We finally meet... Aunt Catherine
Henry and Charlotte had their final meeting with the solicitors regarding the course of action concerning his Aunt Catherine. She had no valid claim... all documentation was clear in the division of the estate after his father's death. It could all be verified by the courts and this put them in a strong legal position. All he now had to do was visit his York Estate and finally face his Aunt.
If his Aunt continued to defame his wife publicity he would start legal proceedings!
After the solicitors he had taken Charlotte to the jewellers to collect a necklace he had commissioned which contained precious jewels of this mother.
'You are so good to me!" cried Charlotte
"You deserve everything, my love... I don't know where I would be without you?" he took hold of her hands and kissed the insider of her wrist. His eyes promising more for later!
Tonight they were attending a dinner hosted by Lord and Lady Eastings. Charlotte discovering that they were distant relations of Henry's... they had extended an invitation to the couple when they had discovered Henry was in town.
"They are a lovely older couple... I visited them a few times and they seemed to like me" Henry smiled remembering the affection they lavished on him. He had wished they had taken him away from his father.
Alison and Susan had been invited and they were happy to hear Edward had already been invited. Edward was pleased he was going to be able to spend an evening with the beautiful Alison Heywood.
"I didn't know you were related to the 'Earl and Countess of Easting'? Susan questioned him
"Yes... on my father's side" replied Henry
"They don't have any children... who is the heir?" She asked
"I suppose a nephew..." replied Henry and frowned as he should know who... but his knowledge of his family was limited due to his father keeping him separate from them.
The women were dressed in their finest clothes both Charlotte and Alison glowing out of happiness. The sisters both had open countenances and their happy natures always drew the attention of those around them. They were always themselves and were not afraid to speak their mind.
Lady Eastings had taking an instant liking to these ladies. She had already placed them near her so she could enjoy some simulating conversation. She also had placed the married couples together and by chance Edward was seated next to Alison.
"I am so happy to finally meet you Charlotte... my husband and I are so pleased that you have made Henry a happy man... I have never seen him so contented... I must congratulate you on your coming joy!" Lady Eastings placing her hand on Charlotte's arm. She spent the rest of the evening ensuring all of Charlotte's needs were met.
"I really like this couple" Charlotte told Henry when they were seated at the dinning table. Henry agreeing and was pleased with the way the couple cared for his wife.
There was one person at the table who was observing the popular 'Mr and Mrs Crowe'... Lady South!
She was not happy to see them being made the centre of attention and with alarm noticed her son Edward gave special attention towards Alison Heywood. Her nephew had married below his station and he was mixing the family bloodline. She would not let that happen to the South family. She had attempted to discredit these ladies but the ton followed the say of Lady Susan. She would have to be careful but she will find a way...She would wait until the ladies were separated from the men.
Both Charlotte and Alison felt they were being watched from an older lady at the other end of the table. Charlotte leaning towards her husband who looked down the table and froze.
"It is Aunt Catherine..." he drew in a sharp breath and calmed his racing heart beat. Charlotte taking hold of his hand under the table.
"I am here and she will not intimate us!" she told him in a firm voice.
When it was time for the genders to separate... Henry didn't want to leave Charlotte
"We will be fine... go and enjoy your time with Lord Eastings... we are being well cared for by Lady Eastings." smiling up into his concerned face. He nodded and she watched him move towards towards the saloon.
Charlotte was going to need every ounce of courage when she finally faced Aunt Catherine. The woman purposely waited until Susan and Lady Eastings were occupied... cornering the sisters at the refreshment table.
"So... you are the woman who tricked my nephew into marrying him" Catherine South sneered while giving the Charlotte a cold/dead look with her eyes
Both Alison and Charlotte working hard to keep their faces emotionless
"I fear you have been miss informed Lady South." replied Charlotte while maintaining eye contact. Charlotte was not going to let this woman scare her.
"Hmmmm... and this is your sister?" the grand lady looking down her nose at Alison.
"Yes, this is my sister Alison Heywood... this is Henry's Aunt... Lady South" Charlotte was proud she had kept her voice pleasant but when she saw the lady look at them as if they were not worth her attention... Charlotte couldn't help herself...
"I would like to thank you for your lovely letters we have been regularly receiving from you... please forgive us for not answering them" Charlotte's voice was pleasant but her eyes challenged the woman before her.
"I would suggest you be careful... I could destroy you" said with a low/deadly tone while pointing her fan directly at Charlotte.
"I also warn you... young lady... Edward will marry someone of importance NOT a farmer's daughter" Lady South's voice taking on a threatening tone.
Before Alison could respond the lady had deliberately walked way leaving the women looking at her back.
"Hmmm... she is a horrible woman" Alison commented and Charlotte agreed with her. Lady South was a cold women and had left a slight chill by her presence.
Thankfully the men returned earlier than expected and Charlotte told Henry of their interaction with Aunt Catherine. Henry checking that his wife and sister were not shaken but by the look of their angry eyes... they were fine. Henry was the one who had been shaken and was thankful his wife had place her arm through his to comfort him. Edward was unhappy with his mother... refusing to speak with his mother to her annoyance and publicly showing his partiality for 'Miss Alison Heywood'.
Lord and Lady Eastings inviting the young couples to visit them again and they happily headed home. Susan observing how the hosts were showing a strong partiality towards towards Henry and Charlotte. She was pleased they were making stronger social connections even when facing difficulties with Lady South.
