I need you to be careful

"Charlotte... I need you to make sure you are never alone while we are here." spoke Henry while they prepared for dinner

"Why?"

"Her son Sebastian would have inherited if I had died... I don't trust her... you are possibly carrying the next male heir" He held her close as he spoke. He didn't want to scare her but wanted her to be on guard. She looked into his face and could see his fear.

"I am certain Alison and Esther will not want to be left alone with that woman and I am not planning to go by myself anywhere" shuddered Charlotte BUT she still was not going to let that woman control them.

While they had been resting Aunt Catherine's two sons had arrived... they were present with their mother as the group arrived for dinner.

Aunt Catherine in her superior voice introduced her sons

"Nephew! let me introduce you to your cousins... if you had taken the trouble of staying in contact you would have known each another" gesturing to the first man... "This is my eldest Lord Sebastian Egbert South and my third son Edward South" Everyone performing the expectant greetings and adjourned to the dinning room.

Charlotte and Alison blessed with astute observational skills quickly took note of these two men. Sebastian was the typical Lord...he held his head high and everyone before him was beneath him... of course he showed respect too Esther and Charles but everyone else held no interest. He wore a constant frown and Alison suggested to Charlotte one of their mother's teas could help ... clearly he was suffering from constipation. Charlotte bursting into a fit of laughter and was thankful her mouth was covered by her fan. Henry leaning down to check on her and couldn't help smiling after being told. The other son seemed to have a more friendly disposition... but there was something familiar about him. Alison knew straight away... it was the gentleman from the ball!

"It is him!" Alison spoke softly to her sister and tried to look composed. She didn't want to show she was effected even though she could feel his eyes watching her.

"Henry, your cousin was the man staring at Alison all night at that ball" Charlotte openly gazing at the man who quickly looked everywhere else but their direction. Charlotte was thankful Aunt Catherine had placed them at the end of the table away from herself and her sons... poor Esther and Charles had their company tonight.

After dinner the men separated and the women were to endure a tense conversation. It was not often Lady Denham was thanked for her abrasive personality but Charlotte and Esther knew how to tolerate Lady South but poor Alison... it was a terrifying experience.

"I must congratulate you Lady Babbington for your impending joy... your second child?" Aunt Catherine complimenting Esther. To appear polite she turned her attention to Charlotte "I guess you should receive my congratulations as well" but it came across as an after thought.

"I hear you met my nephew at a seaside resort "Sanditon"?"

"Yes, when I was staying with a family called the Parkers. I also meet Lady Babbington during my time visiting Sanditon. In fact we both met our husbands during that summer" smiled Charlotte

"Ohh... so you and Lady Babbington have been friends for a number of years"

"Our husbands have been friends since their days at Eaton" spoke up Esther

"You must be happy with yourself Mrs Crowe for marrying such a rich man, considering your country background" Aunt Catherine sneering as she spoke those last words

"Lady South... 'If she is going to call me Mrs Crowe" all ladies seated with you are daughters of gentlemen and I am offended by your rudeness... I am your nephew's wife and deserve some respect" Charlotte commented sweetly but in her eyes communicated her anger. The older women who was used to people backing down... narrowed her eyes at this woman.

"Hmmm... we shall see Mrs Crowe"

Thankfully the men had only been away for a short period as Henry and Charles wanted to check on their wives. The chill in the atmosphere was evident and by the stormy look on the ladies faces they had not had a pleasant conversation. The atmosphere thawed slightly as the men joined the women. Alison had made sure Edward couldn't sit near her... even though she had been effected she was too angry about the way his mother was treating them. Any interest was being washed away by the horrible words of his mother.

Aunt Catherine had removed herself from the ladies and had commanded her sons to join her. Henry and Charles were free to entertain the ladies. They were successful in telling stories about their youth and had the ladies in stitches. Alison noticed at different times Edward South looking over to see what was happening.

Henry was telling the ladies about the estate's excellent game.

"My love, could we do some shooting?" hopefully asks Charlotte...

"Please, brother!" cries Alison enthusiastically... it was at that moment Edward had glanced in her direction and his breath hitched at her smile.

"I think that is an excellent idea... it will get us out of the house and away from your Aunt" commented Charles

Their group had started discussing their plans and had attracted the attention of the great lady.

"Nephew! what is the cause of all this noise?"

"We are planning to do some shooting tomorrow" Henry stated simply but before he could say anything else his wife placed her hand on his arm. He smiled 'Charlotte and Alison were going to shoot but it was to be a surprise'

"I had other plans..." but she was interrupted by Henry

"Let me remind you Aunt, this is my estate and I can do anything I please here... remember you are staying her because I am allowing it"

With that the great lady abruptly got up and dramatically swooped out of the room.

"That was very dramatic... she would make an excellent actress!" Alison observing to everyone one... and they all burst out laughing at her comment... once again gaining the attention of Edward South.