Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont, Chp. 10, Gen. 1, 1716

~November, 1716~
Dear Diary:

     My sweet Emilie has finally grown into a beautiful young woman.  She is a bit lazy, but herself all the same.  She seems to have inherited my clumsiness, but she may grow out of it in all due time.  I so far have not, as any bystander could tell you...

     Jean-Claude has also grown into a child.  He is quite handsome, but I have not a clue where his lilac eyes have come from.  They have certainly NOT come from me... but Claude has hazel eyes!  I'm very confused, so I best just admire the wonder of it all...

     Life in our family seems well, except for one thing: Emilie.  She is not happy.  I fail to see why.  She has a family who loves her very much.  She has siblings who look up to her.  She has friends.  But, she challenges Claude's and my own authority.  She seems to be having a difficult time.  I constantly try to help her but she reacts by pushing me away.  These are just some of the things she says:
     "Leave me alone, Maman, please.  I want to be left alone."
     "Don't try to control me!  I want to be myself.  I'm not you."
     I've tried to talk to Claude about it, but he isn't sure what to do, either.  He tells me not to worry.  The teenage years are quite difficult, he explains to me.  
     

     I sulk around the house.  I want to know how to help my beautiful little Emilie!  I want my daughter to be happy!  But how?


     With love,
              Elizabeth
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     There was just one thing that Emilie found a happiness and peace in.

     Bernard DeCuir. 
     "Bernard," Emilie would say, "I think you're the only person who really understands me."
     "I've known you for a very long time."
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     Felicity noticed the change in Emilie, too.  Emilie never wanted to be around her siblings much anymore, except for Jean-Claude.  She seemed to have a connection with him.  Emilie drifted from Felicity.  
     As sad as it seemed, Felicity found a new closeness between herself and Mabeline.  The two grew to be great friends.
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     Bernard and Emilie began spending so much time together that Elizabeth began to wonder if it was more than a friendship.

     To Emilie, Bernard was the only one who would really listen to her without trying to tell her what to do.
     "Bernard, my mother always does my hair.  The problem is that I don't like it.  I've told her this, but she doesn't seem to listen.  I want to change it.  I hate braids!  They look so ugly."
     Bernard pondered this for a moment.  "Maybe you should change it on your own.  Tell your mother that you want to choose what you like and you would like to keep your new hairstyle instead of your mother's favorite."
      Emilie gazed into his dark blue eyes.  He was such a good listener.  He was never selfish with his advice or ideas.  "That's a good idea.  I will try it.  Thank you."
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     The next day, Emilie redid her hair to how she truly wanted it: Emilie-style.

     Claude noticed the new style.
     "Did you change your hair, Emilie?"
     Emilie looked at him, a hint of smugness behind her eyes.  "Yes, Papa.  Don't you like it?"
     "Well, it's certainly something different..."
     "It suits me.  I plan to keep my hair this way."
     "Oh, well be sure to tell your mother," Claude said hesitantly.

Elizabeth arrived home from an afternoon of tea with Madame DeMontre.

     "Emilie!"  Elizabeth yelped, offended at the new hairstyle.  "What happened to your braids?"

      "I changed it!  I like this better.  I hate those braids!  Why do you always make me wear them?  You never care about what I think!  Ever!"  Emilie yelled.   "I'm different from you!  I like different things.  So stop trying to make me someone I'm not!"

     Elizabeth leaped back, surprised.  "Calm down-"

     "No!  I won't calm down!"  Emilie shrieked.  "Not until you listen!  I want my hair like this!" 

     "Please, calm down!  You can have your hair like that!  I... I really didn't know how much you despised the braids.  I am so sorry this upset you so much.  Do not yell at me.  You can accomplish more without yelling.  You need to treat me with respect.  Claude as well.  And your sisters.  I will not have you acting like this."  Elizabeth said.

     Emilie, surprised at how easily Elizabeth gave in, glared at her and stalked away, as a slow, sinking feeling of guilt overtook her.

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Dear Diary:

     Emilie's attitude this evening astounded me.  I never knew she kept all of those feelings pent up inside.  The way she treated me was very upsetting.  I feel like a horrible mother.  Have I really and truly been so ignorant to my daughter's feelings?   Oh, help me find a way to make my daughter happy!  If only I could see her smiling face again!

