TheDuchessPart1

Slide 1: 

Welcome back! This is The Regacy, and boy do we have plot. If you haven't read the previous chapters, I seriously recommend that you do. I'm still promising a recap once generation 5 takes over, but that's not for a while yet. Anyway, if you've done that...let's get this show on the road. =D

Slide 2: 

"Bleugh..."Alice had woken up that morning feeling absolutely dreadful. Her head ached, her breasts were sore, and for some reason she wanted to go straight back to bed though she'd gotten plenty of sleep. And now this.

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This is just brilliant, she thought. I'm meant to be calling on the Howards today, but if Frank sees me like this I won't be allowed out the door! She stood up and wiped her face on her sleeve. "I've got to hurry."

Slide 4: 

"There," Alice said once she'd added a bit of rouge to her cheeks. "That should make them a bit less sallow." She popped a mint in her mouth for further camouflage, and moved to her clothes press to get dressed.

Slide 5: 

Alice did manage to sneak past Frank that morning, but as he was busy playing with his little sons it wasn't too difficult. The very moment she arrived at the Howards' home she found herself enveloped in a hug with her husband's eldest sister, Elizabeth. “Oh, Alice, it is such a pleasure to see you! I am very happy indeed that you've recovered after your labor, you had me in such a state of worry!“ Alice smiled in response. The rouge has done its work, I see. If only it could fix the problem completely, not just superficially. My poor stomach... “Do come in, sister dear!"

Slide 6: 

The ladies decided to play a game of chess while Mr. Howard amused himself at the gaming table."Husband, how is it you are playing cards alone?" Elizabeth asked the aging man behind her.

Slide 7: 

Gabriel smirked. "Have you not heard of Solitaire my dear? Vastly entertaining game...isn't it, Lady Catherine?"

Slide 8: 

The bird cocked its head to the side and peered at her master. "SQUAK! Vastly entertaining, SQUAK!“ "You see, my dear? Lady Catherine agrees with me."

Slide 9: 

"You must forgive my husband, Alice dear, he's gone a bit dim in his old age. That and he is a man, after all. They must have their jokes, of course.“ Alice struggled to contain her laughter. "Is this the sort of thing I have to look forward to when my boys get a bit older?"

Slide 10: 

"Ha! Mr. Howard is nothing to my children, no indeed. Oh my dear, you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into!" Elizabeth said with a laugh. "Life as the only lady in a house full of sons, well...it is quite interesting.“ "What do you mean?"

Slide 11: 

"For one, it is never quiet in this house. Either the young Mr. Howards are arguing or they are dancing in wash basins or flinging their dinner about...”

Slide 12: 

"They actually...throw the food?“ "Yes, dear.“ "Oh good heavens!"

Slide 13: 

"Indeed. I try so hard to force some manners into them, and dear Francis seems to listen well enough, but Benjamin and Fulwar...they are difficult. Mr. Howard says I am being silly, that I shouldn't expect them to behave. I try not to be too hard on them, and perhaps my husband is correct. I did grow up with only sisters for the longest time. But oh, energetic as they are I do love my children."

Slide 14: 

"Beat you again, Francis!" yelled the boy in the green to the young man behind him. “'Tis not MY fault you pushed me into that bush!“ "No, but it is your fault you are such a woman that you fell at all!“ The boy in the yellow just smirked. "Either way, you're a pair of toss-pots."

Slide 15: 

"Speak of the devil he's sure to appear," said Elizabeth, giggling slightly as she watched her three adolescent sons' stampede.

Slide 16: 

The boy in green rounded on his younger brother. "Fulwar, I thought I told you to leave Francis alone! You know how sensitive he is!“ "I called you both toss-pots, not just him. And why do YOU get to pick on him when I cannot?“ "He is MY twin! Only I have the right!"

Slide 17: 

"Boys, do not shout. And say hello to your aunt, won't you? One doesn't want to be rude."

Slide 18: 

"I apologize, Mama, you know how Fulwar and Ben can be." Francis peered around his mother's shoulder to smile at Alice. "Good day, Aunt.“ "Hello, Francis."

Slide 19: 

Alice and Elizabeth continued to play chess while the boys joined their father at cards. Mrs. Austen might have stayed longer if not for the constant bickering and shouting.

