Don't mess with me... I know how to use a gun!

Henry, Charlotte and Alison were up early due to the hours they kept on their own estates. They had taken an early breakfast and the head gardener had given them a tour of the grounds. Henry needed to take a run to burn off some frustration and cravings... he missed the physical work of their estate. They had gone to the enclosed garden so he could run and the women could walked briskly.

While Charlotte admired her husband running Alison was thinking about Edward who had arrived at the right time... her knight in shining armour!

She heard her name being called and it was Edward who had observed them walking through his bedroom window. Charlotte had found a seat and suggested the two go for a walk around the garden. Edward was a happy man as he walked with Alison Heywood and they talked about some of her favourite books. Once Henry had finished they all went back to the house.

They had gone back to their rooms to refresh... Henry needed to speak with Charlotte... he was worried.. especially knowing someone had tried to open their door in the middle of the night.

Henry took Charlotte into his arms...

"Charlotte... I need you to make sure you are never alone while we are here." he spoke

"Why?"

"Her son Sebastian would have inherited if I had died... I don't trust her... you are possibly carrying the next male heir" He held her close as he spoke. He didn't want to scare her but wanted her to be on guard. She looked into his face and could see his fear.

"Don't worry... my love... they will see how we handle our guns today... they are the ones who should be worried" Charlotte firmly told her husband.

Alison on her way down to the breakfast room encountered Lord South... He had stationed himself in the door way and wouldn't move.

"Could you please move, Lord South?" Alison's anger flaring as she didn't like this man... he looked at her like a piece of meat and made her uncomfortable.

"Not until you promise I can take you for a walk in the garden?" he spoke to her smoothly while his eyes roamed her body

"Move"... she raised her voice so other people could hear her... Edward just turning the corner saw what his brother was doing... strode quickly and grabbed his brother's shirt and forceable moved him aside.

"I warn you brother... Miss Heywood is a lady and should be treated as one... there will be consequences if you every speak to her or attempt to touch her... do you understand?" meek mild Edward had become a fierce defender.

"Calm down" cried Sebastian who had never experienced this from his quiet brother.

Edward thankfully pulled out the chair for Alison and was rewarded with one of her brightest smilies. Henry and Charlotte just arrived and were not happy to hear what had happened. Henry thanked Edward for dealing with the matter... but had a feeling they would be dealing with other issues.

Sebastian finally arriving in the morning room sat sully and brooded into his coffee cup. Henry giving him a disapproving look before he started to eat the food on his own plate.

Charles and Esther had finally made it to the breakfast table... still early for them followed by Lord North and Lord Castle

"Good morning, how are you today Lord and Lady Babbington?" Lord North warmly asks while looking intently at Esther ... receiving a warning glare from Charles

"Fine thank you, Lord North... we are looking forward to the shooting today" commented Esther who was maintaining her normal emotionless face.

"You four look like you have already been out?" cried Charles who was no longer surprised at the early mornings his friends kept.

"I wanted to exercise and the ladies walked while I took a run" Henry was feeling better and the stress from the previous day was gone. Charlotte and Alison feeling the same after their own exercise.

"My god man!.. It is only 8am...!" Sebastian spoke for the first time

"Yes, we don't want to miss out on this beautiful day" replied Alison who couldn't help herself.

"How did you find the grounds Miss Heywood? Maybe I can take you on a tour of them?" asked Lord Castle

"No thank you...I prefer the natural beauty of the country side" She answered and chose to ignore the man.

"I would agree with you.. sister but I am also happy to see my property being well maintained" speaking Henry while reminding everyone he was the owner.

"I believe you are planning to shoot this morning... could we join you?... we are skilled and have received all the best training" Sebastian challenging his cousin. Henry seeing what it was ... smiled "Of course cousin... we welcome anyone we enjoys the sport".

"I took the liberty of directing the staff to put up a viewing tent so the ladies will be comfortable while we shoot" Sebastian putting on his best manners and smiled at the women.

"Thank you Lord South for thinking of the ladies!" commented Charlotte but a glint had entered her eyes and this was not missed by her husband who smiled.

Once everything had been organised... the group had decided they would meet in the shooting area. Sebastian and his friends were already there. They were looking forward to showing off their skill and show up Henry. From accounts Henry was a bad shot and they wouldn't have trouble showing their superior skills. Lady South had decided to watch the proceedings... her first son was the light in her life and wanted to watch him win. They heard voices turning to see the others arrive. The young men had taken on shocked looks as the women appeared to be planning to shoot.

The Crowe's, Babbington's, Hewwood plus Edward were followed by servants carrying a range of guns... they had brought their own ... they had come prepared.

The women were wearing their hunting attire and had determined looks. They were going to show Lady South and those young men not to underestimate them. They had come across many men who believed women belonged in the drawing room. Henry had his own desire to show his skill... he knew the young men thought he was still the same Crowe who was a horrible shot. Babbington was an average shooter and just wanted to impress his wife. Edward was a fair shot and knew he could beat his brother.

They selected their guns, checked them like experts and prepared for the shooting. Esther was the only one who sat with Lady South ...who hadn't spoken since seeing Charlotte and Alison.

"What is the meaning of this? Are these women planning to shoot?"

"Yes... they prefer shooting than the piano" laughed Esther

"A sign of being a savage"

"I envy them as they are able to defend themselves... I having been getting lessons from them... will you excuse me" Esther getting up and deciding she was going to shoot.

Henry taking control explained the rules and the shooting began. The shooting skills of Henry, Charlotte and Alison was superb and they shot the largest amount of game. Sebastian complaining the sun had been his eyes and it was main reason he missed so many birds. Edward was amazed at Alison's skills and whispered his praise in her ear. Henry was pleased to show he was an skilled shooter and he made sure he made eye contact with Sebastian... warning him to be careful.

Both Charlotte and Alison making the point of looking Lady South and the other gentleman in the eye. They had clearly shown their ability to protect themselves and in their minds saying to them...

'Don't mess with us... We know how to use a gun!'