     With love,

              Elizabeth

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     When Claude heard of Emilie's behavior, he was extremely disappointed.  He was quiet and stared down at the food without eating it, so Elizabeth knew something was upsetting him.

     "What is wrong, Claude?"

     Claude took a deep breath.  "This has nothing to do with Emilie, but it is serious.  I learned at the Printer's that a group of black slaves has been brought to the Louisiana territory for working."

     Elizabeth was shocked.  "But what does it mean?" She whispered.

     "Some slaves may be brought here to do work soon.  They must be purchased.  They live with families and do work for them.  They... can be treated any way the family desires.  That does not bother most people."  Claude shook his head.

     "But, it isn't fair!" Elizabeth cried.

     "It isn't.  Human beings shouldn't be able to be purchased.  Goods are meant to be purchased.  But-but not people.  But what can we- two people in a sea of thousands- do to stop this?"

     Elizabeth was so upset by this fact that Claude almost was sorry he told her.  To make it up to her, he decided to buy her a new outfit.  They went into town to get it tailored to fit her.

     Though the new dress made Elizabeth happier, it still couldn't take away the feelings of anger and sadness.

     Will my Emilie ever truly be happy again?  Would the world ever make things right?  I wish I could do something!

*The Antique Legacy*

Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont

Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont, Chp. 9, Gen.1, 1713

~April, 1713~
Dear Diary:

     My children grow more lovely everyday.  It is ironic, as each day I grow older, and although Claude has not complained (he wouldn't dare), I'm probably growing uglier.
     I am pleased that my children are so adorable.  I hope that one day each and every one of them will find someone they really love- and be married.   It is strange, because I feel like it was just yesterday that I was Emilie's age.  And as I pass the knowledge that I have collected throughout my life on to my children, I cannot help but feel at peace.  They will pass that knowledge on to their children, and the children after that, and so on.  They will all be my descendants.  I will pass the knowledge and love on to them, too, in some way.  I love them already.


With love, 
         Elizabeth
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     Elizabeth spent much of Emilie's childhood listening to stories about Bernard.  But, as Emilie's childhood began to come to a close, the Bernard stories did not seem to end.

     "Maman," Emilie said, "do you want me to tell you what Bernard and I did yesterday?"
     "What did you two do?"
     "Well," Emilie began...

   
     "A long time ago, Bernard used to tease me and be mean to me all the time, but now, we're best friends!  We talk all the time about stuff, like about how Madame DeMontre's son, Francis, is bad in school, and how Madame DuBois is scared to go outside because she thinks it might rain and she'll get soaked..."

     "Emilie!" Elizabeth was shocked, but couldn't help but smile.

     "Well, Bernard says he knows about Francis because Francis is in Bernard's class.  Uh, about Madame DuBois, I'm not really sure, but that's what Bernard told me.  I thought it was funny.  We laughed about it."

     "And he gave me a hug! Because we're best friends and all!"  Emilie ended the story with a smile.
     "Aw, honey, that was very sweet of Bernard." Elizabeth admired her daughter for a second.  Emilie was such a bright girl!
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    Felicity loved reading her father's newspapers.  She loved anything Claude did and would constantly wait until after dark (sometimes until midnight) for Claude to come home from the Printer's.  Claude was truly a role model for her.

     If he got home before Felicity fell asleep, she would greet him with a great big hug.
     "I love you so much, Papa!"
     "I love you more then you can imagine, Felicity.  Now, get to bed!"  And with that, Felicity would rocket up the steps to bed.

     If Claude was due to arrive home very late, then sometimes Elizabeth would urge Felicity to go to bed for some much needed rest, as Felicity became very grumpy and tired waiting.
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     As for the twins, Hettie and Mabeline, they spent many warm summer days sitting out in meadows of flowers making wreaths of flowers to put on their heads.

     Usually, it was Mabeline who needed to nag Hettie to get out of the house. 
     "Come on, Hettie!  Do you want to go or not?"

     And, usually the twins would stay out until dark pretending to be magical princesses in their new flower crowns.

