Not quite the end...

I have finished this story and now my mom is editing it. I plan to write/finish my current story and then get back to this story to edit it when I am done with grad-school. I am not going to post any more of this story so I hopefully one day can get it published. 

He said his goodbyes to Mrs. Dumont then left twenty-nine Chestnut street not sure when he would return. Laurel's sickness just brought to light how much he wanted her to be the companion for his life not Sally Lawrence. They had gotten engaged when he was in school, so young and immature in the ways of the world. Her father would never agree of marrying off that didn't have a career and Ethan hardly had any money unless his aunt supported him. His aunt did agree to the match because the Lawrence's were a good family and had immense wealth. His aunt was the one that set him up in Mr. Danford's firm to earn some establishment.  But now with all that has happened his mind could not focus, he knew he could not stay in the city with Laurel so close so he decided to leave and visit his aunt. He thought that he might be able to convince her to give him his inheritance before he was thirty with that then he could surely marry whoever he desired.

            The next day Aunt Victoria and Julia came to call on Fiona and Emmy.

            "My dear sister, I am so sorry I just heard about Laurel's health, believe me my sister if I know Laurel's health was so bad I would have done all I could do to help."

            "Oh I know my sweet sister, you are so kind but from what I can see my friend, Mrs. Dumont, has bent over backwards for my daughters," Fiona patted Emmy on the leg affectionately.

            "Yes absolutely, they have Dr. Clark here around the clock for Laurel and the servants are at our beck and call. We could not be better placed."

            "See, mother I told you not worry so much," Julia said sounding rather annoyed.

            "How could I not be concerned first Laurel gets sick and has only grown worse, then Emmy passed out."

            Fiona shot Emmy a look, she had not know of Emmy collapsing at Julia and Mr. Caleb James' engagement announcement. Emmy sunk a bit in her seat letting Fiona know she should not ask about it.

            "Well you are kind to be so concerned about my daughters."

            "Of course I was concerned they are my only nieces."

            Victoria was good enough to then ask after Gloria and Grandma Danford and was happy there was no ill news on that front. She told Fiona that she could have brought Gloria along and they would have been happy to host her but Fiona thought Gloria was better off staying in Pine Haven. Afterwards Aunt Victoria invited Emmy to stay with them. Aunt Victoria was certain that Emmy would be happier staying with them and still maintaining a social life. Both Julia and Emmy rolled their eyes at this suggestion.

            "It was hard enough to leave her to go to mother, I could not imagine leaving her."

            "You are such a good sister," Aunt Victoria said.

            "Yes we are lucky to have Mr. Foster who was so generous to drive Emmy out to come get me. It would have taken so much longer if we were forced on a train schedule."

            "Mr. Foster has been a great asset since he came to Mr. Danford's firm. I had long thought he would attach himself to Julia but now that she is engaged to Mr. Caleb James I suppose it is good Mr. Foster has attached himself to Laurel."   

            "Oh my heavens I am so sorry Julia, I had not been informed of your engagement, that is wonderful news. Best wished to you and Mr. James."

            "Thank you aunt, our wedding is to in June but I wish it would be sooner, June seems like an eternity from now and James is far off in New York."

            "Do not fret dear Julia you have the rest of your life to be together. June is such a wonderful month to marry, Boston is warm and the flowers are in bloom. Plus they say when you marry in June you will always be a bride."

            "Keep talking that way my sister, perhaps she will believe you for she does believe me."

            Emmy's stomach was growing sick from all the wedding talk and she was very relieved to see Sarah come in.

            "Mam, Miss Cromwell is requesting you."

            "Oh thank you Sarah." Fiona was about to go up but Emmy stepped her.

            "No mother I will tend to Laurel, it has been months since you have seen Aunt Victoria you should stay and talk."

            "Thank you Emmy."

            After Emmy left the room they continued talking about the wedding. Then the conversation turned to idle gossip and as Fiona replayed the conversation to Emmy over dinner Emmy was happy she stayed by Laurel's side till she was certain they were gone.

            The days passed slowly and with each passing day Laurel grew healthier. Her color returned, then she was able to sit up, and soon enough she was able to take in broth. By the end of a fortnight sine her mother's arrival she could even stand and walk a bit. Soon it was almost Christmas, Dr. Clark gave Laurel a clean bill of health and the Cromwell girls made plans on return to Pine Haven. They all agreed that there was no place better for Christmas than Pine Haven.