That is enough
Henry and Charlotte spent the afternoon meticulously reading the estate accounts. Finding significant accounting errors, unusual spending and unapproved sales of various estate assets. Both interviewing the estate manager who admitted under mounting evidence of stealing money from the estate. He was not the only servant who had been lining their own purse. They suspected it was 'Aunt Catherine who was selling furniture pieces but had to find out who was assisting her... they suspected the butler but needed evidence to catch them both.
"It appears it all began when your Aunt started living here.. she replaced most of the staff" commented Charlotte who was checking the past accounts of the previous estate manger. It was Charlotte who had noticed the changes in the accounts.
Henry smiled while watching his wife work...
"What?" she had looked up and seen his smile
"I am just thinking what an intelligent wife I have... who is my rock" Henry who had already been leaning over her shoulder gave her a tender kiss.
"Henry... we have your Aunt Catherine to catch... she will not get away with this!" a determined Charlotte continued to search the various estate paperwork...
"Ahhh... found it!... the furniture pieces were listed as being broken... needed repairing... it was Alfred who took the pieces to a repairer in London... but that is not a real furniture repair business..." she smiled victoriously
"How do you know?" questioned Henry
"I had a number of your mother's furniture pieces restored ... there are only a small number of crafts people who are qualified to complete the work... this is not one" Charlotte pointing to the name.
After they collated the evidence Henry finally requested his Aunt meet him in the study. When she walked in the room she looked at Charlotte with an intimidating stare and was shocked when it was returned by Charlotte.
Charlotte had all the relevant paper work to hand to Henry when required ... she wanted Henry to show his strength towards his Aunt.
It had been decided that his Aunt must leave and they would be selling the property. There were too many bad memories for Henry... he never wanted his children to live here. Every night he had nightmares of the abuse he had suffered from her father, Aunt and various governesses. Charlotte spending the night similar to when he was ill... wiping his brow and telling him he was ok... he was no longer trapped. It broke her heart to see him struggle with his childhood memories.
"Sit down Aunt Catherine" firmly directed Henry who himself had taken on a grime stare
The study was tense...everyone were seated... staring at each other...
"I am interested in what you would like to speak to me about... nephew?"
"I have been appalled at the treatment we have received since arriving... particularly towards my wife and her sister"
"Mmmm... I have been very welcoming considering their positions"
"Enough... Aunt Catherine... you are not allowed to speak to my wife who is the mistress of this house and is superior to you. Since my marriage I have been weighing up what to do with this estate and have decided to sell it. We have bought another estate which will become our family seat. You are required to remove you and your family by the end of the week. I have all the rights to do this and the courts agree with my decision. You and your family received your legacies when my father died. You have no other legal claim on any property, livings or investments connected with the Crowe family" while he was speaking Charlotte passed him the relevant paperwork and he placed it in front of his Aunt.
When his aunt heard this she was ropable...
"You have let this little farm girl control you and now you are going to sell your family seat... I will not allow this!" Aunt Catherine warned getting up
"That is enough!... Aunt Catherine... I have had enough of your vile and violent behaviour... this is our home and it is not yours... you must be out by the end of the week" Henry also standing and didn't broke eye contact with his Aunt.
She gave the pair a deadly stare and walked silently out of the room...
"You were strong and faced her" Charlotte shared with tears appearing in her eyes. She had moved towards Henry and was sitting on his lap with his arms firmly securing her.
Through their stay he had been showing her places that held both good and terrifying memories... it had been difficult but with Charlotte he had been able to face the memories. Most of his worst experiences had been with his Aunt. He had finally taking her to the bathroom... he didn't have to say anything. All Charlotte could do was hold onto her strong husband who was mourning the loss of his childhood.
Charlotte was so proud of him... he had stood courageously before the woman who had abused him as a child.
"Now Mr Crowe.. I would like to be shown those beautiful grounds" the couple leaving the study... walking as one.
