Chapter Text
The Blanchard family had presided over Castleshire since the time of William the Conqueror. By 1800, the family had become the staple of the area's society. The hill the Blanchard's home rested upon overlooked the entire village. A person could never consider themselves truly happy until they were invited to the manor house – Snow Peak – for a soiree with the very best of polite society.
Old Mr. Blanchard adored a good party; lively conversation and to have his halls filled with music and laughter. He lived for supplying his closest friends (a group ranging into the twenties in number) good food and merriment.
His countenance for this lifestyle only increased when his sweet lady passed away; leaving him and his daughter quite alone in their big, hallow home.
Determined to supply his only child with only the very best, running from his own heart's loneliness, Old Mr. Blanchard packed his and Mary Margaret's things – racing abroad where the young woman could learn French from native tongues, drawing from a true master, dancing, sea bathing – everything he deemed exciting and accomplished!
Ah! The accomplished young woman that returned!
Bright and beautiful; kind and as generous with her wealth as her papa had always demonstrated was right for people of their station to the lessers.
A true surprise for the villagers had been the new Mrs. Blanchard that accompanied the family back to Snow Peak. Only a few years the elder of her new daughter! As dark a beauty as her predecessor. Most of the country society was inclined to think ill of the new wife. Not so jolly as the first, they declared –although most's mind were muddled at this point. The first Mrs. Blanchard having passed on more than nine years ago!
She was an excellent horsewoman; played the piano remarkably well – perhaps too much Steibelt for most's tastes.
But the lady was just as unsociable as her husband famed to be the reverse. Always uncomfortable in society; lurked towards the back of parties. Refused to dance! The few words she'd speak in an evening only escaped when her new daughter took it upon herself to entertain the woman – and then always serve. Harsh and direct.
It didn't take long for the women of society to mutter behind their hands about the silly foreigner – disregarding that she was an Englishwoman by birth; exiled along with her mother to France when only a child. Where most were proud to call themselves British by the good sense of being born on English soil – Mrs. Blanchard was accused 'French' for the misfortune of being raised elsewhere.
The tongue lashing of polite society continued for the year – which would turn out being the most peculiar of the Blanchard family's dynasty!
A trip to London for the season, villagers pinned over the news of Miss. Blanchard's suitors. Five, some clamored! An even dozen boasted others! Each one charming and well off. With fortunes and houses that could surely keep their sweet lady comfortable always.
Such excitement erupted throughout the streets of the small village when news of an engagement came from London!
Such disappointment to find that a Mr. Nolan from Shephardshire was simply a country curate; had not even been visiting for the season!
– was merely there visiting an ailing aunt! No one had managed to uncover his yearly income but determined the man had no living of his own!
Still the wedding occurred after the proper waiting period. The bride more lovely than ever – and the villagers discovered a Mr. Nolan to be quite a handsome young man. Truly, the couple the ideal of what one wished to see, arms linked, walking down the street.
Old Mr. Blanchard righted any hint of gossip or scandal by bequeathing the young man his own church and living; all local to keep his daughter nearby. His wedding gift an estate within walking distance of Snow Peak – a finer house than many a simple clergyman could boast! All white and gray stonework; ivy growing along the two stories. The young couple quick to name their dear little house Ivy Cottage.
The Nolan's became known to the village as a fine family. Reverend Nolan gave good sermons – not too long – every Sunday. They had a large family amounting six children. All eight Nolans' considered fair of face and marvelously witty. But wise enough to know the limits to such wit! A credit to their good breeding and righteous community.
It wasn't until Old Mr. Blanchard passed away that this story truly begins.
A family suddenly in mourning! A village abandoned in complete despair! Great wealth and the 'foreigner' never supplied the much needed son! Vast tracks of money in dispute!
The Nolan's eldest child paced the cottage's parlor; yanking at her uncomfortably stiff, black gown; fumbling with the collar her mama had just finished adjusting. Almost sixteen, the girl was outgrowing her once thought plain appearance – highlighting the fair features of both parents finally! Emma glanced behind her, finding her mama how messing with her sister Eva's state of dress; smoothing dark curls around a cherub face. At fourteen, Eva was an angel – devoted to anything and everything deemed good and proper.
Her other younger sisters were seated on the long chaise, awaiting their own inspection.
