Accidental Meeting

Alison and Charlotte took a walk in the park opposite Susan's house everyday. It gave them time to themselves and the children could run around freely. Alison had linked her arm through her sister's and they walked in a peaceful silence.

"I am so happy you came" finally shared Charlotte

"You know I wanted to support you... and maybe see that gentleman?" Alison who was always honest... it often got her in trouble but she never wanted to shy away from the truth.

During the last of couple of days they had been flocked by countless ladies with their sons to meet Alison. Alison had endured the experience but all it did was make her think more the man from the ball.

'He could be anyone?' she thought...

They stopped at a lovely spot where the ladies could sit down and watch their younger siblings. Charlotte didn't have the same energy and encouraged her sister to go and play with the little ones. Alison chasing them when a gust of wind blew off her hat... she turned her attention to see it sailing in the other direction. She couldn't lose it and she was thankful to see it land in the garden bed. She stood and thought about how she was going to get the hat without embarrassing herself.

"Good day... do you need some help?" she turned to where the voice came from and froze... it was the man from the ball... standing 2 feet away from her.

"Yes, thank you" was all she could say... watched as he disappeared into the garden bed and returned with her hat.

When he passed her the hat their hands touched and both jolted from the connection.

"My name is Alison... I would like to know the name of the person who saved me from causing a stir by going into the garden" she laughed

"My name is Edward"

"I saw you at a ball many months ago" commented Alison

"Yes... You were busy dancing with many gentlemen"

"I wanted to be introduced to you... but you were not" Alison simply stated and went red at her boldness

"Will you be going to the ball at the Palace tonight?" he asked hopefully

"Yes..."

"Could I engage you for two dances... Alison?"

"Yes.. Edward."

She heard her name being called and knew she had to head back... "I will see you at the ball"

"Good day..." both saying it at the same time

Alison making her way back to Charlotte but appeared a little flustered...

"You are looking very flushed Alison... what just happened?" Charlotte demanded... she knew her sister.

Henry had just arrived from a business meeting. He was not pleased to hear a gentleman who had only given his first name ask Alison for a dance.

"My love... we will make sure we will meet this gentleman at the ball this evening" Charlotte laughed at his serious tone. Everyone heading home as preparation for the ball needed to start so they would arrive on time.

The gowns had arrived from the dressmaker and Susan was pleased with them. For some reason Alison was feeling very nervous...

"My dear, you will shine... like your sister" commented Susan who had already decided how she wanted Alison's hair to be styled.

"You will be fine, Susan, Henry and I will be there ... Henry will be required to dance with you as your brother... so at least you know two sets are are taken" comforted Charlotte. Charlotte was thankful she only had to dance with Henry and be able to sit out the others if she was tired.

Preparation for the ball had began for the women hours before departure and Charlotte ended up taking a nap so she would make it through the evening. Henry finding her resting in their bedroom... was concerned and checked that she would be well enough to attend.

"I am well but confess you need to find a place were I can rest... you will stay with me?" She had taken on a concerned look...

"What is that worried look about?... my love" questioned her Henry

"Well, you are quite dashing in your evening wear and ..." she couldn't finish the sentence as she became embarrassed... she was starting to feel larger and...

Henry reading her mind "You are the most beautiful women in the world and next to dancing with you sister I will be with you the whole evening... you may have to come with me to the card tables" taking her in his arms and was able to show her how much he loved her.

The ball was held at St James Palace. ...Charlotte had never in her life experience such a spectacular event. The number of candles was in the hundreds and made all the jewellery worn by the women sparkle. She was wearing the pieces Henry had gifted her for their wedding... it was the second time she had worn them publicly. Henry and Charlotte made a striking couple and drew the attention of many attending the ball. Susan introducing them to more people and as promised Henry never left the side of this wife. Charlotte didn't have to worry about sitting by herself... HRH Princess Charlotte requested they stay with her. This certainly being noted by the ton and the view of the couple was further elevated.

Once again 'Alison Heywood' was getting the attention tonight. Alison was thankful her brother-in-law was keeping an eye out for her and would dance with her if needed. Alison also knew Henry was concerned for her sister due to her condition and he was making sure Charlotte was comfortable. Alison was amazed at her sister's ease in this society and the connections she had established.

During the evening Alison kept her eye out for Edward to come and claim her for two dances. She thought she has seen him a number of times but was mistaken. Edward was present... watching her from a distance. He wanted to dance the waltz with Alison Heywood... he knew who she was but didn't want her to know his last name. He was fearful she would judge him for it.

"Henry!... there is the man again who stared at Alison before... do you know who he is?" Charlotte speaking with her husband.

Henry was a little distracted... he had spoken to some old his friends and after hearing their comments made about his wife was determined to stay with her. Like the time of the country dance it had ignited his feelings of jealousy...he knew the men who socialised in these circles.

"My love, are you ok?... I am enjoying myself because I am with you and dancing only with you" looking into his eye... she could see the fire of passion for her.

"Henry, there is a man watching our Alison!" Charlotte discreetly pointing towards the man. Henry frowning as he was very protective of the Heywood's and Alison was under his protection. He openly looked over and gave the man an angry look... communicating to the man he had been caught looking again!

Alison had been returned to her family and while she sat she looked intently at the faces of people in the ballroom.

"Are you looking for your Edward?' teased her sister

"He is not my Edward but yes... there are only a few dances left." Alison confessed

"If it was I... I would be waiting for the waltz..." commented Henry... who wanted to dance those sets with his Charlotte.

Henry was right and Edward approached their group... paying all proper respect to the Princess and then turned to Alison Heywood. He asked for his dance and she put her hand into his.

"Edward South... do you know this man? He looks a little similar to you henry... are you related?" questioned Charlotte

"I will enquire in the morning but I just want to dance with my wife?" Henry taking Charlotte to dance floor and they moved in unison with the music. Henry enjoyed the sensation of knowing their child was between them and it made the night even more special.