A uncomfortable dinner

While they had been resting Aunt Catherine's oldest son had arrived with a few of his friends... they were present with when everyone had assembled for dinner.

Aunt Catherine in her superior voice introducing them...

"Nephew! let me introduce you to your cousin and his closet friends" gesturing toward her son ... "This is my eldest Lord Sebastian Egbert South... his friends Lord Northing and Lord Castle.

Charlotte and Alison blessed with astute observational skills quickly took note of Edward's oldest brother. Sebastian was the typical Lord...he held his head high and everyone before him was beneath him... of course he showed respect towards Esther and Charles but everyone else held no interest. He wore a constant frown and Alison suggested to Charlotte one of their mother's teas could help ... clearly he was suffering from constipation. Charlotte bursting into a fit of laughter and was thankful her mouth was covered by her fan. Henry leaning down to check on her and couldn't help smiling after being told.

Henry had also noticed Sebastian who had similar eyes to his Aunt and made him distrust this gentleman instantly. He didn't like the way he was looking at Charlotte. He would be keeping a careful eye on this man... he would make sure Charlotte was always near him. Edward would also have to be on guard as Sebastian had caste predatory eyes on Alison.

Sebastian was a rake... he also had the crazy eyes his mother had... a very deadly combination!

"Don't leave my side... don't let any of these men get you cornered" Charlotte told her sister while they covered their mouths with their fans. Charles had been very displeased with the young gentlemen who had been ogling his wife throughout the dinner. He was very happy when the dinner finished and Esther moved to stay with the other ladies.

After dinner the men separated and the women were to endure a tense conversation. It was not often Lady Denham was thanked for her abrasive personality but Charlotte and Esther knew how to tolerate Lady South but for Alison it was her first experience.

"I must congratulate you Lady Babbington for your impending joy... your second child!" Aunt Catherine complimenting Esther. To appear polite she turned her attention to Charlotte "I guess you should receive my congratulations as well" but it came across as an after thought. Charlotte looking at her sister as the lady had accused her earlier as being a breeder and now congratulating her?

"I hear you met my nephew at a seaside resort called Sanditon?"

"Yes, when I was staying with a family called the Parkers. I also meet Lady Babbington during my time visiting Sanditon. In fact we both met our husbands during that summer" smiled Charlotte

"Ohh... so you and Lady Babbington have been friends for a number of years" the grand lady surprised Charlotte could make good connections.

"Our husbands have been friends since their days at Eaton" spoke up Esther

"You must be happy with yourself Mrs Crowe for marrying such a rich man, considering your country background" Aunt Catherine sneering as she spoke those last words

"Lady South... 'If she is going to call me Mrs Crowe" decided Charlotte ... all ladies seated with you are daughters of gentlemen and I am offended by your rudeness... I am your nephew's wife and deserve your respect" Charlotte commented sweetly but in her eyes communicated her displeasure.

The older women who was used to people backing down... narrowed her eyes at this woman.

"Hmmm... we shall see Mrs Crowe"

Thankfully the men had only been away for a short period as Henry and Charles wanted to check on their wives. The chill in the atmosphere was evident and by the stormy look on the ladies faces they had not had a pleasant conversation. The atmosphere thawed slightly as the men joined the women. Alison wishing Edward was here as she watched her sister and friend being looked after by their husbands.

Aunt Catherine had removed herself ... starting a conversation with her son and his friends. Henry and Charles were free to entertain the ladies. They were successful in telling stories about their youth and had the ladies in stitches. At this point Edward arrived looking like he had travelled non-stop from London. He had a worried look on his face but relaxed once he focused his attention on Alison.

"Good evening, mother" Edward also greeting his brother and friends. He then went and sat next to Alison who looked relieved he had arrived. Edward had cancelled his meeting once he discovered his brother and friends were going to be staying... they were known carousers of women and he didn't want to leave Alison unprotected. Henry commenting quietly to Edward the men had not been respectful towards the ladies.

Edward looking down at Alison... "I am here... you will not have to worry." she smiled back and he grasped her hand which she squeezed back.

His action not being lost by his mother who had taken on a deadly stare at Alison Heywood. She spoke quietly to her son Sebastian who nodded at her suggestion. He looked over at Alison and an evil smile appeared in his face.

Henry was telling the ladies about the estate's excellent game.

"My love, could we do some shooting?" hopefully asks Charlotte...

"Please, brother!" cries Alison enthusiastically...

"I think that is an excellent idea... it will get us out of the house and away from your Aunt" commented Charles

Their group had started discussing their plans and had attracted the attention of the great lady.

"Nephew! what is the cause of all this noise?"

"We are planning to do some shooting tomorrow" Henry stated simply but before he could say anything else his wife placed her hand on his arm. He smiled 'Charlotte and Alison were going to shoot but it was to be a surprise'

"I had other plans..." but she was interrupted by Henry

"Let me remind you Aunt, this is my estate and I can do anything I please here... remember you are staying her because I am allowing it"

With that the great lady abruptly got up and dramatically swooped out of the room.

"That was very dramatic... she would make an excellent actress!" Alison observing to everyone ... and they all burst out laughing at her comment...

They enjoyed their evening together and thankful the other men had left to go drinking. Edward escorting Alison to her room... he reminded everyone to lock their doors and not leave their rooms during the night.

Everyone was thankful for the locks on their doors as they were all woken during the night by someone jiggling the door knob!