Well... Well... I believe we are related
Henry had trouble sleeping that night as he thought about 'Edward South'... He and Edward closely resembled one another and his Aunt's married name was South.
Aunt Catherine had lived with him until she had married. When she visited them she never brought her children but she talked about them. He often wondered why he was not allowed to meet his cousins. She told him that her children were precious and she didn't want them to be polluted by him.
"Hmmm"... slightly waking Charlotte who snuggled closer to him... tightening his grip around her... he kissed the top of her head as he fought the memories.
It was possible Edward and he were related but if he was closely related to Catherine South it would cause many problems for the Heywood's!.
Aunt Catherine's view of the Heywood's was openly hostile. Edward seemed like a pleasant man and didn't have the evil look his Aunt possessed BUT Henry would not wish his sister be be subjected to such a mother-in-law.
He would discover this man's origin tomorrow and the club would be the best place to discover the relevant information.. He closed his eyes and hoped he would have a restful sleep and before drifting to sleep he thought about their coming child.
Henry shared his concern in the morning with Charlotte. They never kept anything from each other... Charlotte taking on a concerned look...
"I hope not!... I fear Alison has fallen for him and by the way he looked at her... Edward has fallen for her" she commented
"Don't say anything too Alison before I find out the situation" Henry comment before taking her in his arms and they completed their normal routine of choosing each other.
Henry left for the club and was surprised to be met by the man himself.
'Good morning, Mr South" Henry viewed Edward with suspicious eyes
"Good morning, Mr Crowe" Edward looking uncomfortable and clearly wanting to speak with him
The men headed into the club but Henry firmly telling the man he would complete his exercise first. Edward nodding and followed Henry to a section of the club he had never been before. Henry put in extra effort to intimidate Edward and could see from the corner of his eye that he had succeeded. He didn't know what this man was like but if he was a son of Catherine South Henry would not show any weakness.
Edward waiting patiently but was getting worried by the minute as he saw the punching power of Henry Crowe... his cousin!
Finally the men found a quiet place to sit and Henry waited to hear what this man had to say...
"Mr Crowe... I believe we are closely related. My mother is Catherine South and I know she is your father's sister" he spoke quietly and waited to see the reaction
Henry had closed his eyes quickly and took a deep breath
"Well, cousin... we have found ourselves in an interesting situation" Henry commented
"I am sorry that I have not been open but I know my mother had been hostile towards you, your wife and her family" confessed Edward...
"yes... very hostile and at times abusive towards my wife" Henry's tone taking on a dangerous edge
"I am sorry and know she can be very one minded and difficult" Edward slightly hesitated which was not missed by Henry
"If we are going to give you a chance you need to be open with me..." demanded Henry
"I want to be... I find Alison Heywood an angel... I want to see her more" confessed Edward
'Hmmmmm ... Alison is under my protection while I am in London and her father only wants her to be cared for and NOT PLAYED WITH" sharply shares Henry
"I understand, please believe me I only want what is best for her... " Edward struggling with his words... he was not used to being so open but knew he had to be.
"Do you know any of my history with your mother?" Henry asked
"Not much, only that we were told our Uncle had a son who was very bad" answered Edward
"Hmmmmmm, she was very abusive towards me. I will never subject Alison to what I and Charlotte have endured." Henry's voice had gotten louder
Edward hanging his head... looking up at him
"Did she use the bath as a place of punishment?" Edward quietly asked and Henry looked at him with a changed expression
Henry nodding and in an instant they both realised they had been subjected to the same treatment by the same woman.
"How did you survive it?" asked Henry
My father sent me to stay with an Uncle and Aunt who didn't have any children. They protected me from her natural behaviour... my older brother was safe as he was the heir... I was the spare and didn't hold any interest in her life.
Henry now knew why Edward was different and came to a decision...
"You are going to have to be honest with Alison and it will be her choice... but you are going to have to prove yourself to her family and show you are willing to protect her from your mother... do you understand?" Henry firmly spoke.
Edward South was going to face his greatest choice... Alison or his family
