What happened?
Henry, Charles and Edward had met at the White's club to discuss the events at York. They chosen this location as they wanted to speak about the matter privately away from the ladies.
"That was certainly an interesting trip?" commented Charles as he puffed on his cigar.
"Aunt Catherine has always been a dangerous women... this was not the first time she had attempted something like this..." Henry thinking about the other times growing up.
"We were always disciplined strongly but she spent most of her time socialising with father or her friends... to be honest she only really cared about Sebastian..." Edward realising the difference in treatment he received from his mother.
"I know that is one of the reason I started drinking heavily and not have a good opinion of women... but Charlotte and the Heywood family showed me differently" reflected Henry
"Do you expect any other legal action from your Aunt? Charles asked. He was thankful Lady Denham was not vicious like Henry's Aunt.
"No, but she can be a very persistent woman.. I expect we will see her in social events. Charlotte and I are planning to be polite but not engage in any type of discussion" commented Henry. He was missing the wise advice of John Heywood and was going to write him a letter.
"How long are you planning to stay in town?" Charles asks
"We will remain until the end of the month...make sure my Aunt has moved out and the process of putting the estate up for sale begins. There are some other family members I will need to contact"
"Will Alison be staying with you? asked Edward. Charles and Henry smiled
"Are we expecting an engagement before we leave? Henry asked while puffing on his pipe
Thomas had already decided to propose before the final ball of the season. He had already organised his finances and property matters... drafted a marriage contract in anticipation. Trying to deflect attention he asked Charles and Henry about their proposals. He was highly entertained at the events that led to the mens engagements.
"You certainly married determined women" he commented
"You will shortly join that rank... so I wouldn't tease us too much!" Charles sternly told him but could hold his straight face.
In the course of the afternoon the men had discovered they had number of similar business interest and contemplated joining forces to improve their earnings. Edward was very interested as he wanted to provide for his future family. Edward leaving the two men... taking his leave... he was heading back to Lady Susan's to visit Alison.
It left Henry and Charles to speak about their own business dealings but their friend Sidney Parker. Charles had been good at informing Henry of Sidney's movements. It was true that Eliza and Sidney were travelling but not to Europe but Antigua. Sidney had business dealings still there and since the dinner with Lady Susan Eliza was being socially shunned.
"How was he when you last saw him?" asked Henry.
"You can imagine he was depressed but looking forward to going to another place for a change... I don't think he was happy with Eliza going but she insisted. He also needed to get away from Tom... he keeps spending money and placing pressure on Sidney to finance it... Sidney asked me to keep an eye on him... also Lady Denham wants extra oversight.
"Let me know if we can help in that endeavour. Charlotte is very clever at finding solutions for financial problems. I am certain if we put our heads together we could help improve our investment option." Henry suggested.
"Lady Denham has been complaining that that are not getting the people she wanted and is worried about her investment again... as am I" commented Charles.
'Hmmm ... Sanditon!