The Apothecary's Daughter

Chapter 38

His wife Fannie was the sister of a childhood friend. She was expected to marry well as to help raise her family's status, but could not deny her affection for Robert. She was a sweet woman, nurturing in nature. Together they made the perfect pair serving London's elites. They were never able to bear children but doted on their nieces and nephews. It was decided after Eleanor's death that the Kellers would be the best caretakers for Emmeline. They were the closest the Somer's family had to kin. 

~

"'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.' Gideon Somers understood this more than anyone. He was a healer, who faced both the joys of new life, and the sorrows of the end. He was a friend to us all. Every single person in this room has been touched by his healing nature. Even after the passing of his beloved Eleanor, Gideon showed kindness to everyone he met. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke, he showed a level of grace that many of us can only wish to achieve. Gideon may have left to be with his beloved wife, but he left behind a wonderful daughter, Emmeline. She is a model of both of her parents, working with the same amount of grace and kindness that her father did, taking over her father's practice when he became sick. She has been a pillar in this community, and she will be missed as she leaves for London to be with the Keller family for a period."

Daniel, standing at the back of the church, looks at Emmeline at the front. Her eyes focused in rapt attention on Reverend Ellis. A pang of sadness seeps in his soul.

The service concludes and the somber party walks to the cemetery at the side of the church. Emmeline places a book into the casket, the collection of John Wilmot's poetry, as a final goodbye to her father. She takes hold of Mrs. Keller's hand and watches as they lower the casket into the ground. The party begins to break up, but she stands near, holding fast to the last few moments. 

"I am going to go back to the house and make sure everything is ready for our departure. Take all of the time you need my dear. We have rooms arranged at Luton for us for the night." Mrs. Keller kisses her hands and walks to her waiting husband. 

Emmeline stays at the site for a few more minutes, embracing the silence as they finish covering the casket. She kisses her fingertips and places them on Gideon's headstone. She smiles, seeing her mother's final resting place next to his.

"Say hello to Mama for me." She whispers.

She feels Daniel's presence behind her and turns around.

"So you are leaving then?" She looks up at him, his eyes showing a deep sadness that breaks her heart. 

She turns away from him, wrapping her shawl tighter around herself.

"I need to go away for a while. I cannot be in the house alone right now. I cannot work. Everything I see reminds me of them. A constant reminder that I am alone."

Daniel places his good arm gently on her shoulder.

"But you are not. You have ones that would love and care for you here." 

Emmeline turns around, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Please do not make this harder than it already has to be m'lord." Her voice is harsh. Daniel is taken aback and Emmeline sees the hurt in his eyes. 

She steps closer to him.

"This was what my parents wanted. I must honor them. I must honor myself and give myself to adjust to a world without him in it. I will return when I am well again, but for now this is how it must be."

Daniel takes her hand and kisses it gently.

"Then I shall pray every day for your peace."

~

Hi Everyone!

Thank you so much for reading this story. 

We are getting near the end  of the story which seems so crazy to be able to say after I let it lay dormant for so many years. I can't promise you there won't be a few more twists and turns before we get to the end.

I hope you've enjoyed the journey so far!

The next chapter should be up within the next week!

-M