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