Guess who's coming too dinner

Susan smiled to herself as she completed the final touches to her dinner party. All the key players and more were attending. It was going to be an interesting evening and ... oh... how she loved to play games with those in London society... particular those whom she disliked. It had been a pleasure keeping Eliza Parker from the upper circles. Lady Susan loved to protect those she considered to be family and Charlotte in her mind was. Eliza Parker was going to learn tonight that she would never will have a chance.

Thinking back Susan realised Charlotte had entered her life when she had been seeking a true friend. Someone who wanted to know her as Susan and not the great Lady Susan. She was a powerful player and had achieved acclaim in London society but had been finding it empty. It had been accidental in the way she meet her friend which had resulted in a close friendship and lifelong connection with the Heywood family. She treasured her trips to Willingdon where she was able to caste aside her image and just be Susan... even the prince regent had visited with her and found the time peaceful.

Like Crowe the Heywood's had given her a place of refugee and it had allowed her to reconnect with her true self.

There was no point dwelling on the past but she still thought Mr Sidney Parker was a foolish man. If only he had asked Charlotte for help... it would have led them to her and she could have helped. She did pity him but not Eliza Campion who strutted around like a peacock. She would tread carefully with Mr Parker as he was known for his bad tempers and she didn't want her party disturbed.

'Oh well... she was going to make sure Charlotte and Henry improve their social position... reap the benefits of being connected to her'

While she was meditating on these matters... Charlotte, Henry and Alison were walking in the garden. Henry was trying to create a light mood as he could still see the women were thinking about the morning.

" Do you know who will be attending this event?" He asks Charlotte who was enjoying tucking her arm in his.

"My love... Susan has asked you to wear your best clothes so guess it is members of the elite... even though I like you as the country gentlemen you are going to dress like a dandy... do you think you are going to cope?" a mischievous look appearing on Charlotte's face.

"As long as you yourself dress like a great lady I will be able to endure it!" teases back Henry earning himself a smile that was only reserved for him.

Everyone was expected to be ready early as some special guests were to arrive before the others. Charlotte hoped it would be Esther and Charles but ... who knew what the great lady was up too?

Lady Susan told them she wanted the little children to meet these people and made sure they were wearing their best clothes. The children selecting clothes that had been given to them from Henry. He puffed his chest out as they always made him feel valued.

They all assembled in the drawing room to wait... Henry couldn't keep his eyes off Charlotte in her new gown that accentuated her beautiful figure. Charlotte was also thinking Henry was very... very handsome. He had also had developed a peaceful confidence which was evident when he stood or was around other people. For some reason Susan suggested everyone read while waiting for the first guests to arrive. The twins were sitting on either side of Susan sharing a book... Henry was sharing with Alex on his knee, Charlotte was sitting next to him with her own book and Alison was seated in a corner chair. Before they knew it James the Butler arrives announcing the first guests ... Mr and Mrs Sidney Parker...

There was suddenly a uncomfortable silence... Henry and Charlotte looked at each other... into the storm they go!