The cake... family time..
The kitchen was alive with activity. Grace Heywood was at the centre of the action... like a general directing her troops. There was much to be done before everyone could retire tonight. The wedding was the next morning and she wanted all their guests to be feed and happy.
Everyone knew a wedding was judged on the quality of the food!
They also had the Prince and his daughter which was adding to the pressure. Even though she normally was calm she was anxious... her daughters noticing and making sure all directions were followed.
"My friend... just treat us the way you always do... be yourself" Susan laughs and started helping
Early that morning the cake had been made... everyone standing around the bowl as the ingredients was added... it was to become a Heywood tradition. Henry and Charlotte had to put all the ingredients in the bowl and mix them together.
"You each are bringing many things to this marriage and you are starting a new life together" spoke John Heywood as everyone watched the ingredients being poured in and saw the cake mixture come together... there were a few wet eyes amongst the adults present.
"You are the first marriage in our family and you will be setting an example for everyone who follows." John commenting while looking at his other children. He finished with giving his daughter a kiss and his future son-in-law a firm handshake.
It was a symbolic activity and was considered one of the most memorable of the wedding. Susan and Esther were both moved by the image. Esther wanted to do that for her children when the time came.
The little children were just excited about eating the cake!
Everyone finally sitting around the dinning room table and enjoyed a light luncheon. Stories being thrown around about Henry and Charlotte. It was a prelude to the deep friendships and connection between the people present that day. Esther who had never experienced such friendship was dreading leaving and going to visit her Aunt Denham..
After eating Grace shooed the men and younger children out the house...
Grace had been a little short with the little ones and her husband decided to take them on an excursion. Alex suggested fishing and it was the perfect idea. Charlotte with a smile on her face watched Henry being followed by a troop of children as if he had been fishing all his life. It was Charles who was looking uncertain ... he had also been given strict instructions from Esther.
"I wouldn't worry" Henry pointing out little James who was being carried by one of the older Heywood children.
"Luisia had taken a liking too little James. I asked her to make sure he is supervised and protected" Henry told his friend
Charles watched as Luisia carried his little son... he was touched by his friend's care for his family. Once again he was taken aback at his friend's change... he really had become a family man.
The fishing activity was ideal as the children were occupied for the rest of the day but most importantly Henry was able to thread the worm on the twins hooks. He was questioned by Charles wondering why Henry looked like he had won a prize.
Henry smiled and remembered that day...
He hoped Charlotte was well as he had seen how flustered her mother was... but she had told him she was well and was envious he was going fishing. They both knew that they would not have any time to themselves and had to be content with resting their foreheads together for a moment before being interrupted by someone again!
Henry focusing on the present activity.. turning to his friend...
"Let me show you how to catch your first fish!"
Henry truly enjoyed spending his last day as a bachelor... fishing!
There was one moment which would be the highlight for Henry. It was when he was given a few moments alone with his Charlotte before he headed back to the Crowe Estate. It would be the last time he would see her until the church ceremony. Making sure their were no little ears or eyes present he took her in his arms and wished her a good night sleep..
"I admit that I will have trouble sleeping as I will be thinking about tomorrow" he honestly told her while giving her a meaningful stare.
"I suggest you get some sleep...we have a big day ahead of us" she told him while getting on her tippy toes and gave him a soft kiss that promised more.
"Good evening, Mr Crowe... till tomorrow"
"Good evening, Miss Heywood... till tomorrow"
