I believe it it time...
Susan had been enjoying hosting the young Heywood's. They loved everything she did and they lavished their love on her. She would make sure these little ones would be looked after and their futures secured.
Today they were expecting a visit from Mary Parker and her children. Susan had promised to kept an eye on Mary and the Heywood children had asked if their friends could visit. She couldn't deny their request.. especially when the girls would look at her with those large brown eyes. They had taken to calling her 'Aunt Susan' and it warmed her heart.
Susan had made sure her invitation had been put in a plain envelope so it would not attract the attention of Tom Parker. She was happy to improve her acquaintance with Mary but no other Parker!.
Mary Parker was grateful to be getting out of the house and had been surprised she had been asked by this great lady. She knew Charlotte and Alison were out of town and wasn't expecting an invitation. Her children danced out of the house when she herded them towards the carriage. Mary was keeping her expanding acquaintance a secret from the others Parkers... she needed this for herself.
Susan liked Mary without her husband and was sorry for the way Tom Parker treated his wife. She found Mary could hold intelligent conversations and fitted in well with the ladies she was introduced too. Susan was able to concentrate on another guest whom she was interested in getting to know better.
She had invited Lady Eastings as she wanted to find out about their connection with Henry. Susan had always found Lady Eastings a lovely lady who didn't confirm to the normal rules of society and Susan loved people like this.
Lady Easting arrived and was happily settled with Susan in her morning room.
"It is so nice you agreed to come for afternoon tea, Lady Eastings"
"Please call me Lavinia"
"Call me Susan"
"Thank goodness that was over ... I am very happy that you invited me over... I am interested in learning how you know Mr and Mrs Crowe?" Lavinia spoke and laughed at the shocked look on Susans's face.
"My dear... I am outspoken and loved meeting Charlotte Crowe... tell me how did Henry find this intelligent woman?" earnestly asked Lavinia
Susan telling the story of Charlotte and Henry... including her own close association with the Heywood family.
"My... that was a very romantic story... I had always hoped he would find such a woman... never thought it would happen...Lord E and I are very happy!"
"Charlotte is a wonderful girl who blesses anyone who is around her" shared Susan
"Many people forget that I was a farmer's daughter... we are made of strong stuff and meant to shake up the norms of social circles" laughed Lavinia
"Lady South has been creating trouble for them" shared Susan... she had a plan but needed another willing participant ... Lady Eastings might be the lady.
"Yes.. I have been hearing what has been said" Lavinia taking on an angry tone
"They have travelled to the York Estate and from the letters it is unpleasant." Susan handing Lavinia the letters... Susan had insisted daily letters so she was aware of the events occurring.
"Hmmm... I think we need to start visiting people... Lady South has stepped over the line." suggested Lavinia
"I couldn't agree with you more.." Susan answered... making a mental list of whom she would visit this very afternoon.
BUT
"after we have made our visits... Would you like to take a trip up to Yorkshire?" asks Susan
"It would be my pleasure... I have been wanting to have it out with 'Catherine South' for a long time!" Lavinia commented with an angry look on her face.
The hounds of war were released... Lady South's exclusion from society had began...
