All The Things She Said

[Lucy Pettigrew]

The smile that graced her face was tinged with sadness for a still moment as Lucy thought one thing and one thing alone: three sons and a fourth on the way… if it was a girl then Mrs Black would have exactly the same number of child as she had. Used to have.

“That is quite wonderful my dear,” she said finally, swallowing down the unpleasant sorrow that usually came whenever she thought of her poor darling Jane. She had been the most beautiful thing in the world and she couldn’t entirely suppress the sadness from her voice, though she was pleased with herself for holding back tears.

“I do hope you have a girl. Girls are so perfect when they’re young that she might change your mind. My Jane certainly did when she was born,” she smiled sadly and reached out to press her hand to Mrs Black’s arm. “Please cherish them. And this one. You must come and visit me in town, to tell me how you’re faring.”

  

[Ursula Black]

DATE: November 21st, 1885
TAG: @'Lucy Pettigrew'
OUTFIT
WORDS: 202
NOTES:

It seemed impossible that Jane Prewett had been this woman's daughter, had she simply caught the wrong side of Thom's sister or had Jane really been so very different from her mother? How was it possible someone so disagreeable could be born into such an agreeable family? Of course Ursula hadn't really met either of Thom's brothers, nor had she met his father and it was too late to do so now, but she had to think they were just as amiable.

It was also somewhat ironic that Mrs. Prewett had snapped when Ursula had remarked negatively on her having so many daughters when her mother was now wishing girls upon her. Surely Mrs. Pettigrew would want a son of her too if she knew that it would be Thom's son?

Ursula might have voiced her reluctance in having a daughter if the sorrow radiating from the older woman hadn't struck her quite as it did. The woman who was usually as empathetic as a rock was surprised at her own sympathy. Had Mrs. Pettigrew simply caught her at a weak moment? "I will," she replied without really thinking. "I would be honored to pay you a visit, Mrs. Pettigrew."

  

[Lucy Pettigrew]

Thom, Lucy decided in a moment of rare surety, had done her a great disservice in never having introduced her to Mrs Black before and she smiled beatifically as she reached for the younger woman’s hand. She was truly lovely, a credit to her ancient and honourable name no doubt, and Lucy felt the sort of connection with her that she seldom did with others.

She wasn’t entirely sure why she felt it – if Lucy had been in a sounder frame of mind she might have paused to consider the curious feeling that there was something here that was worth delving further into - but for now Lucy was not disposed to question her instincts too much.

“You are always welcome my dear.”

Perhaps she ought to throw a ball at Christmas? It would be early enough for Mrs Black to still attend without being in discomfort. But no, she never found the time to speak with people properly at her parties so that was no good at all – although she might still throw one. Mrs Black, for whatever reason, commanded more.

“And you must come soon. I’m sure Thom will be pleased to see us being friends.”