Anna, eleven years old and a wild beast, grimaced in anticipation. At five, Sophia was far too busy cooing to her doll about how lovely tea at Snow Peak would be. Emma cringed at the thought of the incoming tea party – having already been dreading the outing since the morning it announced.
Emma raised her head to the ceiling at the sound of running upstairs. Unsurprised when the seven year old Leo stumbled into the parlor; panting and grinning in mischief. Her only brother seemed far too content in his stiff suit; his hair slicked back. The maid who dressed him had done a smashing job – but Emma knew her siblings far too well!
Glancing over her shoulder to ensure mama's attentions elsewhere – now directed to a sour Anna – Emma walked to the side of her brother; lowering to reach inside his trousers' pockets… there! A vial of ink!
"Were you, dear little brother, going to sneak this into Grandmother Regina's tea," she whispered into his ear. "I am all astonishment," she joked with a grin.
"Put it back in my pocket and no one has to know," Leo pleaded.
"I'm afraid not," Emma moved to place the vial in her handbag instead. "Whatever we may feel for that woman – she is our family –"
"I'd do the same to you if I –"
"And she is a widow. We take care of widows; give them love and support in this difficult time."
Leo made a face; kicking his shiny shoes into the wooden floors.
"Now this is going to be even more a bore!"
"If you're a good boy, Leo – I'll play soldiers in the yard when we get home!"
Leo continued to pout; stubbornly wrapping his arms around his middle.
"Do it for mama, dearest," Emma whispered into Leo's ear. "Grandfather's death has been especially hard for her – she really is trying to maintain our family's bond."
"I'll do it for mama," Leo relented at last.
"Good boy!" Emma reached forward to kiss her brother's chubby cheek; resisting the urge to ruffle his blonde hair as he stuck his tongue out at her.
"Emma," their mama called, now standing in front of a giggling Sophia. "Is Leo dressed?"
"Yes mama," she answered back. "Looks every inch a proper gentleman – no one could ever guess otherwise just from looking at him!"
The little family laughed gently together; even Leo joining in – taking pride in his legacy within the family confines.
"Where is May," Mrs. Blanchard declared, glancing as far into the hallway as she could from the middle of the parlor. "Has Astrid not –"
The young nursemaid entered; curtsying to the lady of the house as the Nolans' youngest daughter was resting comfortably atop her hip bone. Little May Nolan. Two years old and already Emma believed her the loveliest creature to walk this earth. Bright, blue eyes like their father. Rich, dark hair from mama.
Mama began ushering the children and Astrid out of the room; down the long hallway and outside. The family carriage already waiting. Traveling with such a large family was always an event, Emma learned early on. Even if just up the road.
The family packed into the narrow seats. Leo 'accidently' kicked Eva in the shins – Anna retaliating for her sister's 'honor'. Emma and Mama attempting to separate all three within a box only so large -
Emma would have been overjoyed to exit the carriage – if she did not glimpse her 'grandmother' awaiting atop the house's grand staircase; surveying the mess of children flocking in through her doors.
The woman had never wronged her – nor anyone as far as Emma knew. But she always seemed so displeased; so severe! It really was quite perplexing! Especially since her grandpapa had been the kindest man that ever lived!
The woman was draped in the finest black velvet. Emma saw the hint of a red petticoat as she descended the stairs to greet them but quickly convinced herself it must have been a mistake. A trick played on her eyes. Surely, no widow would wear such a thing so soon after -
"Regina," mama greeted; gently kissing the woman's cheek. "It was so kind of you to invite us up –"
Emma was just fast enough to grab the apple Leo found on an end table's display; arm swinging backward to lodge it towards their gracious hostess.
"We agreed Leo," Emma hissed into his ear. "For mama, no –"
"My! Hasn't Emma grown?"
Emma turned back around; confused and worried about how long the attention had been on herself. Mrs. Blanchard was moving towards her; grinning like a serpent as she took the apple from Emma's fist; setting it once again on the end table.
"My – almost a woman now," her 'grandmother' supplied; taking Emma's face in her hands and pulling her chin upward. Inspected twice in one day!
"Such a shame, isn't it," Mrs. Blanchard called backwards to Mrs. Nolan.
"What is, Regina?"
"That Emma will not be 'out' now for a year. Seems a pity she'll have to wait to get her fill of society."