Slide 20: 

She stood, and Elizabeth rose with her. "Alas dear sister, I must be going," Alice said. "I promised Frank I would return in time for tea." And I feel as if I shall faint here and now if I do not lie down. "Very well, I am so pleased you were able to come see us!“ "As I am. We must do this again, perhaps you and Mr. Howard shall come for to dine with us soon?“ "We would like nothing better. Boys, come and say goodbye to your Aunt

Slide 21: 

Fulwar saw this as a perfect opportunity to practice his wooing techniques. Grabbing his Alice's hand much to her displeasure, he said, "Aunt, I'll follow you and make a heaven out of hell, and I'll die by your hand which I love so well."

Slide 22: 

Seeing her glare, Fulwar added, "My heart is ever at your service," and then kissed her hand lightly.

Slide 23: 

"Oh, to be a young lad again..."

Slide 24: 

Once Alice had gone, Ben let out the snort he'd been holding back. "That was just so incredibly odd of you, brother, but what else am I to expect from an arse such as yourself?“ “Benjamin!" Eliazbeth chided. “My apologies, Mama, but what was that, Fulwar? Shakespeare?"

Slide 25: 

"As a matter of fact, it was.“ "Judging by our aunt's reaction you have a better chance at wooing the parrot.“ "Silence, Ben, or I'll have Lady Catherine shite on your head."

Slide 26: 

When Alice made it back to Austen Park the only thing she wanted was to lie down, but Frank met her at the door. "Hello, darling, are the boys well?” "Perfectly well.“ "Good. If you do not mind I think I will just--"

Slide 27: 

"Oh!" What was she going to say again? Frank's kiss always had the tendency to wipe Alice's mind completely.

Slide 28: 

However, she was quickly reminded. She swayed on the spot as another wave of nausea threatened to overcome her. "Alice! I'm sorry, what can I do?" Frank tried very hard not to panic, and failed.

Slide 29: 

Alice kept her cool hand to her forehead as she tried to stay alert. "I think now might be a good time to call Dr. Trimble once again.“ "Er, of course. Come let us get you in bed first, sweetheart."

Slide 30: 

A few hours later once the sun had gone down and Isaac had examined Alice, Frank asked the doctor what his wife's illness was."It's not an illness exactly, or at least not one that won't go away in a little while." Upon seeing Frank's blank stare, Isaac added, "Alice is with child yet again.“ Frank wanted so badly to jump for joy, but the stern look in Mr. Trimble's eyes made him think that probably would be a bad idea.

Slide 31: 

"She is weak, Austen. I have prescribed bed rest again, she is only to get up if it is absolutely necessary. If she follows my instructions and takes the pills I have made for her, all might be well. I do not pretend that this is not a serious situation, the last child completely sapped her energy, but not until the second trimester. Mrs. Austen is only beginning her pregnancy and yet she is more sickly than I would expect.“ "What can I do?“ "Simply care for her, and see that she gets enough rest. I must return to Simdon now, but do not hesitate to send for me if I am needed again."

Slide 32: 

For the first time since his wife had informed him of Lark's moving to Austen Cottage, Frank was happy for it. All past issues aside, Lark made a marvelous soup, and that was just what Alice needed right now. Frank dashed across the park to the cottage at record breaking speed for a man wearing a tight waistcoat.

Slide 33: 

He took a running jump and climbed over the small fence into the cottage's garden. He thought he'd seen a figure in one of the upper windows, but he didn't take the time to double check.

Slide 34: 

In fact he had seen someone. Lark had seen the whole thing, from Frank's mad dash across the park to his leap over her fence. Without taking a moment to understand why he had done these things or to remember that she should be angry, she ran downstairs to meet him.

Slide 35: 

She made it to her front door just as her former lover did. Her heart skipped a beat. She had not seen him since that day so long ago when he'd promised not to abandon her an Marian, and now here he was, face flushed from exertion, quite literally on her doorstep.

Slide 36: 

Frank tried to speak, but all that came out were ragged breaths. Lark laughed at him and said, "For heaven's sake, Mr. Austen, do take a moment to catch your breath." Frank coughed, and tried to speak again.

Slide 37: 

"Lark, I..." He paused. All of the love he felt for this woman, all of their memories, everything...it all came flooding back. He felt a lump in his throat as he realized how utterly beautiful she looked in the moonlight.

Slide 38: 

Lark watched his face as it turned from exasperation to utter sadness. She took a step back, not wanting to do anything stupid (like caressing his ridiculous, evil, handsome cheek), and looked at the ground as she spoke. "Whatever can I do for you at this hour, Mr. Austen?"

