The Blossoming of New Love

Alison had spent the night thinking about the different conversations she had had with Edward South. She had felt an instant connection with him and was drawn to this man...

She had given up sleeping hours before the sun had risen and by first light was knocking on her sister's door. She knew Henry was normally up early and hoped they would answer her knock. Henry dressed opened the door and looked with concern as he gazed upon her face. He turned to call Charlotte who had just finished dressing and informed her Alison needed her advice.

Charlotte taking her sister in her arms and they headed back to Alison's room.

"Alison, why do you look like you have not slept?"questioned Charlotte

"I had many matters on my mind" admitted Alison

"Hmm... is one about a gentleman?"

"Yes"

"Mr Edward South?"

"Yes"

"Hmm... how do you feel about him?"

"There is something about him... I can't point my finger on it... I am drawn to him... how can that be when I have only meet him?" shared Alison with a worried look

"Alison, I know you and you have never shown any interest in any gentleman before... I have seen gentlemen try to gain your attention and they have never succeeded. That should tell you something" advised Charlotte

"But... you and Henry?"

"Every couple have different journey's to find one another so don't compare yours to ours... all I say if you feel he is he one you need to trust yourself and act upon it. When I realised I loved Henry I acted upon it"

"Yes... he ended up tied to a scarecrow" pointed out Alison. Charlotte choosing to ignore that statement... that incident had become a joke in the family.

"I would suggest you take every opportunity to get to know him and that will help you. If he is interested I would suspect he will be following you around all today!" Charlotte smiled and the sisters embraced.

"Now, wash your face... the maid will do your hair... put on your prettiest dress and find out if he is your future?" directed her sister.

Edward himself had struggled to sleep and wanted to spend maximum time with Alison Heywood. He had never meet such a women... He had found women from his society boring and he wanted a woman of substance. He was up before dawn and was dressed hoping that she would be going for a walk with her sister. He was rewarded when he found them in the enclosed garden. Charlotte and Henry smiling at this and Alison displaying a slight blush when he wished her a good morning.

"Edward... I am going for a run, would you like to join me?" Henry asked

Edward agreed and was thankful he was fit... he and Henry spent time running while the ladies walked watching them.

"He is very athletic!" Alison commented

"Yes, but I am watching my husband, sister" laughs Charlotte as she watched Alison blush

Afterwards they walked further into the gardens... giving Edward and Alison time to speak with each other.

"Tell me about your family and life in Willingdon"

"I am from a family of 12 children.. whom our parents love one another.. publicly showed their affection for one another and loved us all". Charlotte is the first and I am the third child. We helped our parents on the farm and younger siblings. Willingdon is the most wonderful place to live as everyone knows each other and you already know I prefer the country side to manicured gardens" laughs Alison

"How about you?' She asked

"I am the third son of 5 children.. I was raised by nannies, governances before going to boarding school. I don't know what it is like to have parents who love one another. My mother is a dominate personality and thankful I have an independent living. I want to marry for love and not for convince." he said as he looked into her eyes.

While the young couple talked about various other topics... Henry and Charlotte enjoyed each others company.

"I hope Lydia and Johanna are being good for Susan? You know how they can get sometimes" worried Charlotte

"I had a talk with them before we left...I promised to take them to a particular shop and buy them a doll each" admitted Henry

"Henry Crowe... you spoil those girls but I know you do it because you love them... you are going to make a good father" going on her tipy toes to give him a kiss. He chucked and deepened the kiss.

"I find I like Edward and thankful for at least one pleasant relation... I hope it will not cause us problems in the future with Aunt Catherine!"

"We will just have to take it a step at a time... Edward seems to be his own man and didn't you tell me he has his own independent income?"

"Yes, that counts for something... we will have to wait and see?"

While Henry and Charlotte were talking about Edward...

Edward was a happy man... he was spending the whole day in Alison Heywood's company and knew he was in love!

Later that that night Charlotte speaking to her sister again... "Alison, he followed your around all day and you were clearly happy receiving his attentions.

Alison had many things to think about... all pleasant thoughts... about 'Edward South'.