I warn you... do you understand?

They were planning to leave the following day and Henry knew he was going to have to have an interview with his Aunt. Edward being a younger son had nothing to do with the matter and Henry was happy for him to show his attentions towards Alison. He had a spare family living with an estate he would bestow on Edward if he chose to marry Alison.

He had requested his Aunt meet him in the study. She demanded Sebastian come and he informed her Charlotte would be attending.

The study was tense...everyone were seated... staring at each other...

Charlotte had all the relevant paper work to hand to Henry when required and she was determined to be a strong support. After their treatment ... it had been decided that his Aunt would be required to leave and they would be selling the property. There were too many bad memories for Henry... he never wanted his children to live here. Every night he had nightmares of the abuse he had suffered from her father, Aunt and various governesses. Charlotte spending the night similar to when he was ill... wiping his brow and telling him he was ok... he was no longer trapped. It broke her heart to see him struggle with his childhood memories.

"Thank you Aunt Catherine for meeting us today' Henry stated

"I am interested in what you would like to speak to me about... nephew?"

"I have been appalled at the treatment we have received since arriving... particularly towards my wife and her sister"

"Mmmm... I have been very hospitality considering their positions"

"Enough... Aunt Catherine... you are not allowed to speak to my wife who is the mistress of this house and is superior to you while you are in my presence!"

"Since my marriage I have been weighing up what to do with this estate and have decided to sell it. We have bought another estate which will become our family seat. You are required to remove you and your family by the end of the week from this house. My solicitors will be touch and ensure that you have moved... if not your will be forceable removed. I have all the rights to do this and the courts agree with my decision. You and your family received your legacies when my father died but you have no legal claim on any property, livings or investments connected with the Crowe family" while he was speaking Charlotte passed him the relevant paperwork and he gave them to Sebastian who knew they had lost.

"Cousin... I will make sure we will leave everything but I ask if my mother could have some family pieces?" Sebastian commented. Ignoring the deadly look from his mother.

"I will allow Aunt Catherine today to identify the pieces but I will decide if I will give them to her. I have my own family legacies to consider" He looked over and smiled at his beautiful wife who was his partner and chief supporter.

They didn't see Aunt Catherine for the rest of the day as she had taken herself to bed... Charlotte relieved she was not going to endure that lady's condescending attitude. The grand lady appearing for dinner though... determined to inflict her final blows before they left in the morning.

She spent the whole dinner telling the group about her friends and social connections. She was planning to leave by the end of the week as she wanted to be closer to her friends in London. Henry and Charlotte could see through her excuses but was pleased she was going. The evening passed smoothly until they were rudely awoken by an intruder...

Henry had been on edge when going to bed and thankfully was a light sleeper... he was woken by someone coming through a window... he watched as this figure picked up a cushion and was heading towards his wife... he acted instantly... silently asking for forgiveness as he rolled her towards him... he then lunged at the attacker and had the man pinned too the floor... he had no chance against Henry. Charlotte who had gotten up to light a candle so they could take a look at his face... it was the butler Alfred!

"Please, sir... she made me do it!" the men cried pleading for mercy

Henry looking at the man... paused but informed him that he was going to face the magistrate... he had attempted to murder his wife and unborn child. Once he had tied the man ... Charlotte opened the door and together they knocked on the doors of Alison and then Esther and Charles. They were safe but Henry made sure the windows were closed. He told Charles what had happened in his room and they took the man down stairs and got one of Henry's trusted servants to guard Alfred. They others were going to act as guards for each of their rooms.

Henry storming towards his Aunt's room... he opened it and straight away could see she was awake ... waiting for news. Unfortunately Henry had survived multiple attempts on his life... from her hands.

"I have suffered greatly form your abuse and still you continue... we now have the butler who has told us you were behind the attack against Charlotte. He will be taken to the magistrate and will be facing prison." His Aunt who had been practicing her tears... paled as she had been caught.

"I know you have been careful not to be connected but I warn you if you do anything against my family you will pay for it... you understand?" she nodded. Henry pulling the door shut and planned never to see that women again.

Henry and Charles returning upstairs found the women packing their belongings as they could leave as soon as possible. Charlotte was very angry and was focused on their packing. Henry stopping her and held her with their babe between them. They paused and were thankful she and the babe were safe. Their whole party was packed and eating their breakfast by 7am... everyone was wearing their travelling clothes. Once they had broken their fast they were swiftly heading toward the carriage. They turned when they heard Edward calling out to them.

"Henry... I thought you were leaving later?" looking confused

"Your mother arranged for someone to kill my sister last night... so please forgive us if we are leaving" Alison angrily commented and got into the carriage after her sister.

"Thankfully, I stopped him and we are taking the man to the local magistrate" Henry pointing to the butler who was bound and seated between their groomsmen.

"I am sorry... but we need to leave... you are always welcome... we are be staying with Lady Susan Worcester's while we are in London." Henry bid his cousin a good day.