Slide 39: 

Frank shook himself and also took a step back. Alice. He was here for Alice. Do not muck this up, Austen. Keep your pants on. Ugh, definitely the wrong thing to think of... Lark peered at him, a grin beginning to crawl across her face. "You are blushing Mr. Austen.“ Blast. "Miss Lark, I have come to ask a favor of you. If I recall correctly you make the finest, most comforting soup in Simshire.“ He waited for her to respond, but she said nothing. He went on, "I know this is possibly the most horrid thing to ask of you considering our, er...history, but...“ "Just spit it out, Frank." Mr. Austen, he is Mr. Austen! "Mr. Austen.“ "Alice has told me that the two of you get on quite well, so I was hoping you might do this for her sake if not for mine. She is ill again, or with child really." Lark's grin fell flat. Upon seeing this Frank wanted to go hang himself in the nearest tree. Well that was tactful, wasn't it? Idiot.

Slide 40: 

"I offer my congratulations, though I am still at a loss...“ "I cannot possibly hope to care for her and the children simultaneously, what with the estate to run and my career, and as you know we do not keep a cook, so would you be willing to...come...stay with us for a time? And possibly make some of your wonderful soup for Mrs. Austen? I know she would appreciate the company, she is quite irritated with me, you see. With good reason, of course, it is my fault she is in this situation." Lark raised an eyebrow at him. Again, Frank contemplated how difficult it would be to find some rope and a good sturdy branch. Oh yes, brilliant idea. Let us talk about the marriage bed with the woman you tossed aside. Brilliant, brilliant. Much to Frank's surprise, Lark smiled at him. She was actually quite enjoying watching him flounder around at the right words to say without hurting her feelings. "It would be my pleasure to come and care for Alice and the children. You do not mind if I...bring Marian?"

Slide 41: 

Frank about wet his pants. When he spoke, all decorum went out the figurative window. "Marian?! Oh, of course! Oh good heavens does this mean you've decided you do not hate me enough to keep us separated?!“ "Er...I suppose so, but it is mostly because I cannot exactly leave my daughter here unattended. And I believe she and Robbie would get along famously, it may be good for him to have a playmate at this time.“ "May I see her now?“ "Absolutely not, Frank, it is the middle of the night and she is sleeping. I shall bring her tomorrow morning.“ "Very well, that is fair. Thank you so very much for agreeing to help, my l -- Lark."

Slide 42: 

When Frank turned to go, Lark could not help but feeling a little high. It was stupid, and she knew that, but the prospect of staying at Austen Park in such a close proximity to Frank thrilled her.

Slide 43: 

Alice was bored. Really, really bored. There were only so many things one could do during a confinement, and for crying out loud Alice had stitched her last embroidered pillow for a lifetime. The only thing good about today was that Frank had finally agreed to letting Alice rest on her couch rather than in bed. I needed a bloody change of scenery.

Slide 44: 

As Alice plotted a mutiny against Frank, Lark walked in with Marian. "Ah, so I see Frank was not exaggerating. You look dreadful, Alice," she said with a joking smirk.

Slide 45: 

Alice sat up quickly. "Lark! What do you do here? Hello, Marian! Did Mr. Austen receive you?“ "No, he had already left for some business by the time I arrived. However, it was he who asked us to come," said the other red-haired woman. "Indeed? That was so kind of him, it will be good to have some female company.“ "That is precisely what he said. I would not be too hard on him, my dear, he really is trying." Did I just defend that blackguard? Goodness me, these Austens are messing with my head.

Slide 46: 

"Mama!" Little Robbie toddled into his mother's dressing room in search of some attention. He hadn't had quite enough that morning and he was a trifle upset about it. "Good morning, darling! Come here, there is someone I should like you to meet," Alice said from her spot on the cushions.

Slide 47: 

The two toddlers were introduced by Lark. "Marian, this is your brother Robbie. Robbie, this is Marian. She is your sister.“ Marian looked down at Robert. Brother? She did not like the sound of that, whatever it was. All she knew was that there was another little person like her in the room, and he might be inclined to annoy her. "Must I shawe my toys, Mama?“ "Yes, you must.“ No, Marian really did not like this "brother" person.

