Wow, this was really great. It's always amazing to read something this original in this huge fandom!

it so sweet. the whole story. a particular favorite line of mine was, although it really has nothing to do with the story, is "didn't sulk like Alice and Jasper" as i can just imagine both sitting at opposite ends of the rooms, backs turns and pouts in place. lovely story.

I look forward to having you enter and engross my mind yet again with another piece of your work.  Such a gratifying and relaxing experience this has been this evening.  Absolutely fantastic.  If you do not mind me saying so, as I do not mean any harm in my words, but that I had gotten into character on a level I have not been able to before this writing--I must add that it takes a mother herself (a dedicated, caring, loving individual to whom she puts her loved ones above herself, as always) to be able to write with such adoration, compassion and utmost love.  I guess that there is a little Esme in all of us.  Thank you for writing this and I'm so happy that I had stumbled upon it (like a post it shoved behind a dresser, fallen and waiting to be found).  What a nice read when you get indeed, "put your feet up and relax with a book," after putting my two darlings to bed myself.  Oh, and thank you for inspiring me to read some of Elliot's workings as well.

Author's Response:

You cannot possibly know how happy it made me to read a review like this after a long day. I am thrilled that you have enjoyed my writing, and enjoyed it enough to write such a stunning review. Thank you!

It was good to know that you found yourself able to connect with Esme on a personal level with this story, I am glad I succeeded in writing something believable. I am not a mother yet - thank goodness - but I plan on being one someday, and I am honored that you think I was able to convey those emotions in a honest way.

On another note, it was fanfiction that introduced me to TS Eliot as well, and I have grown to absolutely adore him.

Very sweet, thoughtful fanfic! Thanks for a great read!

I don't know how I missed this, but I'm so glad I found it unexpectedly.  This is truly a gem!  I love how you framed this story...the language is so eloquent and flows beautifully, and your interpretation of Esme and E/B I think is a testament to how well you know and "get" these characters.  Lovely, lovely work...great job!

Author's Response:

I am so glad you found it! I hate when I miss really good things to read! Thanks for the praise - it means so much to me. Reviews like this keep me writing and posting.

That you would think to use Eliot's "Portrait of a Lady" as a framework for your story impresses me considerably. That your writing is lyrical and powerful impresses me even more. Edward at times has reminded me of Eliot's bleakness (all the more fitting as the poet would have been a contemporary of Edward during the latter's human years). "I hear the mermaids singing each to each, I do not think that they will sing to me." Edward, pre Bella, could have easily penned that line himself.

Thank you for sharing your work with the rest of us. It is beyond refreshing to find a fanfic this skillfully done.

Author's Response:

Exactly! I couldn't have said it better myself - as I wrote, the story seemed to fit around the poem effortlessly.  I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the praise of my writing, it means so much. Each and every reveiw makes me smile, but yours brightened my day. Thank you very much.

Beautiful. Just, wow. A wonderful piece and I feel better for having read it.

Thank you for your beautiful story!  Your gift for writing is obvious :)

That was one of the most beautiful things I have ever read in fanfiction. Great job.

I was just thinking that Esme didn't get to tell her story often enough, and then I found your story.  I think Esme is my favorite character because all she wants is what's best for her family--and you did a marvelous job of writing her exactly that way.

Author's Response:

I have a soft spot for Esme. I feel like she gets pushed out of the books too often, as a minor side character. Thanks for reading!

lovely :)

amazing. just beautiful. simple, intricate. amazing. love it immensly