The country gentleman
Charles and Esther Babbington with their son made the journey to Willingdon. They had never been to this part of England and found the area beautiful.
"I can understand why Crowe found this place a refuge… it is so far away from London society." reflected Charles whom wanted his family to spend more time on their own country estate.
They were meeting Charlottes and Henry at the local Inn. They entered the bar and caste their eyes around the room. The room was full of locals and they were shown to the table by the owner of the Inn himself.
"Lord and Lady Babbington… welcome to the Willingdon Inn… we have been expecting you… Miss Heywood had organised your meal to be served once you arrived. We also have prepared a suite of rooms for your family". The owner of the Inn informed them.
"Thank you!" a pleased Charles replied
The couple enjoying their meal and happily saw that all of their luggage was carefully taken to their room. Esther had been up stairs and was happy with the arrangements. She had left their son with the nanny so he could have a nap.
Charles was looking around and felt at peace… there really was something about this place… Crowe talked about it and Charles was starting to see what he meant.
There was a sudden increase in noise as Henry and John Heywood entered the room. Both had just come from their farms and they look every part the country gentlemen. Everyone knew the pair and everyone greeted them warmly. John Heywood was very proud of Henry and it showed. They truly looked like a father and son walking in together. Charles was happy for Henry… he remembered the brutality of Crowe's father.
"Babbington…. You arrived … well met… let me introduce you to my future father-in-law and friend John Heywood." exclaims Henry
As the couple listened to the wise and peaceful John Heywood they felt relaxed… they themselves had had difficult relationships with their own fathers. John Heywood was a compassionate man and could see this couple like Crowe needed family. He would talk later with his wife about them. As they spoke they were constantly being interrupted by different people… asking for advice, asking after the Heywood family, asking about the wedding, asking about cow births.
Charles observing Crowe had truly integrated himself within this community and was respected. Henry was presented with a pumpkin for helping a family. Henry looking at his latest gift… "I guess Charlotte will be making something with this?"…. Esther and Babbington becoming lifetime devotees of Charlotte's baking.
For some reason the food always tasted better when they stayed with the Heywood's. Grace always committed it was because of love.
Charlotte and her mother entered the Inn to come and welcome the couple. Esther was proud to introduce her son to Charlotte's mother and felt an instant connection with Grace Heywood. Esther had lost her mother when she was a child and grieved the fact her child would not have a grandmother. For the first time Esther was able to ask question about child rearing she could ask not the grand ladies in London… It is fair to say Charles and Esther were regular visitors to area of Willingdon and like Susan loved the Heywood family.
Another thankful farmer tried to buy Crowe a beer but he declined reminding the man he no longer drank. Charles was once again reminded how much his friend had changed.
"Are you often tempted to drink?" seriously asks Charles who was thinking about reducing the amount he drank.
"It was hard in the beginning and I have learned to recognise the cravings... but I don't think I want to endure the treatment from my fair lady again... I was tested once and I haven't been tempted since" Henry looked at Charlotte who went red in embarrassment.
John deciding to tease his daughter told the story about Crowe and the Scarecrow. Charles roared with laughter at the story and asked to go pay homage to the site where Henry Crowe swore off drinking forever.
"Steady old man, you never know you own wife might put you out there to give you some thinking time" teased Henry and laughed when he saw Esther's face.
A urgent message was given to John who turned to Henry. "We are needed on the farm... I need your help". Then men bidding the the group a good afternoon and headed out...
Charles commenting "There goes my friend the country gentleman!"