Slide 48: 

Lark exited the room for a moment but returned quickly, carrying John."I must say, Alice, you do make a fine baby," she said, nuzzling John's soft belly. "Thank you, though it is very hard work producing them! I think I will go and have a nap, do you think you can mind the little ones?“ "Of course, that is why I am here. Is it not, John?" John only gurgled.

Slide 49: 

Lark followed Mrs. Austen into the bedchamber. "I shall let you get a bit of rest, but you will have to wake up in a little while to have some of my soup. It will do you a world of good.“ "Very well, thank you so much for...everything." Alice was not slow, she knew this could not be an easy task for Miss Lark to endure. And yet...the other woman did not seem to mind much, though perhaps the constant presence of infants wouldcheer up anyone.

Slide 50: 

"What do you say to a nap yourself, John?" Lark looked into the green eyes of her former lover's son, and melted. He was an adorable child, whatever the circumstances were. And, with that red hair, he could even pass for her son, but she must not think of that sort of thing.

Slide 51: 

Lark put John in one of the cribs in the nursery, and saw to it that the toddlers each had a toy. "Do remember to share, Marian."

Slide 52: 

"No, Mama!” "Marian...” Lark warned. Marian pouted. But the horse was so pretty! That "brother" person didn't deserve it, and anyway he got to play with some oddly-colored-pointy-thing.

Slide 53: 

Lark settled herself in a chair, allowing a yawn. Marian had her horse, and Robbie his oddly-colored-pointy-thing, so hopefully a fight could be avoided long enough for her to catch a few minutes of sleep.

Slide 54: 

Or not. "Miss Lark? I apologize for waking you, I have only just returned from town and I wanted..." His eyes moved to the redheaded girl on the floor. “She is your daughter, Frank, you do not have to ask me permission to pick her up.“ "I do not?" Lark rolled her eyes at him and settled back into the chair.

Slide 55: 

"Hello, Marian," Frank said when he picked up his eldest child. "My name is Frank. I, er...I am your Papa.“ Marian giggled. "You have big nose, hee!“ Frank laughed with her. "Yes, I suppose I do. Do you like my big nose, little one?" He asked, scrunching it up and making a funny face. “I have nose like you!" Marian declared, and then she threw her little arms around the man's neck for a hug. As his daughter hugged him for the first time, Frank felt his eyes prick with tears. He hugged her back, and did not know if he'd ever be ready to let go.

Slide 56: 

Lark quickly escaped the nursery to prepare some soup for Alice; she wasn't going to get any sleep with Marian and Frank being so damn cute. It took her mind down a very sad road, and she didn't want to go there. Instead, she analyzed the odd fact that Marian had taken to Frank so quickly. She walked into Alice's room, soup in hand, and "heh-hemmed" softly. "Yes, I am awake. Do come in."

Slide 57: 

"Eat up, Alice, it really does help.“ “Thank you.“ "How are you feeling?“ "Oh, as well as can be expected, although I would expect to feel better, actually. I cannot put my finger on it but something is different this time."

Slide 58: 

"Different how?" Lark asked, trying to be polite. Of course she would not notice differences between pregnancies, she'd only had one. Marian was likely the last, too. "I do not know, everything is amplified for one." Alice took another spoonful of soup. "This really is a marvelous recipe, Lark, wherever did you get it?“ "Oh, it is a Family recipe, passed down to me from my grandmother."

Slide 59: 

Lark left Alice a few minutes later with the intention of kicking Frank out of the nursery, but there he was in the hallway. Both former lovers tried to ignore the small space in which they stood, almost forcing them to brush against each other. Frank cleared his throat and asked how Alice was doing. Lark replied in a soft tone that she was sleeping again, and that Frank had better not disturb her. Frank smiled."Am I daft or have you somehow assumed a protective position over Alice?“ "Well you are daft, but you are also correct. She is my friend.” Mr. Austen gave her an apologetic smile. "Oh, I nearly forgot to ask you! Before all of...this, Alice planned a small party for John's birthday. Once again I could not persuade my sisters to stay at home, so my guests shall be arriving shortly. Would you, er...would you care to join me?“ Lark hesitated for a moment, but agreed.

Slide 60: 

It wasn't long after that awkward hallway conversation that John was surrounded by his family, ready to spin into toddlerhood.

Slide 61: 

Lark fit in amongst the Austens surprisingly well, and she cheered on her daughter's brother with an enthusiasm that could not be faked. She really was fond of the boy.

