' Isabelle insisted. ''It is so nice for all of us to be able to share in this time together. When you wrote us last, several months ago, Felicity and I kept count of every day until you would be here.''

Smiling, Margaret felt as gladdened to be with her two youngest nieces as they were with her. ''Indeed, Isabelle. I, too, have wished to come and see all of you in Oxford.'' 

Immediately, everyone began to head toward the house. Mr. Barton inquired about his sister-in-law's welfare, considering her widowhood. To Felicity's pleasant surprise, Margaret Weathers was never set back by anything. 

While hearing others speak of the late General Weathers, Isabelle and Felicity paced toward the warm lower heavens. Facing the yellow sky, their minds dreamed of a lovely long night. 

Smiling, Felicity felt joyful that they would soon travel to Bath. She had never danced at a ball before. The thought was exciting to heart now. 

Soon, all entered the house. Ms. Daniels, the family's maid, worked in the kitchen while preparing a meal for the family and their guest. 

Removing her hat, Margaret looked at the furniture inside and the table in the back. Seeing the staircase before her, she also considered her nieces' small room upstairs, where they had spent much of their life reading poetry and Shakespeare to one another. 

''We are glad to have you back at Lady Anne's,'' Isabelle began as all started toward the table. 

''Thank you,'' returned Margaret, gratefully, who was pleased to stand by Felicity while wondering what new piece of literature her niece would soon write. ''I look forward to hearing of your and Isabelle's readings of Wordsworth and Shakespeare.''

''You should read them more often,'' Felicity urged. 

''I wish that I could,'' replied Margaret. ''In Chesterfield, I am involved in too many affairs to read much. Perhaps someday, though, I shall have more time to do things with both of you.'' 

Ms. Daniels entered the kitchen with fresh fish on several plates. It was time for dinner. 

Smelling the food, Thomas was gratified to see a warm meal. Rubbing his hands, his stomach also sounded. ''Well, Mrs. Weathers, I hope you enjoy this fine meal.'' 

The morning sun rose over Lady Anne's Cottage. Unaware of her growth, Felicity was maturing into a young woman. Turning to her aunt, she wondered what events in Bath would soon follow.