In this, part of Emma agreed. All other girls at an age with her would be attending dances, parties – some even boasting trips to London and Bath! She felt wicked admitting her discontent. After all, grandpapa deserved his memory honored. Mourning was very important -
"Society will surely wait," Emma declared. " – as I honor my good grandpapa!"
"Oh," cooed Regina as she lowered to pinch Emma's cheek. It hurt far more than when other's tried this affectionate act. Stun for minutes afterwards! "That is just the right type of answer from such a dutiful lamb!"
From here Regina worked down the line; supplying little remarks and compliments to mama as she had each child examined.
They moved onto the back veranda for tea; Regina explaining it was far too lovely a day to waste indoors.
"I do feel dear Leopold's loss severely," Regina confined to her mama. For a moment, Emma was almost moved to believe the woman – but the widow was far too quick to continue with a casual shrug. "But life goes on. And all of us owe it to ourselves to keep living."
Mama paused for a moment to swallow her tea; slowly moving to balance the cup once again on the delicate saucer. "I suppose you are right – papa wouldn't want any of us to suffer –"
"Have you heard from his lawyers yet," Mrs. Blanchard inquired. "My steward says they've been in correspondence with Mr. Nolan these past weeks."
"Indeed. David was assisting papa with some paperwork in the end – papa was so confused –"
"Do you know if any…progress has been made on the settlements?"
Here mama paled. For a moment, Emma wondered if this was Mary Margaret Nolan's breaking point – would she be splashing her steaming tea in the woman's face? Storming out of the house?
Could Emma gather up her siblings in time to prevent mama ripping her step-mother's hair out?
"No. I do not."
Here the conversation shifted to the local gossip. Courtships. Scandals. Observations about this year's harvests – it didn't take long for Emma's mind to wander. When tea was done the family was dismissed quickly; much to Emma's pleasure. She had to press a kiss to her 'grandmother's' cheek – but then raced into the carriage; quickly joined by her equal displeased siblings and mama.
"What does she mean about the 'settlements', mama," asked Emma.
Mama sighed; moving to sit little May on her lap.
"Your grandfather seems to have composed several wills; all within a couple months of each other. There is some legal dispute over which takes precedence –"
"So it is all about the inheritance?"
"Not entirely. Leo will inherit Snow Peak – he is the closet male in the session –"
"As my first order of business as Lord of Snow Peak," Leo announced. "I will kick that woman out of my house!"
"How unjust of you," mama answered. "Leave a woman stranded on the side of the road… Snow Peak has been her home almost longer than it was mine!"
"But –"
"You have no need of that house; she does. Whatever happens – I am resolved that Regina live there as long as she wishes! Your papa agrees with me on that account!"
"What is being contested," Emma attempted to continue the conversation.
"Snow Peak and your grandfather's other properties will all go to the next male in line: Leo – but there is also a great deal of money. In all wills, some generous amounts were given to all you girls' dowries –"
Eva squealed in delight; already day-dreaming of marriage. Anna was utterly unimpressed with such a prospect. Sophia still talking with her doll; seemingly immune to any talk around her.
Emma – was similar to Anna, honestly. It was practical. Something she'd have to deal with sooner than the rest. She chose to be mature and nodded her understanding; forcing her face not to read a moment of disgust over marriage prospects.
" – and some for your papa and I. And, of course, Regina received a settlement."
"So the issue would be-? Aren't we all getting enough to comfortably live on?"
"Yes, all of us will be very comfortable thanks to your grandfather's kindness – but his late wife finds issue with the sums mentioned in several papers. Claims it has shifted from the promise he'd made prior to their marriage –"
"That cow," Emma declared; filled with fury!
"Emma – she has to live. I hold little grudge against the woman for being practical. She has not had such a stable life as you or I –"
"Hang the woman! – to bring this up to you only weeks after –"
"Emma! Calm down!"
"I hope grandpapa hasn't put a ha'penny to her name! I hope she has nothing –"
"How could you wish that? Surely your papa and I have raised you better!"
Emma immediately felt shame; acting like a spoiled child – a horrible example for her younger siblings.
"I am sorry mama…terribly."
Mrs. Nolan reached across the carriage to pat her daughter's hand gently.
"It is alright, my love. But we must remember to show empathy to others. The harsher people… sometimes they need our kindness more-so; to remind them there is another way to be."