Slide 62: 

Once he'd been spun, transitioned, and changed into something appropriate, John was properly introduced to Robbie. At first they were cute as could be, sucking their fingers in tandem. And then Robbie decided only HE could suck his fingers, and shouted at John. Ah, brotherly love.

Slide 63: 

"Oh, Johnny!" Alice exclaimed when her husband brought their son into the room. "I do hope this isn't a tradition, my dear," Frank said impishly. "I do not know how many parties I shall be able to stand without you at my side. My sisters are relentless."

Slide 64: 

The little boy tugged at his father's coat and looked pointedly at his mother. "It would appear John would like to see you, Alice. Are you strong enough to hold him?" "Of course I am, bring him to me!"

Slide 65: 

Alice sat up in her bed, and Frank handed John over. "Why hello there, darling. You are quite a big man now, are you not?" John only smiled. He liked this lady.

Slide 66: 

Alice brushed her son's hair back and looked into his bright green eyes. "You're just adorable. Mama is sorry she could not come to your party." Again the red-haired child grinned. "Ah, and it would appear you've got my nose!" Alice said playfully, tapping it. John giggled.

Slide 67: 

And then, he yawned. Frank joined Alice on the bed and said, "I think he has had enough excitement for one afternoon, what say you John? Tired?" Another yawn. "Oh but Frank, I've only just held him!“ "I know, but you need your rest, you heard the doctor." Frank looked his wife in the eyes and added, "I will not lose you, Alice. You are far too precious. Wait until the child is born, then you and John will have plenty of time to be together.”

Slide 68: 

"Say goodnight to your Mama, John." The boy only yawned again, and then nuzzled into his mother's shoulder. Alice chuckled. "It would appear he does not yet speak. No matter, I understand him well enough. Good night, John."

Slide 69: 

Lark returned to the room a few minutes later, rubbing her hands together for warmth. "My goodness, Alice, it is frigid in here! Shall I light a fire?“ "Oh, no, please do not. I am absolutely stifling!" Alice was not sure she heard what Lark mumbled in response, but it sounded a lot like, "Hormones..."

Slide 70: 

As soon as Lark had settled herself in a chair with a book, Alice stood up. "I shall be back in a moment, I have need of the, er...“ "Privy?“ "Yes. I shall only be a moment."“ Would you like any assistance, I promised Frank I--“ "Lark I think I may pee without aide."

Slide 71: 

Lark laughed softly and turned a page. "Very well," she said, "but do not go into labor, dearest.“ Alice scoffed. "You and Frank worry too much. Truly."

Slide 72: 

A minute later... "OW! Oh, no no no...I will never hear the end of this! Please, baby, hold for just one--"

Slide 73: 

"LAAAAAAAAAAAARK!"

Slide 74: 

"Alice! Are you joking?! I didn't -- oh for goodness' sake..."

Slide 75: 

It did not take long for Alice to give birth to a black-haired, green-eyed – "Girl! It is a girl!"

Slide 76: 

The simself closed her eyes and forced a smile. Lark would not be jealous, she would not be petty. Her friend had had a healthy child, that was a good thing. Who cared if it was Frank's child? She did. She cared a lot.

Slide 77: 

Lark's silent war with herself was interrupted when Alice shoved the female infant into her arms. "I think I know -- ouch -- what the difference was this time..." Alice murmured, clutching her stomach.

Slide 78: 

"Twins." Instead of a raven-haired daughter, Alice now held another redhead, a boy with blue eyes just like Frank's. "We will call this one Henry, I think. Henry Knightley Austen, what do you think?“ "Henry is a good, solid name. And the girl? What will you call her?“ Alice answered without even needing to think. "Isabella”

Slide 79: 

Once Alice had convinced Lark that she was well enough, the women moved slowly into the nursery, cooing at the babies as they went. As of that moment Alice hadn't even felt a single wave of dizziness. Perhaps giving birth had been the ultimate cure? Putting Henry in the crib, Alice began to laugh. "Poor Frank! I suppose we should tell him I've given birth at some point.“ Lark joined in the laughter. "Yes, probably. I wonder where he is, anyway...he did mention going into town again. For goodness' sake, Bella, stop fidgeting! Alice, this one is going to be a handful.“ "She will need spirit with three brothers, of course. I think perhaps--"

Slide 80: 

Lark was busy giving Bella a kiss so she did not immediately see it when Alice fell with a sickening thud onto the wooden floor.

