You Spent how much?

Charlotte and Henry Crowe finally bid their guests goodbye... it was lovely they had attended their wedding BUT...

they just needed to be alone!

The time in the small collage had been magical and further united them. It added to their closeness and connection with each other. Both had been nervous for different reasons but together they found their way. They enjoyed the private pleasures of being man and wife. Having guests when they returned to the Crowe estate had made things difficult at times.

"It will be our luck that my family would come for a visit now!" commented Charlotte as she intensely stared into the eyes of her husband who was equally focused on her.

"Don't say anything... the chances are high as we haven't seen anyone since the wedding" Henry replied... picking her up in his arms and carried her towards their bedroom.

They were happy no one came... thankfully she had thoughtful parents who didn't want to disturb the newlyweds.

They did take to heart what her parents told them and chose each other every day. Henry never grew tired of telling her how much he loved her and that she was enough.

Charlotte and Henry had now been married for 3 months and had happily settled into their marriage. They were finding married life in all aspects... every they had imagined and more. Henry at times couldn't believe his luck having Charlotte as his wife but most importantly he had an equal partner in life. The renovations of the estate was progressing and all their other business matters were achieving their expected returns.

They had not had to travel to London which was a relief to them both. After their marriage they had received many invitations but delayed or declined these requests. Henry proclaiming only Charles, Sidney, Lady Susan or the Prince Regent would make him leave their estate.

Henry was quite open that he only just wanted to spend time with his wife... no one else. He couldn't get enough of her and regularly sought her company... especially when she least expected it.

The Crowe's like the Heywood's were fast becoming known as a couple who did everything together!

The extent of the family's wealth was immense. Charlotte was astounded by the number of properties, families livings and investments... she and their children would never have to worry about their future. She mentioned this to him when they were working through the relevant paperwork. Henry himself was thankful he had moments of good management and didn't drink or gamble away their fortune.

"I never thought I marry or even have a family?" he stated simply before giving her a tender kiss

It was one afternoon she was reviewing Henry's ledgers and observing his spending habits during his bachelor years.

Her mouth opened wide as she noticed the huge amounts he spent on food, alcohol, clothing and the many activities of a single gentleman. He had clearly saved a huge amount of money by giving up his rouge life and living with her parents!

While she was studying the accounts closely Henry had entered the study and leaned down to give her a kiss. Asking what she was doing so intently.

"You spent how much on brandy?" asked Charlotte looking up with a frown on her face

Henry looking guilty... begged for mercy... "My love, you know I was a rouge and dandy. I had no purpose... I don't need those things anymore"

"I am pleased to see you have changed your ways... we have clearly saved a significant sum of money but in the area of investments... my love, I am impressed with your investing strategy" Charlotte commented while enjoying him rub her back. She had been sitting for a period of time and her back was sore.

Henry looking pleased "I did have moments but I confess most of this happened while I stayed with the Heywood's" embracing his wife as he reflected on that time.

Leaning over her ..."Your investment suggestions"... Henry pointing to particular transactions... have paid off... my love... we are able to renovate the barns as a result of the returns." Charlotte sighing with happiness... Henry always valued her intelligence and business in put.

"Not that I mind you going back in my past spending habits... but why are you looking?" quizzed Henry

"Well, I need to speak with you about an up and coming expense. It looks like not in the distant future I am going to need a new wardrobe". Charlotte looking intently into his face

"You need a new wardrobe?... if you need it... do it... your needs come first" Henry simply stated with a confused looked

Charlotte taking his hand and placing it on her stomach and waited for him to comprehend her meaning. Her meaning suddenly dawning on him... he gathered her in his arms.

"So... Is it ok?...I get a new wardrobe? adding a teasing note to her voice and was rewarded with his beaming smilie

"You can do what ever you want my love!" tenderly smiled Henry

He never thought he would be a father... he had always been told he was 'not good enough'... Charlotte had see these thoughts flash across his face

"My love, you will be a good father. I just have to look at the way you love and care for my family. This child is going to be blessed to have you as their father" encouraged Charlotte

"So who is going to tell Lydia and Johanna that they are going to be Aunt's?" laughs Henry

It was certainly entertaining telling the girls that their sister was going to have a baby. The twins for hours would practise using their dolls so they could help look after Charlotte's baby. They were constantly suggesting names for the baby.

Charlotte and Henry had already the names... John if it was a boy... Grace if it was a girl.