It is a new day!
Henry had woken up with a lightness... he had faced his Aunt and felt released from his memories. Charlotte certainly noticing the difference and was benefiting from his increased need for her. They had arrived late for breakfast and were not sorry... Henry's bright smile giving away their private activities.
"Why don't we go for a walk and have a picnic?" Henry suggested while happily filling his plate with food.
Aunt Catherine had been staying in her room since being informed of her eviction ... everyone was happier in her absent. Sebastian and his friends were still present... the men suspected it was these young gentlemen who were checking their doors in the middle of the night. Henry was going to place one of his own servants in the hallway to add extra security as the women needed to sleep without worrying.
Charlotte also wanted to give Alison and Edward time to speak with each other. Edward was proving to be a suitable suitor for Alison... he was not like his family and was not controlled by his mother. Henry had also discovered Edward had an independent living. He had already decided if the couple married he would give Edward one of the many Crowe family livings.
Everyone could see this couple was in love and only had eyes for each other. Edward protecting her against his brother further strengthened their bond. As they walked the young couple shared stories about their childhoods
"Tell me about your family and life in Willingdon" Edward wanting to know about her childhood.
"I am from a family of 12 children.. our parents love one another.. publicly showed their affection for one another and loved us all. Charlotte is the first and I am the third child. We helped our parents on the farm and assisted in the raising of our younger siblings. Willingdon is the most wonderful place to live as everyone knows each other. You already know I prefer the country side!" laughs Alison
"How about you?' Alison asks
"I was raised by my Uncle and Aunt. You can see that my mother never cared for me except Sebastian. I am thankful I was taken away from her but regret not really knowing my father" he smiled as she tightened her grip on his arm. He was hoping before they left York he would have a particular conversation to ask if he could court her or ask her to marry him.
While the young couple talked about various other topics... Henry and Charlotte enjoyed each others company.
"I hope Lydia and Johanna are being good for Susan? You know how they can get sometimes" worried Charlotte
"I had a talk with them before we left...I promised to take them to a particular shop and buy them a doll each" admitted Henry
"Henry Crowe... you spoil those girls but I know you do it because you love them... you are going to make a good father" going on her tippy toes to give him a kiss. He chucked and deepened the kiss.
"I find I like Edward and thankful for at least one pleasant relation... I hope it will not cause us problems in the future with Aunt Catherine!"
"We will just have to take it a step at a time... Edward seems to be his own man" commented Charlotte. She was observing the close interactions of her sister with Edward.
"I suspect the way they are looking at each other Edward will be speaking to you about a particular matter." teased Charlotte
"I have already written to your father and he sent a reply authorising me to make the decision" Henry looking pleased that he father-in-law trusted him. He leaned down to give his wife another kiss and was told by Charles to keep his affection for the bedroom.
The walk and picnic was exactly what the couples needed returning refreshed. Sebastian and his mates had not emerged from their rooms due to their inebriation. They had settled in the morning room and was suddenly met with the sounds of children. In walked Susan, Lady Eastings and Mary... followed by Lydia, Johanna, Alex and the four Parker children..with little James being carried by his nanny. Esther quickly getting up to take her little boy and cuddled her darling...she had been missing him. The three Heywood's rushing for Henry and Charlotte. Johanna and Lydia holding their drawings they had made for their big brother.
'Surprise!" announced Susan
"We felt it would be better if we were together and the children were missing you" she confessed
"I also decided to come as I wanted to get to know you both better and I have a matter to discuss with Lady South" shared Lady Eastings. Declaring everyone call her 'Lavinia'... she was already 'Aunt Lavinia' to the little Heywood's.
Charlotte breathed out a sign of relief...she got up and gave her dear friend an embrace... she had been so strong but needed the support of Susan. Tears had formed and she brushed them away.
"You have been very strong... my dear... we are now here and you will not have to worry" Susan speaking with confidence.
Lavinia smiling at this young woman... she was a valued addition to her husband's family. Like Susan she had decided she would protect this couple from the 'London Ton'.
Henry was relieved and smiled as his wife was being pampered by these women... he remembered the love Lavinia lavished on him as a little boy... she was doing exactly the same for his Charlotte.
All rooms were organised and the extra servants Susan had brought were put in charge of protecting the children... They had a fun evening together...playing games in this home which had been filled with so much fear.
The ghosts of the past being replaced by the sounds of laughter!