Slide 81: 

She screamed, "Alice! She hastily placed Isabella into the other crib, trying to figure out the best course of action.

Slide 82: 

"Alice, Alice, oh please wake up! Please!" Lark's hands flitted over Alice's unconscious body, unsure of what to do. She tried gently shaking her, but that did nothing. "Oh! Please, please, please..."

Slide 83: 

Frank had heard the THUD and following scream when he'd arrived home. He wasted no time whatsoever in bolting straight upstairs to the nursery, the source of the noise. "Lark WHAT is going ON?"

Slide 84: 

The simself was panicking. "I do not know! The birth was normal, no signs of any complications, and then she just...she just fainted!“ Somewhere in the back of his mind Frank registered the word "birth" and that somewhere he had a new child about. He had no time to be happy, he had to fetch Isaac immediately.

Slide 85: 

Dr. Trimble arrived just after sunset. Alice had not yet come to, but Isaac was doing the best he could.

Slide 86: 

Lark and Frank waited out the night on Alice's couch. For the longest time they didn't speak to each other, but nobody could blame them. Here they were, about 1 foot apart, in the dark...alone. It would normally be a problem for their self control, but the woman they both cared for was in grave danger. Somehow that made it less painful. It did not, however, make it less awkward.

Slide 87: 

Lark closed her eyes and hummed to herself. It had been a very, very long day and she was tired. Then she remembered the twins. "Frank," she said, eyes still closed. "You are quite a disappointing father. This caught him off guard. Where did that come from.? "Hmm? Whatever do you mean?“ "You're the father of twins and you haven't asked a word about them."

Slide 88: 

"...Twins?“ "Yes. Now we know why this pregnancy was so much more hard on her.“ Frank continued to look as if he’d seen a two-headed, purple kangaroo walk through the door. "Oh for heaven's sake, Frank, it cannot be that odd to you. You are a twin yourself!“ "You are right, of course I should not be surprised. And I am sorry to disappoint...I am so worried about her."

Slide 89: 

Lark thought this might be a good time to reassure Frank, he look just awful. "You really needn't be so anxious. Dr. Trimble knows what he is doing, and I am certain a lot of it has to do with sheer exhaustion.“ "I do hope so very much that you are correct.“ "Yes."

Slide 90: 

A few minutes passed in silence before they said anything else."Well...?" Lark looked at Frank expectantly. "Well what?“ "Do you want to meet your son and daughter or not?“ "A daughter as well?! Of course I do!“ "I will go fetch one of them, you stay here. Do try not to strain yourself.” She rolled her eyes at him.

Slide 91: 

Lark brought in Isabella first. Frank was far too nervous to hold her though he'd had no problem with her brothers. "Frank, it really is the same concept as with boys. You just have to support the head.“ "No, no, I am fine here. Helloooo, little Bella! My goodness, she has my hair! And my father's eyes, how extraordinary..."

Slide 92: 

When Lark brought out Henry, Frank was perfectly willing to hold him...only that did not go too well. The simself could not help but to laugh out loud at the man's struggling.

Slide 93: 

They put the babies back to bed, and by that time they still hadn't heard a peep out of Isaac on Alice's condition. They spent the rest of the evening in polite conversation until Lark decided to lie down. "Just for a minute," she had said.

Slide 94: 

Instead of a quick nap, Lark fell into a deep slumber. Frank only watched as she slept, torn between moving her into a spare bedroom and lying down next to her. In the end, he did neither. He just watched. As he did so, his mind raced with rather inappropriate thoughts involving Lark's cleavage.

Slide 95: 

"She is out of danger," Isaac said tiredly the next morning. "She is also awake and very anxious to see the both of you. I am afraid it is not pleasant news, however."

Slide 96: 

Lark rubbed her back as she and Frank followed Isaac into the room. Did I really sleep on that couch all night? With Frank there? Oh dear...

Slide 97: 

Isaac looked down at the pale woman. "Would you like to tell him, Mrs. Austen? Or shall I?“ "No I -- I will t-t-t--" The tears began then and showed no sign of stopping.

Slide 98: 

Frank bolted to the bed and sat down, pulling Alice close to his side."What is it! My dear, why are you -- oh do not cry!" Frank was so very unused to weeping women he knew not what to do with one. He tucked a piece of red hair behind her ear, and just held her, waiting for her to calm down. When she did calm down, the look on her face was one that could easily make Frank cry. "What is wrong?“ "I c-can no longer b-b-bear children!" Alice managed to get out, and then the weeping began again.

