Mr and Mrs Crowe
Charlotte Heywood married Henry Crowe ... witnessed by family and friends. It was a simple country wedding but it was exactly what the bride wanted .. her groom was just happy to be able to marry her. There were few dry eyes in the church as many knew the long journey both Charlotte and Henry had been on to find one another. The community knew this new couple would make a positive contribution to Willingdon. Henry thought Charlotte looked like an angel and before he spoke his vows he remembered the words of John Heywood. John knowing Henry Father's was dead took it upon himself to give the young man some advice before the wedding.
John giving him a letter which Henry read before going to sleep
Son,
I will be giving you my oldest daughter to you tomorrow... she is a precious gift... all I ask is that your love her. I leave you with these verses from the Bible...
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Yours
John Heywood
Friend and Father-In-Law
The happy couple exited the church and were greeted by their guests. The younger Heywood children showering the couple with flowers, herbs and seeds. There was much laughter and guest were happy to catch up with one another. Henry and Charlotte taking the opportunity to have some time alone. He took her around the side of the church away from prying eyes pulled her closely to him and put all his love into a passionate kiss. When finally pulling away they rested their heads against each other... they knew they had to head back to their guests.
"Mrs Crowe" Henry offering his arm to her
"Mr Crowe" and she gladly placed her arm firmly in his.
The happy couple mixing with their guest but couldn't wait to go back to their home... they needed time alone.
Grace and John were putting on a family dinner and those invited were getting into various carriages or carts to head back to the Heywood estate. John was the last to leave as he wanted to makes sure everyone left safety and the grounds had been left tidy.
As he was leaving the church he noticed a lone figure... a tall man, dressed in black standing under a tree outside the church yard... smoking a cigar. It appeared he had been watching from a distance observing the wedding. Mr Heywood heading over to speak with this man.
He suspected ... it was Sidney Parker... He must have gotten his letter. John had written a letter to Mr Sidney Parker... he wanted to tell this man he had forgiven him and that his family bore no ill towards the Parker family.
"Mr Parker... I see you decided to attend"
"Yes, I felt I needed to acknowledge the event" he replied quietly
"I am sorry things did not work out the way you hoped... It is what it is... My daughter married Henry Crowe and you have your own wife." stated John but was aware of the man's discomfort.
"Thank you for your letter, it lifted a burden from my shoulders which I have been holding for a number of years... I don't deserve it!"
"I was very angry with you... but I understand you had to think of your family... I will be praying for you as you continue to do that" John offered his hand and Sidney accepted it.
"You are always welcome to visit us and know that Crowe misses your friendship... he often talks about the times you helped him." John continued
"Thank you, sir" Sidney putting on his hat... got on his horse to head back to London.
John Heywood realising he himself had been holding a burden. He had felt compelled to write to Mr Parker after the words spoken by his daughter and Henry. He could see the man was on the way of accepting his situation but knew that he had a long journey ahead of him.
John Heywood got on his own horse and headed home to join the celebrations.
His first child was married and happy... he was very thankful for this...