- Adrianna writes to her friend Anabel about recent events in Avonlea, including the death of Master Shahan and Gardiner marrying Diana as was arranged, earning a title from King Thorin. - Adrianna married Edward Hamilton after her father died without a male heir to inherit. She hopes to prove she can bear sons to secure matches for her sisters. - Fran is taking music lessons in hopes of finding a husband, while Gertrude has caught Amir Roth's eye. Charis fancies Lord Rillian Scrubb but his brother Eustace behaved badly at a ball. - Lady Gaineda is to marry King Thorin and become queen, though Adrianna thinks she will

1. The Kingdom of Avonlea
Chapter 3: Now What?

2. Dearest Anabel,
Much has happened in Avonlea of late. I apologize for not writing
sooner, but everything seemed to happen all at once. It started with
Master Shahan’s death. I miss that kindly old man dearly.

3. Of course Isabella was devastated. But she soldiers on these days, and she
has much to be happy about.

4. Their son Gardiner has indeed joined the Mages Guild. He’s doing
quite well for himself. He recently earned titles and lands from young
King Thorin himself.

5. And of course he married Diana Gable. He was promised to
her ages ago you remember.
I must confess I’ve always had feelings for Gardiner, but I
know that such a match would never have been good for
either of us. And I do so want at least one of us to be happy.

6. Father died. No doubt you’ve heard all about the scandal by now…died without
an heir. His eldest daughter somehow still managed to marry that lad Edward
Hamilton from Twiki Island.

7. I do hope I can make Edward happy. No doubt he’s having second thoughts about
agreeing to this. I wish mother had not insisted on keeping quiet about our situation.
I certainly hope I am not as so many lords and ladies guess unable to bear heirs. If
we are to have any hope of finding matches for my sisters I must prove we can have
sons to inherit our family names.

8. Wish me luck Anabel that the child I am currently carrying is
indeed a son.

9. What else is new? Well Fran and Gertrude are doing their best to help
keep our family affairs in order with me being unable to leave
confinement. Our lord Father left us in debt and with a blemished name
to boot.

10. Fran convinced Edward to employ a musical tutor for her so that she
might gain skills which might help in finding her a husband. Personally,
I think Fran is beautiful and she plays wonderfully too.
I so hope she doesn’t end up an old maid, she’s always been so family
oriented.

11. Gertrude has caught the eye of young Amir Roth despite having completely
ruined her pale complexion. She stays out in the sun far more than any proper
lady should. I have high hopes the match will last.

12. From what she tells me her good friend Charis is smitten with Lord
Scrubb. At least she’s smitten with Rillian.

13. His brother Eustace is quite disgraceful. If I were King Thorin I too would
be looking for other alternatives to marrying my sister to such a man. I
don’t think I’ve ever seen someone behave so dastardly at a ball.

14. My sweet Fran tried her best to impress the young King at the ball. But
of course Gaineda does not have the reputation of being unable to
produce sons. I mean her lady mother birthed 4 of them to Lord Roth.

15. Lady Gaineda is to be the future queen of Avonlea. Though I
cannot say she is not deserving of the honor. I am certain she will
make a fine queen.

16. For now the young king rules with his lady mother as Queen Regent
until he comes officially of age. I’m certain the royal wedding will be
marvelous. I hope of course Edward and I will be invited.
It would be horrifying to think that scoundrel Eustace Scrubb were to be
invited while I kept Edward from receiving one.

17. But enough of this dismal talk. What else goes on these days? Lord
Roth threw a ball in honor of his wife. Gertie was invited and said it
was a lovely affair. It would seem that like the royal family the Roths
are also in search of some suitable matches especially for Erec,
their heir.

18. Their youngest two sons Pelleas and Bedwyr are also seeking
ladies to marry. From what Gertie told me Pelleas discuss
possibly sailing to nearby kingdoms soon to strengthen
Avonlea’s connections with it’s neighbors.

19. Gertrude says Lady Roth was beside herself since Lord Erec
has been seen about town with one of the local town criers.
Most certainly not an acceptable choice for a family who’s
daughter is soon to be queen.

20. As for our tenants the Gables…the newest head Matthew seems
to be much like his father. No doubt he will likely ask Edward for
permission to join the royal navy.

21. If they maintain their lands and Matthew is a man who could carry himself well,
Edward says he might consider the proposition. It could possibly help our
relations with the royal family.

22. He’s off to a good start.
He’s found a proper
match for himself in
Miss Marisa.

23. It seems she is expecting their first child soon.

24. Edward has been quite kind to me so far. He took me to visit with
Gardiner and Diana. They’ve already welcomed their first child to
Avonlea.

25. A beautiful little girl they named Ismay. I’m over the moon for both of
them. Well alas, Anabel I am feeling weary so I will close this letter.
Take care my friend.
Adrianna Hamilton