Slide 99: 

Lark's face fell. The past did not matter in that moment, all that mattered was Alice's immense suffering. For a woman to be unable to bear children, well...it was possibly the worst thing imaginable. Lark knew she would never again feel the joy of a child in her belly, but she was capable. Alice did not even have the option! She watched as Frank finally found his words. "Alice, shh, no it doesn't matter. Listen to me, it does not matter. We have four healthy children, we do not...there is no need..." Lark knew what Frank couldn't say. This didn't only mean Alice could no longer get pregnant, this meant that the Austens' love life was, basically...over. The simself was so sorry for her friends, and she began to move unconsciously toward the couple, wanting to offer whatever support she could.

Slide 100: 

Isaac stopped her. "Perhaps it is best that we leave them alone for the moment.“ "Of course." Of course. This wasn't her place, she needed to leave them alone.

Slide 101: 

Lark busied herself looking after the children. Of course, playing with Bella after feeding her was probably not the best idea she'd ever had.

Slide 102: 

John was fairly self sufficient, though. Just give him a few painted bits of wood and he was good to go for hours.

Slide 103: 

Later in the afternoon, Lark took John down to the kitchen to get something to eat, and also to prepare a cake for Marian and Robbie. The poor children were due to grow up that night, but with all the problems following Henry and Bella's birth nobody had made any plans. "The least we can do is make your brother and sister a cake, no John?“ John just giggled.

Slide 104: 

Lark plopped John down in his chair with a bit of food, and then she got to work. She watched the child stuff his face as she stirred, and could not help but laugh a little. "Is that nummy, John? Hmm?"

Slide 105: 

Judging by the toddler's "om nomming", it had to be.

Slide 106: 

"I think I may have overdone it on the candles. Oh well."

Slide 107: 

Lark heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Frank coming down the stairs. "Oh!“ "Ah, here you are Lark." His voice was still thick with the tears he'd shed, but he was trying very hard to hide it. "Oh, you've made a cake. Thank you, Marian and Robbie will appreciate it I'm sure. I do feel bad that we are not throwing them a proper party, though.“ "They are only babies, Frank, they'll never know. Here, I have an idea...why do I not take the cake upstairs to Alice's room? You can put John down for a nap, and then we can celebrate the others' birthday together. With Alice. I think she would like that, yes?“ Frank nodded, and went to pick up his son.

Slide 108: 

He looked at Lark with utter devotion, not even trying to hide his love for the first time in years. "You're a saint. Really.“ "I know." She searched his face for a hint of sarcasm, but there wasn't any. "Are you alright, Frank? That wasn't exactly happy news.“ "No, it wasn't. And yet life goes on, we will get through it." With that he turned and went up the stairs, Lark right behind him.

Slide 109: 

Lark was right, the little party did lift Alice's spirits. She even felt strong enough to get out of bed and blow a horn or two.

Slide 110: 

Lark and Frank lowered their children to the candles (or what was left of them, Alice had demanded they remove most as a fire precaution) and laughed as the little ones blew them out.

Slide 111: 

Suddenly, there were two very attractive children in the room. Now older, the Austens' resemblance to their respective parents was more apparent.

Slide 112: 

"Oh, Robbie! Look how handsome you are! Mama is very proud indeed! Come here, give me a hug!“ He knew his mother was ill, and that was the only reason Robbie did not argue.

Slide 113: 

"And you, Marian! Look how pretty you are!" Alice bent down to give her husband's daughter a kiss, and everyone laughed as Marian quickly wiped off her cheek disdainfully. It was an odd gathering to be sure, but things were definitely looking up.

Slide 114: 

The twins, like all other babies born to each generation’s heir and spouse, are named after Jane Austen’s characters…. Henry Knightley, nephew of the title character in Jane Austen's Emma Isabella Woodhouse Knightley, sister of the title character in Jane Austen's Emma. The end. Because I didn't include it earlier, here are John's stats: 6/0/9/4/9 I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and that you will come back for more! I am going to try and have the next part of this out soon. =)A HUGE thank you to Lark a.k.a. ladylarkrune for letting me steal her simself for my plottiness. Also thank you to those who make the CC which makes this legacy possible.