Facing the past
Henry had decided it was time to go and visit his family estate. Now that the legal matters had been settled he felt happier to travel to the estate. They also were yearning for some peace and quiet away from London Society. They had heard that John was looking after the Crowe estate efficiently and that all their herds were healthy. Henry had spent hours writing specific directions concerning the management of their estate... he was impatient to return home and the trip to Yorkshire needed to occur.
Out of curtsey he had informed his Aunt of his intended trip and hoped she would remain in London.
"I will expect once she receives this letter she will travel back to Yorkshire... so be prepared for her to be present" sadly reflected Henry. He was going to be dealing with many childhood memories while also have a living one ... he was not looking forward to this.
"I am determined to face my past... my fears... I am going to need your help... you know everything that happened..." He had stopped and taken a deep breath. He had gathered Charlotte in his arms and held her while he controlled the fear that was evading his body.
"We are not going anywhere... my love... we are doing it together... you are no longer alone" comforted Charlotte while she remained in his arms.
Esther and Charles Babbington had agreed to travel with them to Yorkshire. Charles knew his friend needed the extra support as he was going to be facing demons from his past. Esther was just happy to be with Charlotte and Alison. James Babbington, Johanna, Lydia and Alex were going to be staying with Susan as they would be safe. They suspected Aunt Catherine would be present and being a known abuser of children ... they would not be coming with them to Yorkshire.
"Where is your Edward? I would have thought he would be coming?" Esther asked
"He is not my Edward yet... he will be arriving tomorrow due to a business meeting today" Alison informed her friend
"That fact you know his activities and travelling dates... he is your Edward South" teased Charlotte
Alison blushed and acknowledged the truth of the matter. She had been disappointed Edward was not able to travel up today but he had promised he would arrive the next day. This gave her great comfort as she didn't really want to have too many encounters with his mother. He made her feel treasured and protected.
They made good time to Yorkshire and were entering the estate gates by mid afternoon. Charlotte and Alison looking at the huge building before them and turned in complete shock. Henry had gone silent and had taken on a pale look. Charlotte instantly feeling his fear held on tighter to him... learning close and whispered "She holds no power over you... this is your house..". He gave her a kiss... not caring if they had an audience.
They could see the staff lined up outside the main doors and before exiting the carriage Henry took a deep breath.
The butler introducing Mr Crowe to the staff. Henry taking on a formal air...
"Is Lady South in residence at the moment? Henry asked the butler Alfred
"Sir, you will find Lady South in the drawing room in the east wing" Alfred informed Henry
"Thank you, Alfred... I know where I am going and I ask that all our bags be taken to our prepared rooms."
Alfred looking confused... "Lady South told me that you would be coming tomorrow ... sir, the rooms are not prepared"
"Then I need you to prepare three rooms in the east wing of the home. I expect this to be completed in the next hour as both Mrs Crowe and Lady Babbington need to have a rest. I need to remind you I pay for your wages and the up keep of this home... Lady South is not the mistress ... it is my wife Mrs Crowe" Henry taking on an authoritative tone.
He was pleased to see the staff quickly go into action. They had one hour...
Henry taking hold of Charlotte's hand he led the group to the drawing room. When they entered they were met by Lady South 'Aunt Catherine'
"You have decided to finally come back... after we thought you were dead" in a low tone and cold eyes drilling into them all.
"Aunt Catherine, let me introduce you to my wife Charlotte Crowe... her sister Miss Alison Heywood... and our friends Lord and Lady Babbington"
The cold eyes looking at the visitors and finally fell on Charlotte. Charlotte feeling as if she was being assessed and unconsciously placed her arm around her stomach to protect their child.
"I have heard people from the country are breeders so you have not disappointed us in that way..."
"Aunt! you will not speak to my wife in that manner"
"Oh, I am sorry nephew... I am just stating the facts"
Charlotte had taken on an angry look which included her sister and Esther. Charles remembering the lady from his childhood had gone silent.
"I must say, Nephew... you are looking very rough... a beard is such a sign of ill breeding"
"Aunt, I am able to chose how I dress and how I present myself" Henry taking on a harder tone in his voice
"Mmmm" Aunt Catherine sounded
"I have directed the staff to prepare our rooms as it appears you failed to prepare them for us... the ladies need to have a rest before dinner" directed Henry
"I fear nephew... I didn't receive you request...but I am happy to host you"
The group sat in silence as the woman spoke about her children. Stating they would only marry people from their station and no none which would dilute the family bloodline. No afternoon tea appeared so Henry ordered it himself. Thankfully the rooms were prepared within the requested hour and all retreated for a rest. Charlotte first checking on her sister who was angry and pacing the room. Alison wished Edward was here and prayed he would arrive sooner than expected. Charlotte herself had been stunned, angry and understood way Henry was afraid. The lady knew how to make a person feel uncomfortable and Charlotte had been called to her face a 'breeder'!
When she had returned to their room Henry was looking out the window and his shoulder were drooping. She come up behind him and placed her arms around him.
"I fear that there is something wrong with her mind... she spoke too Alison and I at that dinner party... just then she spoke as if we have never met?" reflected Charlotte
"I am so sorry, my love... I should have left you in London..." he spoke softly
"No, I needed to be here... we are not going to let your Aunt scare us... we are going to have a rest and begin our battle... you need to tell me if she or the house triggers your memories?...I don't want you to struggle through them alone" Charlotte was starting to get angry ... her eyes flashing with determination.
THAT WOMAN!... she will not get the best of us!'
