London... here we go again!
Everyone was happily installed at Susan's home. Susan once again had organised events and gained for them invitations from the elite of the ton.
"I learned my lesson, I promise not to cause any problems for you while you stay with me. You will not have to worry...Mr and Mrs Sidney Parker have just embarked on a trip across Europe." Susan passing on this piece of information.
"I am glad to hear he has recovered from his injuries" Henry making a mental note to ask Charles about their friend.
Susan had engaged a nanny for the children... they would be staying with her while the adults travelled to Henry's family estate. Henry didn't want the children to be near his Aunt Catherine who was a child abuser.
"Now... we are having afternoon tea with 'Prinny' who is expecting everyone to attend." dramatically exclaims Susan to get the attention of the children. She was rewarded with her efforts as they danced around her excitedly.
During the weeks before they had to travel to York they attended numerous event but one dinner and ball stood out. Charlotte was always shocked at the connections Susan had and was taken aback when they were introduced to the King and Queen of England. The dinner was at the palace and the majority of the royal family were in attendance. Charlotte was introduced to HRH Princess Charlotte and found she liked the girl. When speaking with the princess she had gotten the feeling the girl needed a friend. Susan later telling Charlotte that she and Henry had made a good impression on a number of the members of the royal family... particularly the 'Princess'.
"I was just myself Susan" honestly shrugs Charlotte
"That is why, my dear, you are open and honest... that is what endears you to many people" shared Susan
"Now, Henry Crowe... I didn't know you have family connections with the Duke of West?" Susan focused her attention on Henry.
"Susan, it is a distant connection... It is on my mother's side and it is something I don't think about" commented Henry.
"You keep surprising me everyday Henry Crowe..." teased Charlotte
Later when they were preparing for bed he took her in his arms. "I am sorry I didn't tell you about that connection but it means nothing next to you and your family. You have given me purpose when all that world ever did was destroy me". Charlotte looking up into his face smiled... he always made her feel important and first in his life. She had enjoyed the dinner because he was there.
"I am very happy my love, let's enjoy being by ourselves as I know we have much to do tomorrow". smiles Charlotte
"Yes, Love... your needs are always first" Henry's reaffirmed his promise to her
Many excursion took place the next day involving dress makers, tailors, jewellers, solicitors and of course the park.
Henry spent the morning meeting with his solicitors to work out his course of action regarding his Aunt. She had no valid claim... all documentation was clear in the division of the estate after his father's death. It could all be verified by the courts and this put them in a strong legal position. All he now had to do was visit his home and face his Aunt. He also updated his will to account for his marriage and birth of their first child. After the solicitors he headed to the jeweller as he wanted to commission a jewellery set for Charlotte. He had jewels that he wanted incorporated into the design. Henry had taken Alex with him for the morning as they had an appointment with the tailor. He had been very proud of the little boy who had happily read his book while patiently waiting.
The women and little girls on the other hand visited the dress maker. Their measurements were already with the establishment and some dresses were already in progress... of course there had been allowances made for Charlotte with her expanding waistline. Susan had already had two ball gowns made for Charlotte and Alison as they were attending a ball. Alison had never attended one before and was very nervous.
"My dear, you will shine... like your sister" commented Susan who had already decided how she wanted Alison's hair to be styled.
"You will be fine, Susan, Henry and I will be there ... Henry will be required to dance with you as your brother... so at least you know two sets are are taken" encourages Charlotte. Charlotte was thankful she only had to dance with Henry and be able to sit out the others if she was tired.
Preparation for the ball had began for the women hours before departure and Charlotte ended up taking a nap so she would make it through the evening. Henry finding her... was concerned and checked that she would be well enough to attend.
"I am well but confess you need to find a place were I can rest... you will stay with me?" She had taken on a concerned look...
"What is that worried look about?... my love" questioned her husband
"Well, you are quite dashing in your evening wear and ..." she couldn't finished the sentence as she became embarrassed... she was starting to feel larger and...
Henry reading her mind "You are the most beautiful women in the world and next to dancing with you sister I will be with you the whole evening... you may have to come with me to the card tables" taking him in her arms and was able to show her how much he loved her.
The ball was held at St James Palace. ...Charlotte had never in her life experience such a spectacular event. The number of candles was in the hundreds and made all the jewellery worn by the women sparkle. She was wearing the pieces Henry had gifted her for their wedding... it was the first time she had worn them publicly. Henry and Charlotte made a striking couple and drew the attention of many attending the ball. Susan introducing them to more people and as promised Henry never left the side of this wife. Charlotte was given another opportunity to improve her acquaintance with HRH Princess Charlotte. This certainly being noted by the ton and the view of the couple was further elevated.
There was another young lady getting the attention of the young men 'Alison Heywood' ... She was looking beautiful in her ball gown and was the perfect image of youth. She was thankful she had her brother-in-law keeping an eye out for her and would dance with her if needed. Alison knew Henry was concerned for her sister due to her condition and he was making sure Charlotte was comfortable. Alison was amazed at her sister's ease in this society and the connections she had established. Alison wished she was more at ease but at least Susan had ensured her dance card was full.
During the evening Alison noticed a gentleman watching her from the other side of the ballroom. He was tall...handsome and for some reason reminded her a little of Henry. She chose to ignore him and enjoy the dancing... she found all her partners polite but not really attracted her attention. She finally was able to sit down and behind her open fan told her sister about the gentleman.
"Henry!... there had been a man staring at Alison all night... do you know who he is?" Charlotte speaking with her husband.
Henry was a little distracted... he had spoken to some old his friends and after hearing their comments made about his wife was determined to stay with her. Like the time of the country dance it had ignited his feelings of jealousy...he knew the men who socialised in these circles.
"My love, are you ok?... I am enjoying myself because I am with you and dancing only with you" looking into his eye... she could see the fire of passion for her.
"Henry, there is a man watching our Alison!" Charlotte discreetly pointing towards the man. Henry frowning as he was very protective of the Heywood's and Alison was under his protection. He openly looked over and gave the man an angry look... communicating to the man he had been caught looking. The young gentleman looking... started moved to another part of the ballroom.
"I don't know him... he has not been introduced and can't approach Alison " commented a relieved Henry.
Alison was disappointed for some reason... she wanted to meet that man...