The Fossoway Sisters

Chapter One

MISS FLORENCE FOSSOWAY HAD THE LOOKS OF BOTH HER FATHER AND LATE MOTHER. The family had been long settled in the reasonably small estate of Wood Ridge, but lived comfortably on the land for many years. Her mother had been an outspoken woman of varying temperament, much contrasting to the nature of Mr Fossoway who was much better suited to the solitary task of reading in the drawing room.

Florence and her sisters, Jane and Eliza, enjoyed the society of Greybrook immensely, especially the near constant companionship they found in Miss Mary and Evelyn Davis of Whiteshaw Gate.

Eliza, the youngest, was the most handsome of the three, but with the most frivolous character that gave her plentiful attention, largely of the local militia. This was not to say that Jane and Florence were plain, but far from it. Mr Fossoway too prized them at the same worth as Eliza, for what she lacked in sound nature and disposition, they made up for.

"Girls I have received a letter from your brother. He will be visiting us in a fortnight."

Master William Fossoway was a fine albeit stern young man. He stood to inherit the small fortune of Wood Ridge, but had subsequently taken to studying in Oxford.

"And will dear cousin Master Smith be with him?" Jane inquired.

Edmund Smith was the only child of Mr Fossoway's sister, Mrs Lydia Smith, whom married very well in Mr Smith of Newcliffe Manor, a large estate 15 miles south of Wood Ridge. Out of the three sisters Jane was most fond of the Edmund's company, as he was well accomplished in the musical arts. Jane herself was most gifted with her accomplishment of the pianoforte, having been fortunate enough to have received tuition from the local clergyman, Mr John Sellors, along with the skill her own disposition provided. Eliza and her dearest friend Evelyn, however, were more transfixed with the gentility and handsome nature that he possessed.

"I believe, dearest Jane." Mr Fossoway replied.

"I cannot wait to tell Evelyn." Eliza squealed, "I must walk to Greybrook immediately." She said, exiting the room with much haste.

"Florence, Jane..."

Florence sighed, looking at her old and wearied father, "We shall accompany her father."

The sisters left in quick succession, taking the short road to Greybrook along the scenic path by the river.

"Oh I am sure we will find Evelyn and Mary in town. It was only yesterday Mary spoke of her want to buy a new bonnet, and Evelyn would not miss an opportunity to meet the Militia. That reminds me, I must introduce you to the new officers. Evelyn agrees that only the most handsome of men wear scarlet! Do you not think Jane?"

"I'm afraid I do not quite share those sentiments."

"Oh Lord Jane, I insist you are wrong." Eliza seemed shocked.

"Why you insist on a lot on many a thing for so young an age Eliza."

"You cannot say that Florence, for I am only 4 years your younger, and 5 years below Jane. And I declare we are all so similar in countenance." Florence smiled at Jane. She loved her sister but could not agree with her many declarations.