#britta olafsson

[300yearschallenge]

The wedding between Constantine Olafsson, 25, and Britta de Monet, 24, was held that same summer in 1770.

Their wedding day couldn't have been more perfect.

It was the height of summer, and there were enough flowers to go around for all of the decorations for the party.

The wedding celebration was attened by as many members of the Olafsson clan as possible, and even some people from the village who were not related to the Olafssons such as Father Isaiah.

The celebrations went on until late in the evening, with drinking, dance and music keeping everyone entertained.

All who attended said that they thought the couple looked absolutely smitten with each other, and that they all were very happy on their behalf.

[300yearschallenge]

In the summer of 1770 Théo received a surprise visit.

It was 'Tine, who had come over unnanounced with a guest...

... his new fiancée, a woman named Britta de Monet.

Théo was beyond delighted at the news, and eagerly began speaking to the new couple to learn all about them.

They told her about how they had met one day after Sunday service.

'Tine had been waiting outside for a moment to think when Britta approached him.

She had moved to the local area that winter to live with her aunt, and was quite surprised to see 'Tine there.

She and 'Tine had met a long time ago during the very first Jomala market.

While 'Tine hadn't recognised her at first, he remembered vaguely talking to a girl matching his description, and after some pleasantries the two of them went on a walk together to get to know each other more.

And then, after months of meeting each other regularly 'Tine had made the choice to ask Britta for her hand in marriage.

He chose to ask her before he went to her guardian to ask, as he wanted to know her thoughts on it first.

Obviously, Britta had been delighted.

Théo thought it was the most romantic story she had ever heard.

And she was so, so happy for her twin. Knowing he had found someone to share his life with, someone who would support him and care for him, made her overjoyed.

[300yearschallenge]

In the winter of 1774, close to New Year's Eve and with the snow thick on the ground - Britta fell ill with smallpox.

Théo came as soon as she heard.

"How is she?" She said, pulling her twin into a warm hug.

"Stable, for now," he said, "But I'm so worried."

Théo knew all too well what if felt like to have a spouse fall ill not too long into a marriage, and knew that her family would need all the help they could get at this time.

Her parents were past their 50s and baby Teresa was still very young, someone needed to help relieve the family so they didn't all run themselves into the ground.

The family had moved Britta into Ulf and Inés' bed, since that room had more windows and could let in more air for her.

"Mum's in there with her right now," 'Tine said, "Let's go check on them."

Once 'Tine was by Britta's side, gently comforting her, Inés and Ulf asked to speak with Théo in the kitchen.

"We haven't told 'Tine this," Ulf said, "But we're very worried for her."

"She's practically burning up," Inés said.

Théo took a deep breath to steel herself.

"She might still make it," she said, "We'll just have to treat her as best as we can. Others have survived the illness, perhaps she can too."

For almost a week Britta was somewhat stable. She was still dreadfully ill, but she didn't get any worse.

The family worked in shifts to care for her, the farm and for little baby Teresa.

But then one morning when Théo came over she saw the look on Ulf's face and she knew straight away.

Britta had passed away.

She didn't bother to remove the heavy layers of damp outerwear as she rushed to 'Tine.

He was sat perfectly silent on what had been his and Britta's marital bed.

.

.

Rest in peace Britta Olafsson née de Monet

1746 - 1774

Mother to: Teresa Olafsson

[300yearschallenge]

For a time the year passed in relative peace.

Smallpox still rampaged the island, and other people far and wide died, but none that the family knew too well.

There was also a brief spread of dysentery around the island, but the family suffered no casualties from it.

Instead, several happier events occurred.

Joseph celebrated his 30th birthday in early 1774.

And a few months later Britta gave birth to a healthy baby girl, who was named Teresa.

It had been a decade since her namesake's death, and the family thought it was a very beautiful way to honour her.

And then, in the winter of 1774, two separate birthdays were celebrated.

Émile Gustaf turned 12, and Charles Elias turned 5.

While Émile was in Stockholm at the time the Bergvall family still celebrated the day with him, and he received a package from his family in the post with several gifts the family had piled together for him.

He had grown into a kind young man, who bore a strong resemblance to his mother.

Although he had many friends and lived in Sweden's capital city, Émile Gustaf had none the less grown into a somewhat shy person. He enjoyed the company of his friends and family, but didn't go out of his way to get to know new people.

Charles Elias's birthday was a huge celebration for the family.

Théodora threw a grand birthday party, as was tradition in her family, and despite a steady downpour of rain all guests attended.

The occasion was made even merrier by Rosalie's announcement that she was with child.

Charles Elias had grown into a sweet young boy, who was very much the baby of the family.

He had the same thin lips as most of his siblings, but didn't look much like them in any other regard.