The Kingdom of Avonlea

Chapter 3: Now What?

Dearest Anabel,

Much has happened in Avonlea of late. I apologize for not writing sooner, but everything seemed to happen all at once. It started with Master Shahan’s death. I miss that kindly old man dearly.

Of course Isabella was devastated. But she soldiers on these days, and she has much to be happy about.

Their son Gardiner has indeed joined the Mages Guild. He’s doing quite well for himself. He recently earned titles and lands from young King Thorin himself.

And of course he married Diana Gable. He was promised to her ages ago you remember.

I must confess I’ve always had feelings for Gardiner, but I know that such a match would never have been good for either of us. And I do so want at least one of us to be happy.

Father died. No doubt you’ve heard all about the scandal by now…died without an heir. His eldest daughter somehow still managed to marry that lad Edward Hamilton from Twiki Island.

I do hope I can make Edward happy. No doubt he’s having second thoughts about agreeing to this. I wish mother had not insisted on keeping quiet about our situation.

I certainly hope I am not as so many lords and ladies guess unable to bear heirs. If we are to have any hope of finding matches for my sisters I must prove we can have sons to inherit our family names.

Wish me luck Anabel that the child I am currently carrying is indeed a son.

What else is new? Well Fran and Gertrude are doing their best to help keep our family affairs in order with me being unable to leave confinement. Our lord Father left us in debt and with a blemished name to boot.

Fran convinced Edward to employ a musical tutor for her so that she might gain skills which might help in finding her a husband. Personally, I think Fran is beautiful and she plays wonderfully too.

I so hope she doesn’t end up an old maid, she’s always been so family oriented.

Gertrude has caught the eye of young Amir Roth despite having completely ruined her pale complexion. She stays out in the sun far more than any proper lady should. I have high hopes the match will last.

From what she tells me her good friend Charis is smitten with Lord Scrubb. At least she’s smitten with Rillian.

His brother Eustace is quite disgraceful. If I were King Thorin I too would be looking for other alternatives to marrying my sister to such a man. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone behave so dastardly at a ball.

My sweet Fran tried her best to impress the young King at the ball. But of course Gaineda does not have the reputation of being unable to produce sons. I mean her lady mother birthed 4 of them to Lord Roth.

Lady Gaineda is to be the future queen of Avonlea. Though I cannot say she is not deserving of the honor. I am certain she will make a fine queen.

For now the young king rules with his lady mother as Queen Regent until he comes officially of age. I’m certain the royal wedding will be marvelous. I hope of course Edward and I will be invited.

It would be horrifying to think that scoundrel Eustace Scrubb were to be invited while I kept Edward from receiving one.

But enough of this dismal talk. What else goes on these days? Lord Roth threw a ball in honor of his wife. Gertie was invited and said it was a lovely affair. It would seem that like the royal family the Roths are also in search of some suitable matches especially for Erec, their heir.

Their youngest two sons Pelleas and Bedwyr are also seeking ladies to marry. From what Gertie told me Pelleas discuss possibly sailing to nearby kingdoms soon to strengthen Avonlea’s connections with it’s neighbors.

Gertrude says Lady Roth was beside herself since Lord Erec has been seen about town with one of the local town criers. Most certainly not an acceptable choice for a family who’s daughter is soon to be queen.

As for our tenants the Gables…the newest head Matthew seems to be much like his father. No doubt he will likely ask Edward for permission to join the royal navy.

If they maintain their lands and Matthew is a man who could carry himself well, Edward says he might consider the proposition. It could possibly help our relations with the royal family.

He’s off to a good start. He’s found a proper match for himself in Miss Marisa.

It seems she is expecting their first child soon.

Edward has been quite kind to me so far. He took me to visit with Gardiner and Diana. They’ve already welcomed their first child to Avonlea.

A beautiful little girl they named Ismay. I’m over the moon for both of them. Well alas, Anabel I am feeling weary so I will close this letter. Take care my friend.

Adrianna Hamilton