That Woman

Henry was thankful the women had had a good morning. While the carriage was taking them home they were speaking about a a collection of new writings. Charlotte's eyes sparkled as she spoke about the themes and comparing it to other sources. Henry was content and felt relaxed as she had taken hold of his hand.

Without even speaking Charlotte knew he had found out something about Edward South. He lent down and whispered in her ear...

"We will speak in private once we are home" while caressing her hand.

Once they were in their bedroom he didn't have to speak... she knew him so well

"He is her son!" she breathed out...

"I didn't have to ask anyone as he turned up at the club looking for me. He knew that we would not be pleased to know his connection... but he is my family..."

"Hmmm... I don't like this..." reflected Charlotte

"I know... but I believe he is nothing like her... in fact we share something in common beside blood... he endured the same abusive treatment but he was saved by being removed from her..." Henry spoke softly

"I trust your judgement.. my love... do you want us to give him a chance to prove himself?"

"Yes... I have told him he has to tell Alison and that she has the choice... I have learned that Heywood women have strong minds and are able to make their own choices" He earned himself a kiss for that compliment.

After sometime they headed downstairs and found Alison pacing the morning room. She had not stopped thinking about the coming visit from Edward. She had changed and had repaired her hair... hoping to gain his approval.

Charlotte taking on a compassionate look and went to calm her sister.

"He looks at you as if you are the only person in the world... but you need to get to know him..." encouraged Charlotte... Edward was going to have to be strong and prove he can protect her sister from Catherine South.

Susan had returned from her own calls and asked about their time with the Princess.

"Princess Charlotte was telling us about the gossip Lady South has been spreading... she was upset.. we told her that we didn't care what the ton say" Alison shared

"Pray, tell me what Lady South is saying..." Susan taking on a serious edge...

"Just that I have lived up to the reputation that country women are breeders... that Henry is a rake and the only reason he married me was I caught him" Charlotte commented deciding to get it out straight... but her voice had taken on an angry tone.

"What" Henry said through gritted teeth... that woman... his was regretting allowing Edward to come... but he would keep his promise. He placed one arm around Charlotte and the other around her middle as an act of protecting the two most important people in his life.

"Mmmmn... she has been very stupid attacking a close friend of the Princess . I say we leave her at the moment... I will deal with 'Lady South' once she has made herself publicly known to us... at the moment she is spreading gossip... it will not serve her well.." commented Susan. Henry could see the glint in her eye and was glad he had warned Sidney.

They had finally settled and were all reading books patiently waiting for Edward's visit. The little ones had joined them and were providing to be a good distraction while they waited.

"Why is Alison looking scared?" Lydia whispered to Henry

"Why is she wearing her prettiest dress?" Johanna asked Charlotte

Alison giving her little sisters a warning stare... the little girls clinging closer to Henry or Charlotte... they had gotten in trouble with Alison this morning and knew something was wrong... she was not her normal self.

Edward was finally announced and everyone stood to receive him. It must have been very intimating for poor Edward. He was struck by seeing them all holding books and wished he could have joined them... he enjoyed spending time in the library.

After the introductions were made Edward was invited to sit down... thankful Henry and Charlotte were leading the conversation as he was struggling to speak and the normally vibrant Alison was quiet.

"I suggest we all go to the park for a walk?" suggested Susan. The little ones running to grab their coats and hats. This broke the tension and the adults laughed at the joyous responses of the children.

Henry had taken both Susan and Charlotte's arms which left Edward to offer his arm for Alison. Edward and Alison walking behind the group and both were thankful for the privacy.

"How are you this afternoon... Miss Heywood?"

"I am well, Mr South"

They walked in silence... until he got up the courage

"There is something I need to tell you... I must be open with you"

"Yes..."

"You know my last name is South"

"Yes"

"Well... your brother-in-law and I are related..."

"Yes"

"Well... closely related"

"Yes"

"He is my cousin"

Yes"

"My mother... is... Lady South or you may know her as 'Aunt Catherine" He looked down at her with a terrified look... waiting to see her rejection... but it didn't come

"Well... well... Aunt Catherine!"

"Hmmm... what do you think?" Edward waiting on tender hooks for her reply

"I am not surprised... Henry and you closely resemble each other" she increased her hold on his arm. Alison had suspected this and had come to a decision in the middle of the night she would give the man a change not judge him because of his mother.

"I thought you would reject me?" Edward sighed with relief

"Come now... Mr South... we Heywood's don't scare easily BUT I will not be subjected to the abuse my sister has received." a serious tone appearing

"I was raised by my Uncle... my mother was too rough with me and my father thought it was best I lived somewhere else" speaking about his abuse was something he never did.

Alison who knew parts of Henry's own history knew exactly what Edward meant

"That Woman!" thought Alison