What is all this noise?

There was no attempts to open bedroom doors and everyone slept soundly. The breakfast table was full with many excited voices... the children were happy as they were heading to a river to do some finishing. This was to be a new experience for the Parker children and they were asking many questions. Alex taking on the role of explaining the process and smiled when Henry would nod in agreement with him. Alex had missed his big brother and intended to to follow Henry around all day.

"Mary... we are so happy you came. How did it come about?" questioned Charlotte

"Susan asked if we would like to enjoy some time away from London. I was finding it confining and really wanted to see another place. Also the children wanted to spend time with their friends" answered Mary and smiled as she saw the shining faces of her children. It had been a long time since they had been this excited... it was turning out to be a big adventure for them.

"Does Tom know you are here?" Henry asked

"Well, no... you know Tom...he is always focused on Sanditon... I don't think he will miss us" honestly shared Mary

Charlotte leaning over Johanna to take hold of her friend's hand as a sign of comfort.

"What about the other Parker's?" Henry persisted

"They are busy... I told Dianna we were going to visit a friend and would write to let her know when we would return. I suspect she was not listening and I wouldn't be surprised if she tells them we have returned to Sanditon." Mary answered hesitantly

Charlotte looking at Henry who had taken on a worried look. They didn't want to cause any tensions with the Parker family.

"Please, don't contact them... I have told Diana and that is enough. I just need time to rest and finally feel better. I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time." Mary looking down... she didn't say it but they knew she meant the terrace fire.

"Mary... we want you to feel at home and you will always have it with us" shared Charlotte... Henry nodding in support for his wife. He could see Mary was suffering and they needed to help her.

Henry deciding to lighten the atmosphere...

"Well, well... everyone... are you ready for some fishing!" loudly cries Henry. The Heywood's who loved having fun with Henry cheered in reply to his statement

"I can see you are all dressed and ready... we must go now!" Henry clapping his hands and urged everyone to get up.

The cook supplying them with a large amount of food so they could stay out for hours. Everyone was given something to carry so the servants could continue on their normal routines.

It took them 1/2 hour to walk but they came to a pretty section of the river... Charlotte approved his choice.. she looked up and commented "You have come a long way... my love... you have picked a good fishing spot... we will be catching many fish today!" He leaned down to kiss her while placing his hand on her middle to feel their child.

Besides finishing there were other games played and the children burned off their excess energy. The ladies settling back and enjoying their time together. Mary had fallen asleep and Charlotte covered her with a blanket. She was glad that her friend could feel she could relax... she would ask Henry if they could come and visit them in Willingdon.

Edward had taken Alison aside to speak with her... Charlotte and Esther watching this interaction... Edward had spoken to Henry about Alison last night.

"He will be successful!" laughed Esther with Charlotte agreeing with her

"I think it will be a short courtship..." Charlotte had been observing her sister. Alison was completely in love and had made up her mind. She had told Charlotte this morning.

"There he goes... he has taken a deep breath to ask... I think it is a marriage proposal" said Esther

The watched as Edward had leaned closer and Alison was intently focused on his face. They knew the moment he was accepted... the two had pressed their foreheads together.

"They look so lovely together.. we now have to keep a close eye on them now" laughs Esther

The young couple coming over to them... Alison had her arm firmly in the crook of his arm... he had placed he other hand on hers.

"Charlotte... we are engaged!" Alison happily spoke with her friend and sister

"Engaged... I am very pleased for you both" Charlotte congratulating the couple.

They called over everyone and the told the couples news to everyone present. Henry and Charles shaking Edward's hand and slapped him on the back. Everyone sitting down for refreshments before heading back to the house.

They were a happy party when they returned ... noisily entered the house being greeted by Lavinia and Susan.

"Now I am guessing by the blush of our Alison we need to be informed of a change in her status" teased Susan. She was happy to hear of the engagement and was already deciding what wedding gown would suit her friend.

Susan quietly turned to Charlotte and Henry... "We will tell you about our day later but first we need to celebrate this lovely couple's engagement.