     Once Hettie put on her crown, it was very hard for anyone to get her to take it off!

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~November, 1715~
Dear Diary:

     As the years pass, I find myself becoming quite fond of a new beverage that was recently introduced to the colonies: tea.  It has a nice flavor, and it is sweet and warm.  I love inviting my good friend Madame DeMontre over for tea.  It's a good occasion to chat about happenings and other such things- especially when we are also occupied with a tasty drink.
     As time approaches Emilie's teenage years, I feel a surge of hope for her success in her life, which I hope I will be able to watch and guide her through.

     With love,
             Elizabeth
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*The Antique Legacy*

Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont

      

Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont, Chp. 8, Gen. 1, 1711

~June, 1711~
Dear Diary:

     Not much can compare to the happiness a parent feels when her children get along and really love each other.  Emilie is almost nine and Felicity is six.  They get along so well-despite the age difference.  I constantly find them making up their own different games and playing with their little siblings.  They will make wonderful mothers.

     Jean-Claude is growing up nicely.  He is a handsome young man.  He and Claude look so much alike it is almost scary.  Jean-Claude sure does cry a lot, however.  I think it might be starting to get to Claude.  Oh, la-la, the little boy sure is a handful!


With love,
          Elizabeth
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     One day, Elizabeth found Emilie eating fresh churned butter out of a container.  
     "Emilie, honey, where did you get that?"
     Between mouthfuls, Emilie said, "Madame DuMontre gave some of it to Felicity and me.  It's so good!"
     Elizabeth laughed.  "Sweetie, did you remember to say thank you to Madame DuMontre?"
     "Um," Emilie looked at the ceiling.  "Uh... I think I did... oh, wait, I think I forgot to!"
     "Honey, it's very important to remember to be polite.  People will respect you more if you show them respect and appreciate what they do for you.  Try to remember that for next time, okay?"
     Emilie nodded sadly.  Elizabeth frowned.
     "What's wrong, Emilie?"
     "I feel horrible now.  She probably thinks I'm really mean and that I'm a pig."  A tear rolled down her cheek.  "What can I do?"
     Elizabeth patted her head.  "Why don't you tell her that you are grateful for the delicious butter and that it was very nice of her to give it to you and your sister?"
     Emilie brightened.  "What a wonderful idea, Maman!"

     Elizabeth turned to Felicity.
     "You should also be wary to use good manners, okay?  Are you enjoying your butter?" She asked.
     Felicity nodded.  "Mm!"
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     Since they were indeed best friends, Emilie and Felicity spent much time running around and playing.  Elizabeth knew that many of her friends and other townsfolk may not have agreed with Elizabeth for letting girls run around because that was for boys 'only.'  Elizabeth believed that children -boys or girls- deserved to play how they liked.  She thought that children learned through play and disagreed with keeping girls cooped up in the house to only perform chores and cook.
     "My girls deserve to play however they want.  They can still do their chores.  I will not force them to be who they aren't.  I believe in learning, and my children are learning.  But I want them to be themselves- as long as they are polite and disciplined."

     Because of their mother's ideas, the children did play how they wished to.  They enjoyed every bit of it.

   
     Emilie especially enjoyed all the running around because she was always faster then Felicity!  Although Emilie was always competitive, Felicity was always a good sport about losing; Elizabeth truly admired her for that.

     This was not to say that they did not enjoy being girls- they loved to gossip about neighbors quite often!  Usually, it was Emilie who loved gossiping, but Felicity went along with it to make Emilie happy.

     But, most of all, the two were there for each other.  There was not a moment of their childhood where one of them walked away from the other.  Between them, there was an iron bond that could not be broken.  This was the bond of sisterhood.

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~July, 1711~
Dear Diary:


     As time passes, I find myself staring at two young women who are becoming more independent with each day that passes: Hettie and Mabeline.

     Sweet little Hettie has a unique sense of style.  She is very particular in her thoughts and words, even though she is a young child.  She is in awe with the world around her; always impressed with whatever she sees.  Even if one is easily impressed, they will have much to admire- just like Hettie does.

