Celebrations
Everyone was ushered into the drawing room... Charlotte and Henry were going to mark the engagement of Edward and Alison properly.
Charlotte was determined to reproduce the experience they received from her parents. Since John and Grace were not present she felt it was their responsibility to carry on the family tradition. They wanted to set a good example for the younger Heywood children. They settled everyone in the room and Charlotte made sure the children were listening. Susan, Charles and Esther who had experienced many of the Heywood traditions sat back waiting.
Henry and Charlotte standing up...
"I would like to say a few words on behalf of John and Grace Heywood. I know Edward you will be warmly welcomed into the Heywood family. My life was changed by this family and you will be blessed by marrying one of the daughter's of John and Grace." shared Henry while placing his arm around his wife.
He then took on a mischievous grin and continued "I warn you though... don't look too long into their eyes as they have the effect of making you do anything!" receiving a light slap from Charlotte and the children giggled.
Henry continued on a more serious note...
"I would like to share with you what John Heywood told me... you must love her and treasure her with everything you have. That is what I endeavour to do everyday with Charlotte. I strongly suggest you follow the same advice then you will built a strong and happy family" Henry finished and gave his wife a tender smile.
He and Charlotte going over to embrace the newly engaged couple placing a blessing on their future marriage. Lydia, Johanna and Alex were directed to embrace the pair and welcome Edward into the family. They were then followed by Susan, Esther and Charles who were considered family members. Mary in her life had never seen such affection between a family and could see how broken the Parker's family was. She smiled as she watched her children observe healthy relationships.
Edward and Alison standing before them all...
"I would like to thank Henry for your advice. I promise to love Alison and be my true/best self for her". Edward had become emotional as it had been a significant matter for him to speak about his personal feelings.
"Thank you for giving me a chance... Alison... my love." Edward looking into Alison's upturned faced and kissed her hand.
The little Heywood's clapped and excitedly danced around the couple!
Lavinia was smiling as she saw two of her family members happy... finding women who would love and protect them. Lavinia and her husband had been denied the opportunity to be apart of these young men's childhoods but they would be part of their families lives. She was determined!
"I love the Heywood's... they gave me a place in a family when I needed it... those men are blessed to have such women in their lives" commented Susan who had shed a few tears along with Lavinia.
After tea... everyone was happily settled in the drawing room... playing cards or reading books. Henry was reading a story to the little girls who always enjoyed his story telling skills. He used different voices and made the stories interesting. By the time he was in the middle of the story he had an audience of children. The adults watching with amusement as all the children faces were focused on Henry.
Once the story had finished Johanna had a serious question to ask... she had been thinking about it since being told her sister Alison was getting married.
"Henry... why do people marry?" a big question for a little girl... but she was a deep thinker
"Well... when you find your soulmate you want to marry them" he answered simply
"What is a soulmate?" Jenny Parker asked
"A soulmate is like a best friend... but more. It is someone who knows you better than anyone. They inspire you to be a better person. They believe in you when everyone else had given up on you. That is what your sister is for me and I imagine it is the same for Edward." smiled Henry as he looked at Charlotte. She was the one who found him on the side of the road and was there when he was at his worse. She had truly inspired him to change and be his best. Charlotte had gotten up and was standing behind him continued... "You have many years before you have to worry about that... but Henry will make sure they are the best" Johanna and Lydia cuddling Henry whom they completely trusted.
"Henry... I have never seen you so eloquent with your words" Charles shared with him later. His friend never ceased surprising him.
The little Heywood excited in gaining another big brother spent the evening gaining Edward's attention... but Henry was their favourite. Lydia reassuring Henry as he carried her to the room she was sharing with her sister. Charlotte helping him settle the children for bed.
Now that the children were dispatched...the adults had time alone to enjoy each others company.
When they had returned Henry happily settled himself next to his wife and enjoyed watching her... when she was asleep he would often speak to their child... promising to love him or her and be a loving father. Charlotte was well aware of this as she was woken with him stroking her stomach... but she never told him... she just closed her eyes and let him have time with their child. He or She would know their Papa's voice as they heard him speak every day. This little one was to be born into a family full of love...
Mary had been watching this changed Henry Crowe. The man who caroused with Sidney had been replaced with a man who could be counted on. He truly loved his wife and family... putting them first in everything. Mary shed tears of happiness for her friend but also tears of sadness for her own. She was going to make changes so her children would be around good role models. She could already see her four children lapping up the attention from the adults in this room. They were happy to interact with them and they were asking questions they would not ask their Aunts or Uncles. She didn't care if it would cause tension for some of the Parker's but she must now focus on her children... their wellbeing mattered.
Their lovely evening was interrupted by Sebastian and his friends arriving back from visiting a neighbour. The men suddenly straightening themselves up once they were introduced to the grand ladies. Lord North and Lord Castle's mothers were friends of Lady Susan and decided they needed to be on their best behaviour.
"Cousin... you have just arrived in time ... you brother has become engaged to my wife's sister" Henry informing Sebastian
Sebastian taking on a jealous look as he watched Alison Heywood place her hand on his brother's arm.
"I congratulate you brother... it is certainly a surprise... have you told mother?" a vicious smile appearing on Sebastian's face.
"I have not seen Mother to inform her of our news... I don't require her consent to marry" replied Edward
"Lady South left this afternoon... she was required to travel to London... I understand she is contemplating a trip overseas for a period of time. I don't think she will be around for the wedding" Lavinia informing the group.
Charlotte could see by the victorious look on Susan's face that they had sometime to do with the sudden removal of Aunt Catherine. Lavinia and Susan waiting for Mary, Sebastian and the other gentleman to leave before they informed them what had occurred with Lady South. Everyone was relieved and thanked both ladies for their help.
Everyone looking forward to a happy time in York before returning to London.
