I'm not exactly able to read this right now as I am running out of time, but I don't like to leave without leaving a review. Out of what I've read so far, I see that this is very well written for a fanfic! It is difficult to write a historical fiction without pretentiousness (a crime of which I am heavily guilty of) , but from what I've seen, your writing is fairly devoid of that. I think I will come back...when I find time in the future *crosses my fingers*

I didn't see that coming, Thurlow having a child. I'm so curious to know her origins! As always, I love the way you write. I love how the relationship between Edgar and Margaret is deepening.

Oh my goodness, Lady Beatrice's hidden insult of their "refreshing country manners" cracked me up!
It seems out of place to have him say "a couple of years". That phrase seems more modern. Maybe "a few" instead?
Overall I'm really enjoying the characters so far, and your excellent use of your vocabulary! It's not often I see people making use of words as you do, and I love it!

Aww, bonding moments! This reminds me so much of Jane Eyre, just their mannerisms and appearances. I like the way you write.

Interesting start! It reminds me a little of Jane Eyre in a way. I like your ways of describing people.
Only one possible typo- if he was of "ten and thirty" wouldn't that just make him forty, and is it correct to phrase it so? I'm not actually sure if it's wrong or not, it just seems like a funny way to say he's forty. :)

A very sad history. It does explain much about how he is now.

One question: it seems like he is in love with his sister in the past two chapters. Am I over-interpreting his words and actions, or is this part of why he goes through such fits of self-loathing?

This is an excellently written and very absorbing story. I look forward to reading more... and that very soon?

So his entire outward show is an act? What happened to his daughter's mother?

Why should the Daltons remember Edgar? And why don't they? Very curious.

What is his connection with the school? I couldn't quite decipher that in this first chapter.

I just read through chapter one and this starts very promising I think. You have some very interesting main-characters, not the obvious type of people, which I really like.
I don't know, maybe it was just my impression here I found the characterization of Margaret a bit confusing at times. At one point she seems like this very independent, professional woman with an air of authority surrounding her, but then she is described as seeming timid and subdued. But maybe I just got this a bit wrong and it was just referring to that one situation, which would make sense in fact. Well, I will have to read on to find out more and I definitely will. Then I'll also get a more complete impression of the characters. I am looking forward to it :-)

I am sorry I only just found this... I would have so liked to read more. The first chapter is very well written. But I wish you good luck in your future endeavors. :D

I honest-to-god think you should seek publishing then, because I love the way you write. i will miss this story but i think you made a smart choice.

"'Now,' she said sotto voce. 'Where is that man?'" Excellent writing.

I like that Margaret woke by putting her hand on his - that's a rather 'sweet' image.

"'Good God, woman, do you intend to blind me?'" *Chuckles*

"'Madam I will tell you this: I shan’t suffer anyone’s criticisms but mine own.'" Personally, I think this is one of the strongest lines in this chapter - it's quite mature and thought-provoking.

oh, thank you for posting this! as always, loving your writing skills. how clever to stick the epilogue in, in this manner and from this point of view! i can't help but feel sorry for bella by the way :)