Facing the past

Esther and Charles Babbington had agreed to travel with them to Yorkshire. Charles knew his friend needed the extra support as he was going to be facing demons from his past. Esther was just happy to be with Charlotte and Alison as she enjoyed their company. Their son James was going to be staying with Susan as Charles had the same concerns about Henry's Aunt. Esther was also expecting their second child and the women were excitedly sharing their experiences together.

Alison on the other hand was thinking about the tall handsome stranger who stared at her at the ball. She had been so distracted she missed conversations and was asked repeatedly the same question. Charlotte laughing at her sister telling Esther about the young gentleman from the ball.

"So, you have no idea who he is?" Esther asks

"No, he was scared off by Henry" Alison commented with a disappointed voice

"I was being a protective big brother... I didn't like the way he was looking at her... I promised your father you will be kept safe from London Dandy's" firmly commented Henry

Charles stifling a laugh and covered his smilie. Henry really took his responsibilities seriously.. deciding to tease his friend

"Since you are a former rouge/dandy you would be able to spot them!"

Henry giving him a stern look "He needs to be introduced to us and we must follow the right procedure"

Alison understanding and thanking Henry for looking after her. Charlotte tucking her arm further into Henry to support him... he really wanted to keep them safe.

They made good time to Yorkshire and were entering the estate gates by mid afternoon. Charlotte and Alison looking at the huge building before them and turned in complete shock. Henry had gone silent and had taken on a pale look. Charlotte instantly feeling his fear and held on tighter to him... learning close and whispered "She holds no power over you... this is your house... don't let her scare you". He gave her a kiss... not caring if they had an audience.

They could see the staff lined up outside the main doors and before exiting the carriage Henry took a deep breath.

The butler introducing Mr Crowe to the staff. Henry taking on a formal air... thanking him and asked the butler Alfred where they would find his Aunt.

"Sir, you will find Lady South in the drawing room in the east wing" Alfred informed Henry

"Thank you, Alfred... I know where I am going and I ask that all our bags be taken to our prepared rooms."

Alfred looking confused... "Lady South told me that you were only visiting for the day... sir, the rooms are not prepared"

"Then I need you to prepare three rooms in the east wing of the home. I expect this to be completed in the next hour as both Mrs Crowe and Lady Babbington need to have a rest. I need to remind you I pay for your wages and the up keep of this home... Lady South is not the mistress ... it is my wife Mrs Crowe" Henry taking on an authoritative tone.

He was pleased to see the staff quickly go into action. They had one hour...

Henry taking hold of Charlotte's hand he led the group to the drawing room. When they entered they were met by Lady South 'Aunt Catherine'

"You have decided to finally come back... after we thought you were dead" in a low tone and cold eyes drilling into them all.

"Aunt Catherine, let me introduce you to my wife Charlotte Crowe... her sister Miss Alison Heywood... and our friends Lord and Lady Babbington"

The cold eyes looking at the visitors and finally fell on Charlotte. Charlotte feeling as if she was being assessed and unconsciously placed her arm around her stomach to protect their child.

"I have heard people from the country are breeders so you have not disappointed us in that way..."

"Aunt! you will not speak to my wife in that manner"

"Oh, I am sorry nephew... I am just stating the facts"

Charlotte had taken on a shocked look which included her sister and Esther. Charles remembering the lady from his childhood had gone silent.

"I must say, Nephew... you are looking very rough... a beard is such a sign of ill breeding"

"Aunt, I am able to chose how I dress and how I present myself" Henry taking on a harder tone in his voice

"Mmmm"

"I have directed the staff to prepare our rooms as it appears you failed to prepare them for us... the ladies need to have a rest before dinner"

"I fear nephew... I didn't receive you request...but I am happy to host you"

The group sat in silence as the woman spoke about her children and two sons who would be arriving to visit her. No afternoon tea appeared so Henry ordered it himself. Thankfully the rooms were prepared within the requested hour and all retreated to their rooms. Charlotte first checking on her sister who needed to lie down to face the lady again. She herself had been stunned and understood way Henry was afraid. The lady knew how to make a person feel uncomfortable and Charlotte had been called a 'breeder'!

When she had returned to their room Henry was looking out the window and his shoulder were drooping. She come up behind him and placed her arms around him.

"I am so sorry, my love... I should have left you in London..." he spoke softly

"No, I needed to be here... we are not going to let your Aunt scare us... we are going to have a rest and begin our battle... you need to tell me if she or the house triggers your memories?...I don't want you to struggled through them alone" Charlotte was starting to get angry ... her eyes flashing with determination.

THAT WOMAN!... you will not get the best of us!'