Aunt Catherine... that woman!

Charlotte was become well acquainted with Henry's Aunt Catherine though the regular letters the grand lady wrote. The woman never failed in highlighting Henry's faults and blamed him for her current situation... even though Henry had paid her debts and allowed her to stay at their family estate!.

Henry's Aunt had not met Charlotte but repeatedly abused her and the Heywood family. She was still staking her claim on the family estate and was determined her oldest son should have the home. Charlotte who was willing to like most people struggled with this lady. It was when her temper came out the most as she fumed over the treatment that WOMAN inflicted on her Henry... Charlotte didn't know how she would react when she and Aunt Catherine finally met. Charlotte never allowed Henry to read those letters alone as she always wanted to be there to reinforce his worth... he had heard too many lies. So it was a regularly occurrence they sat in a chair together and opened another letter from Aunt Catherine. Henry wrapping his arms around Charlotte and she resting her head on his chest. After reading the letter which was always disturbing... Charlotte would remind him how much she loved him and that he was enough.

"I fear Charlotte we may have to go back to London to deal with this matter?" a worried tone entering Henry's voice

"I may also have to visit the estate to investigate what has been happening. The last time I was there... I was 18..." he had stopped speaking as his mind went back to that time.

Charlotte knew he had had a terrible argument with his father and he never saw him again. His father dying of alcohol poisoning leaving Henry heir to all the holdings of the Crowe family. The holdings were vast and demanded much of the couples attention to maintain. Charlotte now knew why Henry received volumes of letters and she was thankful she could help him. She had noticed there had been a number from another a law firm and it looked like Aunt Catherine was still trying to make claims on the estate.

"Remember we promised we would always do everything together... I will be going with you if we have to travel to London, York, France...the ends of the earth" firmly speaks Charlotte to her husband who leans down to claim a kiss.

"But what about you and the babe? Are you able to travel?" a concerned look appearing on his face.

"Yes, my love... we are strong and we are safer being with you" smiles Charlotte who earns herself another kiss. Charlotte was 4 months along and felt she would be able to cope with the travel as long as they were home before the birth.

"You know Susan has been asking us to visit her again." commented Charlotte

"I think Susan is the best option as she has the space and always looks after us well." agreed Henry

"I would like Alison to come with us again and I know the little ones would like to come again. Charlotte looked up hopefully. Henry looking down at his wife as she held her expanding stomach... he started thinking about future family trips. He dearly loved the little Heywood's and they had been getting under the feet of Grace and John.

"We will go over and speak with your parents about the trip. I don't really want to leave but we must deal with this urgent matter." confirmed Henry

John and Grace were happy for Alison, Alex, Johanna and Lydia to travel. Lydia and Johanna's obsession with the baby was wearing thin.

"Susan would be able to entertain them and give them something else to think about." a frustrated Grace shared with Charlotte

The trip would be longer than the last one so Charlotte's brother John under the supervised of John Heywood would look after their estate. John felt this was to be a test to show his father as he would be someday inheriting the Heywood estate.

Once all arrangements had been made the group was in the carriage heading towards Susan's house BUT this time Charlotte and Henry were seated closely together. He had had arm securely around his wife and was holding her as she slept. He also checked on Lydia who was also secured with his other arm leaning against him while Alison had Johanna and Alex.

Henry didn't know what they were going to face but he would do his best to keep them safe.