Lady Susan ... Grand Dane of the London Ton

When Charlotte had written to Susan she had also included letters from Johanna, Lydia and Alex. Alex with help from Henry had requested Susan install a small library/study in the playroom where he could retire too when he needed space away from his little sisters. Lydia and Johanna has asked for particular toys and if they could hold another tea party. Susan's laughter could be heard from London as she read the little message for these little ones.

She had already renovated the playrooms and nursery in anticipation of future Heywood and little Crowe visits.

As soon as Susan knew their date of arrival the house was a buzz with activity preparing for her friends... no family!

The staff could see she couldn't contain her excitement and worked even more industriously to please their mistress... they were also secretly looking forward to spoiling the little Heywood children.

The playroom and nursery was full of more treasures and new clothes. Susan couldn't help herself... she wanted to spoil them. Also she had been to the dress maker and already ordered some gowns so the women could attend events the moment they arrived. Grace had been helping in providing the changed measurements for Charlotte and Susan knew the clothes would fit. The only thing she ordered for Henry was vests that would match with Charlotte.

The Prince Regent was informed and together they secured some of the most exclusive invitations for her visitors while staying in London. She had particularly visited her ladies who spread the word that this couple would be visiting London again. Susan loved playing games but never with the Heywood's or Crowe's... everything she did was to increase their position and ensure that they were highly respected.

Susan was pleased that Alison was coming... she had been trying to discover who the mystery man was from the ball ... she knew everyone and was frustrated she had not discovered the name. She suspected this gentleman would appear again now that Miss Alison Heywood was rumoured to be back in London.

She had already had inquires about Alison Heywood from a number of ladies who had sons of a marrying age. She was pleased to inform them of Alison's dowry... Henry and Charlotte had given the $30 000 from the Prince Regent to her parents and some had gone towards Alison's dowry. She purposely mentioned the names of the events they would be attending together.

'Well, well... it was going to be an interesting time...' Susan thought to herself

Susan knew... Alison like her sister would not be swayed by money... she would only marry for love and wanted an equal partnership... in this society... a tall order!

Everyone finally arrived and were happily installed at Susan's home. Alex, Johanna and Lydia heading straight to their rooms and were transfixed at the transformation. Alex finding his private library and study... he looked at her and wrapped his arms around her.. Susan wiping a few tear away... he was a precious little boy who deserved to be spoiled. Johanna and Lydia had already started playing and when they saw Susan they ran to her ... "Thank you Susan... it is beautiful... we always feel safe with you" Johanna shared. Susan who was overcome decided it was best to leave the children and the the adults went to have some afternoon tea.

"Susan... this is quite elaborate?" teased Charlotte. She had seen the sparkle in Susan's eye when they arrived.

Before Susan could say anything Esther and Charles arrived with their son. Alison taking little James who was happy to see her again. Esther was beaming and it was evident there was another reason besides their visit.

"Charles... well met" Henry and Charles embracing.

"I congratulate you Charles on the future addition to your family... clearly Willindgon was a rewarding trip" teased Henry

"My friend, I really miss you humour and the club is not the same without you... Let's say we go now?" both turning to their wives for permission.

The women had much to catch up on and Henry needed to arrange his morning gym sessions... plus sparing partners. John Heywood had reminded him he had to keep busy and not put himself into any tempting situations.

Once the men had left the ladies enjoyed a relaxing time together... catching up on friends and family news.

"How is your Aunt?" asked Charlotte

"She is the same and as demanding as ever... we visited her after your wedding and I couldn't wait to get back to London. She is just as obsessed with Sanditon as Tom Parker... it is a worry... but she had invested heavily." Esther shared

Charlotte was thankful their investment was small compared to their other successful endeavours. For the sake of Mary they had decided to remain investors.

"Tom and Mary Parker are back in London again... Mary is looking better but still frail" reflected Esther

"I am sorry to hear that... maybe we could go and visit her while I am in London?" suggested Charlotte. Mary, Charlotte and Grace had been corresponding with each other ... Charlotte and her mother were worried for Mary's health.

"The ton have been talking about the handsome Mr and Mrs Crowe visiting London!" teased Esther

"Susan?... have you been playing with the ladies of the ton?" Charlotte questioned Susan.

"I... may have... but you know it is always for your benefit!" Susan defended herself

"The name of Miss Alison Heywood has also been floating around the drawing rooms of many homes... Alison you better get ready for some visitors!" Esther commented and watched Alison's face turn red.

"Susan!" Alison cried out in frustration

"I only mentioned it to one or two people" innocently commented Susan

"Which means... everyone in London!" sighed Alison

"Not everyone... just the people that count!" Susan reminded her

"Don't worry, just enjoy the experience... you never know you may find the mystery man you haven't stopped thinking about" Charlotte reminding her sister

"I have had no luck finding out his name... but he will come out if he hears your back... that is one thing I can tell is when a man is more than interested in a woman" Susan shared while watching Alison go a deeper red colour.

Charlotte seeing her sister's discomfort decided to speak about the main reason they had ventured back to London.

"Henry's Aunt Catherine has been giving us some concern. When he was staying with us... she was the main family member who was pushing the courts for her son to access the Crowe estate as he was the heir."

"The situation has changed since Henry will have his own children. We will need to spent time with the solicitors and assess any damage done to the York Estate." Charlotte taking on worried look and placed a protective hand over her extended stomach.

"Hmmm... Lady South... a very nasty woman... has always been very ambitious for her children" a thoughtful Susan commented.

"Not for her nephew!" Charlotte's voice had taken on a an angry edge

"We will have to think about how to handle her... I have to say we will come across her a number of times..."

"Hmmm... not sure if I am going to be able to hold me tongue" confessed Charlotte... she was thinking about the nasty letters.

"Now... let us put aside this matter as I have a surprise for us all!" Susan taking on a dramatic tone

"We are off to see Princess Charlotte. She demanded you visit her the moment you arrived!"... Charlotte, Alison and Esther looking at each other as Susan the grand lady of the ton gathered everyone and took them off to enjoy the company of the Princess.