The beast of fury
"Charlotte was going to marry Crowe!"
He was not going home and demanded his driver take him to his usual drinking hole. It was on the outskirts of London where no one knew him and they also had some of the toughest fighters. If he couldn't inflict pain on Crowe it was going to be someone else. As he headed towards his destination he was getting more furious by the minute.
Henry had been correct Sidney's carriage didn't make it home but had headed to other parts of London.
Charles and Henry had spent the best of the evening trying to gain information about the location of Sidney Parker. They got lucky when an old friend of Henry's had mentioned a rough tavern on the outskirts of London. They felt it could be the right one as they also discovered gentlemen travelled there to bet on fights. As they were being taken in Charles carriage... the two men looked at each other… they had done this task many times over the years and often wondered if they would find their friend dead.
Once they entered the tavern they enquired about their friend. He was now participating in the fights… he had won 5 and was just about to fight the next one.
"Has he made any bets?" Charles asked with concern
"Yes, currently it is 20 000 pounds. As he got more confident he kept on upping the bet" answered the bar keeper.
"We have to stop him… he won't make it through the next fight" Charles commented with urgency in his voice.
They moved quickly and were shocked to see Sidney…. it looked like he had been battered by a herd of horses. He was barely able to stand and he was staggering towards the centre of the fighting circle. His opponent was a large man who was in better fighting form than their poor friend.
Henry heading to the referee and stopped the match...
"This man is injured and can't fight in his condition" demanded Henry
"I am sorry sir but the outcome of the fight must be determined due to the bet" the referee stated simply.
Henry making a quick decision… "I will take his place… I will pay the bet if I lose" He turned to Charles and motioned for him to help Sidney sit down.
"Crowe? Have your learned how to fight?" Charles demanded
"Yes, it was something the boys did to pass the time" Henry stripping down and Charles gasped as he was looking at a boxer body.
Sidney started getting up but Charles pushed him back into the chair. Charles turned as he wanted to watch the match. It didn't last long due to the punching power and speed of Henry. Knocking out his opponent without being punched himself. Sidney was an accomplished fighter but Henry fighting skills were superior. Henry making sure they received their winnings and together the men carried their unconscious friend into the carriage. On the way back to Charles's home they attempted to patch him up before the arrival of the surgeon.
During the ride Sidney had regained consciousness and recognised Crowe. He tried to throw a punch but Henry grabbed his fist and placed some pressure so Sidney fell against the seat.
"Why Crowe?" Sidney whispered... the pain clearly in his voice
"Sidney, it has been over 2 years since you married Eliza… I didn't mean to fall in love with her but I did. We love each other and are planning to be happy together. Remember you told her that you wished her every happiness ... she told you to love Eliza and make her happy. You have to come to peace with your decision and make the best of it. I hope that some day you will be able to accept our marriage" earnestly pleads Crowe.
Crowe stayed with Sidney while the surgeon treated his friend…. he prayed that Sidney would remember what he said and that he would come to terms with his marriage. He gave all the winnings to Charles and told him to give them to Sidney. "I will pay for the surgeon as that is what I can do... he can't cope with me at the moment... I will need to wait until he has come to terms... I don't know how long but I hope we will be able to reconcile... please keep me informed about his progress... if there is anything I will help... he will always be my friend..." a sad Henry looked at his battered friend.
"I will see you and Esther at the wedding" Henry taking his leave and headed home.