I have broken with my family

Everyone remained quiet for the majority of the ride back to London... thinking about the danger they had been placed under.

"I am sorry Charles for involving you... I was thankful you were supporting us" a grateful Henry commented.

Both men were holding their wives closely and Charlotte was comforting her sister. Alison had been angry and in turn rude to Edward South. She knew if was not his fault but she was so angry with his mother. They gratefully entered Susan's house and were greeted joyfully by Alex, Lydia, Johanna and little James. They were talking no stop telling them about their various adventures around London. Prinny was spoken about repeatably and Henry deciding to tease the twins...

"I am not your favourite anymore?" and pretended to look sad. The girls instantly needing to be picked up by him... they seriously told him Prinny was a friend and that Henry was their big brother. They wouldn't leave him alone after that.. Charlotte laughing... "you know how they are attached to you... you shouldn't have teased them." Alex had also missed Henry and he was Henry's little shadow.

The next day they were surprised to receive a visit from Mr Edward South. Edward looking flustered and upset. He stood before the group and apologised for his mother's actions and informed them he had broken with his family. He had an independent living and didn't require the patronage of his parents. While he was saying this he was directing his attention to Alison. He had been pushed into action due to events at York. He had clearly fallen in love with Alison Heywood and had declared his love by choosing her over his family.

"Who is this young man?" Susan asks behind her fan to Charlotte

"You remember the gentleman who kept watching Alison at the ball... well as it turns out he is a cousin of Henry and he was visiting his mother... Aunt Catherine." informed Charlotte

"Ahh... young man... come and sit next to me and tell me about yourself" directed Susan... patting the seat beside her. She wanted to give Alison time to collect herself.

"Ohh... we forgot to tell him about the twins!" Charlotte commented to Henry as she watched her sisters make their way towards Edward.

"You look like our big brother Henry? Johanna commented while looking directly at him.

"Why are you visiting? Would you like to play with us? Lydia asked while giving him a huge smile

All adults in the room stifled their smiles as they watched the twins question Edward while casting their spell over him.

"Girls... I think it is time you go back to the playroom... we will come up soon and take you to the park" Charlotte suggested. They were instantly distracted and skipped towards the playroom while Alex was allowed to stay with Henry.

"Edward, I think we need to have a talk in the study...Alex why don't you go to the playroom for a while." Once in the study Henry settles himself in a corner chair and directed Edward to the empty chair opposite him.

Edward had spent his ride from York thinking about Alison Heywood. He was a sensible man but had lost all reason the moment he had spotted her at the ball and then spending time with her in York. She was beautiful, intelligent, fun and a list of many things entered his mind. He was shocked at his mother's behaviour and her mental instability was clear. He knew if he could have Alison he would have to break with his family. He had settled in his gentlemen's club and sought entrance at Lady Susan's.

"Sir, as Alison's protector while she is from her parents I would to ask your permission to court her. I know we only have known each other briefly but I know she is the woman for me" He took a breath and waited to see what his cousin would say.

He was surprised when Henry commented "You need to understand... the Heywood women have their own minds and can decide what they want... I confess I liked you when we meet at the estate and noticed Alison had taken a liking too you... even though you spent all evening at the ball staring at her.." teased Henry and watched the man go red.

"I suffered greatly under the hands of your mother and glad to see you now know how dangerous she can be... but if you are marry Alison you can never let her near Alison or your children... she is not to be trusted" warns Henry.

While the men were having a discussion about their family problems the women had quickly gone to change and made sure Alison was looking her best. They also spoke to her about her feelings and gave her advice. Alison had already decided...if he asked to court her she would say yes... a woman knew when she had meet her match and learned from her sister you had to take it! They directed her towards the conservatory and she took a book with her and waited to see if he would come to her. He had exited the study and was directed by Charlotte to where her sister was located.

He entered the room and took in her beauty while she sat amongst the plants... reading her book. She looked up and when she saw him she smiled. It gave him the encouragement to walk towards her and sit next to her. He declared his intention to court her and was delighted to have receive her acceptance. He couldn't express the joy he felt but it was displayed on his face. Knowing their privacy would be interrupted soon... he carefully took hold of her hands and brought them to his lips.

"Well, Alison Heywood you are quick when you make up your mind about a gentleman" exclaims Susan giving her congratulations to the couple. I guess I am going to have to send a note to the Duke and Duchess of West that your intended will be attending with us." She swiped out of the room. Alison laughing as she saw the look of horror on Edwards face... "Lady Susan is a close family friend ... so expect to attend a number of elite events" tenderly smiled Alison and told him that he would be going with her. He just nodded and knew that he would do anything she asked him.

Charlotte and Henry entered with Alex, Lydia and Johanna... they had just been told their sister was being courted by Edward... they were not sure and had to be told to give this man a chance... it did pacify them that he was a cousin of Henry. The girls walking up boldly to him and demanded they sit on his knee... they spent time telling him about their family and the things they liked the best. Edward was very patient and smiled at the girls... instantly endearing him to the twins. Henry noticing this gave him a reassuring smilie.

"I say... I think it is time we all go to the park" cries Henry. The children running to get their coats and hats. The two couples arm in arm enjoying a walk in the Park while the children run around... Henry chasing the three and when capturing them tickling them... each going into peels of laughter before begging for mercy. Henry encouraging Edward to join and the men played happily with the three while Charlotte and Alison watched smiling.

Welcome to the Heywood family... Edward South!