The Fossoway Sisters

Chapter Two

FOLLOWING THEIR INTRODUCTION, FLORENCE DECIDED TO WATCH ELIZA'S RELATIONS WITH DEAN MORE CAREFULLY. He seemed charming, and certainly was handsome, but still had a mystery to his character and presence which although her younger sister adored, Florence viewed as dubious.

It was a usual Friday morning when the their father interrupted breakfast in the parlour with a grave expression. 

"Girls, I have horrible news. Horrible, horrible news."

"What is it?" Eliza exclaimed immediately. "Is the ball cancelled? Is Cousin Edmund not coming with William?" She gasped.

"This is far more serious than balls Eliza."

"What is it father?" Jane probed, walking over to him and taking his hand.

He sighed and looked at his eldest, most sound daughter.

"I'm afraid that our beloved friend and parishioner, Mr Sellors, died in his sleep last night."

Mr John Sellors was and eldery but respected and upstanding member of the local parish. He has baptised all of the Fossoway children, and had been dutifully bound to the care of his flock. His death was not a shock, Mr Sellors was of senior age, but nonetheless the family immediately became sombre.

Florence looked at Jane. She had become pale, the blood disappearing from her usually rosy cheeks.

"But.." Jane stuttered.

"Sister, sit down," Florence commanded, "Eliza fetch a drink for Jane, now."

"It's a shock to us all. " Mr Fossoway soothed, "And we will miss him dearly, Jane, the whole parish will, but he died peacefully and in the arms of God, remember that when you miss him."

It was undoubtable that Jane had an undoubtable connexion to Mr Sellors that the others missed. He has taught her the skill of pianoforte, a practice in which she delighted, and constantly went to in times of need. Wood Ridge did not have it's own piano, although deeply desired, and so Mr Sellors had taught Jane on his own in his house connected to Allstock Hall. It was a gift to him from his benefactors and parish owners, Lord Benedict Evanthorpe, now deceased, and his stout, sharp wife Lady Eleanor. 

After Jane had calmed herself enough, Florence convinced her to take a walk. She was steady but not able to walk as far a Greybrook, and so the two of them instead paid a visit Whiteshaw Gate. The Davis sisters were also affected by this loss, though pleased by the company nonetheless. The girls took tea in the drawing room whilst Jane regained her strength enough to make the journey home.

"I shall miss him dearly." Mary sighed.

"As shall we all." Florence agreed. "Beloved fellow, one can only feel sorry for his successor."

"Oh I had not even began to consider that." Jane sighed, "I hope he is of a kind disposition and will let me continue use of the pianoforte."

"I doubt he could refuse you Jane." Mary comforted.

It was at that moment that Mrs Davis walked into the room and greeted the sisters. 

"Girls I have news." She seemed excited, an odd contrast to the rest of the party.

"The funeral will be this Sunday, but after Lady Eleanor has invited the whole village to Allstock Hall."

"Allstock Hall?" Evelyn exclaimed. Even Florence could not help but feel slightly excited. Allstock Hall was the largest residense in the whole of Hampshire, let alone Greybrook. The Evanthorpe family was notoriously wealthy, the benefactors of Mr Sellors' position, and the Fossoway sisters had never been invited to the hall before.

"Yes dearest. What's more, Lady Evanthorpe has already appointed a new, single and young, successor to Mr Sellors who will be arriving within the week. I shalln't know what to do if one of you girls doesn't become betrothed to him. We must try our hardest to throw you into his path."

"Mother, now is not the time to talk of marriage." Mary countered. 

"Well when is the time dear? Oh I would talk of marriage all day if you weren't so drab. Thank goodness Sargeant Brackwood has come to Greybrook, for if this new parishioner doesn't fall for you, I can marry you to him."

Mary remained quiet at this remark, and Florence suspected her relationship with Brackwood was more forthcoming than they had realised before.

After Mrs Davis finished talking of marriage and Jane had recovered her strength, the sisters made the journey back to Wood Ridge and passed the news to Eliza, who was so thrilled she forgot about Mr Sellors' death all together.