     My dear Mabeline, who was once a noisy toddler, has developed into a gorgeous child.  She is soft spoken, yet holds firm beliefs and ideas, especially when she plays with her sisters.  She has the most innocent face of all of my children, yet, I wonder if she's the one who has been stealing the ginger cookies I made for dessert recently...
   

  
     The twins have a bond similar to Emilie and Felicity.  They never fight, and are always there for each other.  I am excited to watch them learn and grow, and I cannot wait to teach them everything I know.


With love,
         Elizabeth
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*The Antique Legacy*

Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont

Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont, Chp. 7, Gen. 1, 1708

~April 1708~
Dear Diary:

     Time has gone by quickly.  I gave birth to a healthy baby boy (yes, a boy!) and in Claude's honor, we decided to name him Jean-Claude.   He is a very handsome young man.  

     I just cannot believe how my dream of a house full of children has come true.  I still want to live to see them off to adults, but I know that is unlikely.  

     I hear the pitter patters of little feet everyday.  It makes me warm and glowing inside.  I never would have imagined my life to turn out this way!  What once was a fantasy is now a reality.  I could not ask for more.  I think Claude feels the same about it.

     With love,
              Elizabeth
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     Hettie had become a beautiful little toddler.  Although she did not have longer hair like Emilie and Felicity, she did have a layer of fuzz!

     Mabeline was a bit different.  She was completely bald.  But, as Elizabeth noticed, she was the only child to have inherited Elizabeth's green eyes. 

     Mabeline was often cranky, however.
     "Shh, Mabeline, it's okay," Elizabeth would whisper.
     "No! No!" Mabeline would shriek. 
     Elizabeth sighed.  "You are an ornery girl, huh?"  Hettie was not at all very loud, and she had Claude's color of eyes, so it was definitely clear that the twins were not identical! 
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January 1709

     Elizabeth began to feel different.  Her feet started feeling cold at night in the summer.  She felt sore from time to time.  She didn't feel as energetic.  Elizabeth noticed Claude had new wrinkles that were not there before.  Elizabeth even noticed wrinkles on herself.

      She knew that she was getting old.  In a way, this made her happy.  She had 'done' something with her life.  She had brought five darling children into the world.  She could now watch them grow up and settle down in her own life.  
     In a way, it also made her sad.  She loved living with her husband and children.  Someday (and yes, in Elizabeth's mind, it would be too soon) she would have to leave it all behind.  But she vowed to always watch over her family.  She would be an angel and she would try to protect them because she loved them so much.
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    Emilie was becoming prettier everyday.  She made new friends with the neighbors and would constantly come home with new stories about something her friends had done.

     "Mama!  There's this boy living across the street and he put a frog in my hair!  Oh!  I wanted to show him!  So I ran as fast as I could to catch him, but he was fast, too. But I did eventually and I told him that he was mean."
     Elizabeth laughed.  "Then what happened, Sweetie?"
     "Well," Emilie continued, "he laughed at me!"

     "He said, 'Oh, you think I'm mean? Oh, no! Now what am I going to do?'" Emilie shook her head.

     "Then he made a silly face at me!  Mama, can you believe that?  Then he laughed at me again."

     "Then he made fun of me and ran away!"  Emilie said, out of breath.  "He was so rude." 
     Elizabeth smiled.  "What was his name?"
     "Bernard DeCuir." Emilie said right away.
     "Emilie, I think he must like you!"  
Emilie giggled and turned red.
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     Felicity had finally learned to walk.  She was wobbling all over the place.  She loved to stop and smell the flowers, and Elizabeth loved watching her every move.  She was a lovely little thing!

     After Felicity learned to walk, Elizabeth found herself staring at a sweet little girl...

      ...who loved making funny faces with her sister.  Felicity seemed like a tomboy type of girl.  She was obsessed with anything Claude did and simply adored him.
     Elizabeth noticed that since the Bernard DeCuir incident, Emilie really liked making funny faces!

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 Dear Diary:


     As 1709 becomes a year of the past, I am enjoying life even more with my children.  They are becoming quite close with each other and to Claude and I.  We truly love them with all our hearts and we  would do anything for them.  I truly don't know what else to say about them.  I know that they will grow up to be great people.

    With love,
            Elizabeth
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*The Antique Legacy*

Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont