Don't mess with me... I know how to use a gun!
Henry, Charlotte and Alison were up early due to the hours they kept on the own estates. They had taken an early breakfast and were being given a tour of the grounds. Henry needed to take a run to burn off some frustration and cravings... he missed the physical work of their estate. They had gone to the enclosed garden so he could run and the women could walked briskly.
While Charlotte admired her husband running Alison was thinking about Edward South.
At that moment Edward South was looking down into the enclosed garden watching Alison Heywood. He had never had seen such a beautiful lady and was determined today to speak with her... he had not gotten up the courage yet. He was a quiet man who was always overshadowed by his older brothers and a mother who controlled everything. He had been embarrassed last night by his mother and brother's behaviour. He had never really known Henry Crowe... only through reputation but spending only a small amount of time with him... Edward wanted to get to know him better. He looked at his watch and was surprised to see people up so early. Edward quickly getting dressed as he wanted to made a good impression today.
Charles and Esther had finally made it to the breakfast table... still early for them but were also joined by Edward and Sebastian.
"Good morning, how are you today Lord and Lady Babbington?" Edward warmly asks while his brother brooded into his coffee cup.
"Fine thank you, Mr South... we are looking forward to the shooting today" commented Esther who was maintaining her normal emotionless face for those she didn't know.
At that moment Henry, Charlotte and Alison had entered the room... the women pouring themselves a cup of tea while Henry served himself another plate of food.
"You three look like you have already been out?" cried Charles who was no longer surprised at the early mornings his friends kept.
"I wanted to exercise and the ladies walked while I took a run" Henry was feeling better and the stress from the previous day was gone. Charlotte and Alison feeling the same after their own exercise.
"My god man!.. It is only 8am...!" Sebastian spoke for the first time
"Yes, we don't want to miss out on this beautiful day" replied Alison who couldn't help herself. Scoring her a look from both Sebastian and Edward... each for different reasons.
"How did you find the grounds Miss Heywood?" asked Edward 'Finally I have been able to get some words out!' he thought to himself
"The grounds have been beautifully maintained but nothing compares to the natural beauty of the country side" She answered and looked him directly in the eyes and he felt his heart stop beating.
"I would agree with you.. sister but I am happy to see my property being well maintained" speaking Henry while reminding Sebastian that he was the owner.
"I believe you are planning to shoot this morning... could my brother and I join you?... both of us are skilled and have received all the best training" Sebastian challenging his cousin. Henry seeing what it was ... smiled "Of course cousin... we welcome anyone we enjoys the sport".
"I took the liberty of directing the staff to put up a viewing tent so the ladies will be comfortable while we shoot" Sebastian putting on his best manners and smiled at the women.
"Thank you Lord South for thinking of the ladies!" commented Charlotte but a spark of mischief had entered her eyes and this was not missed by her husband who smiled.
Once everything had been organised... the group had decided they would meet in the shooting area. Edward and Sebastian were already there and their mother had decided to watch the proceedings. They heard voices and saw the group walk towards them. They were followed by servants carrying a range of guns... they had brought their own ... they had come prepared.
The women had changed and were in their hunting attire. They selected their guns, checked them and prepared for the shooting. Esther was the only one who sat with Lady South ...who hadn't spoken since seeing Charlotte and Alison.
Henry taking control explained the rules and the shooting began. The shooting skills of Henry, Charlotte and Alison was superb and they shot the largest amount of game. Sebastian complaining the sun had been his eyes and it was main reason he missed so many birds.
There was one thing achieved from this exercise Lady South needed to be careful as these women were not to be played with. Henry also loudly communicating his skill and that he was not the drunk his Aunt remembered.
Both Charlotte and Alison briefing looking at Lady South and in their minds saying to her 'Don't mess with me... I know how to use a gun!'
The shooting did the trick and it leverage some power for the group. Aunt Catherine and Sebastian purposely left the group alone except they found Edward joining them. They found his pleasant and completely opposite to the other two.
"It I had know you were so pleasant... I would have acquainted myself with you years before" smilies Henry. He was relieved to have at least ONE pleasant family member. He also was able to discover what had gone on in the family while he had been missing. It was not only his Aunt but some other family members. Henry thanking Edward for his honesty.
During these conversations Alison was observing Edward. She was impressed how he was helping Henry when he could have easily sided with his mother. It showed honesty and that aided his quest to speak further with her. He was given that change when his mother and brother had gone to bed early. He found himself in the company of his cousin and the others. They were playing a game of charades and he was teamed with Alison. She was full of fun and this encouraged him to be more outgoing. They ended up winning the game against two married couples.
"That was fun" exclaims Alison
"Yes, I would happily be your partner again... I have not had so much fun before" he honestly stated
"Sir, you are always welcome to join my team... as long as you help keep me winning" her eyes sparked with mischief
Charlotte was watching this interaction and leaned towards her husband "The Heywood women strike again... I think I see another tree fall... we will have to really warn him about the twins!" Charlotte had a good feeling about this man and she knew Alison was attracted to him.
"Well, my love... the Crowe men are very handsome" jiggling his eyebrows and made his wife giggle... he took her hand and kissed it. This open form of affection startling for Edward.
"If you have any hope of being around us... you are going to have to get use to our open affection... we like to express our feelings to each other." shares Alison
"Are you saying you would be a happy if I spend time with you and your family?" he asked with bated breathe
"Yes, I think I am going to like you Mr Edward South" teases Alison... leaving Edward pondering her meaning.