Henry are you aware how you are related to my husband?
Their time in York was coming to a close. Charlotte and Henry were satisfied with the cataloging of the estate and the land agent was progressing in putting the property up for sale.
Edward and Alison had selected what they wanted and the majority of furniture would be stored in one of their warehouses in London. Henry had a trusted man who would oversee the process and keep him informed. They had been in York for a month and Charlotte was starting to feel the need to be near her mother as her time drew near. They were already going to be staying longer in London to help in the preparation for her sister's wedding.
Henry was thankful they were living with Susan in London but they both had developed a close relationship with Lavinia Eastings. Lavinia clearly loved Henry and treated him like a son.
Charlotte asking Henry how well he knew the couple. Henry had been so focused on survival he didn't really remember. At different times Charlotte felt Lavinia wanted to tell them something. It was the last evening and she asked to speak with Charlotte and Henry. The couple sitting with Lavinia between them... she took each of their hands before starting to speak.
"Henry are you aware how you are related to my husband?"
"No... my father kept me away from other family members so my knowledge of the family is limited" answered Henry
"Your grandfather was the second son of the Earl of Eastings... his mother's vast wealth was given to him and he went on to grow the Crowe empire. In fact your last name is Crowe - Eastings. My husband and your father are second cousins. My husband was the only son of 4 children and our only son passed away before marrying or producing an heir. The Easting title follows your line now... did you know you will be the next Earl of Eastings?
Henry was stunned and all he could do was listen ... shook his head
"We understand why you were never told... but thankful your father died before our son died... he was unaware of the title inheritance." shared Lavinia
"Henry.. you have always been on my husband's mind. Your father was a controlling man and when we started showing partiality towards you he denied us visits. Please believe me if I had known the extent of the abuse we would have taken you away." Tears falling down Lavinia's face as thought about his pain and she hadn't be able to stop it. Henry and Charlotte grasping her hand.
"I suspect that is why your Aunt became more violent as she believed her son deserved the title but any sane person knows they are passed through the male line." her face taking on an angry look as she thought about Catherine South.
"Even though we couldn't see you.. we made sure you received a birthday and Christmas gift... paid your school fees and paid off your gambling debt with Mr Smith. It was the only thing we could do" smiled Lavinia as she saw the surprised look on Henry's face. He had always wondered who had paid that debt.
Henry... trying to process the information and the revelation that there was someone in his family who cared for him... let alone a title!
"You are the current heir to the 'Easting title'. I want to hold a dinner so we can formally acknowledge your status. You are in fact the Viscount and Viscountess of Eastings or Lord and Lady Crowe!"
Charlotte has been holding her stomach and looked up into her husband's eyes. He smiled and placed his hand over hers. They would cope with this together.
"We will not be moving ...Willingdon will be our home. People will have to accept a future earl who loves running his own farm!" firmly stated Henry
I look forward to visiting your farm... my father was a farmer! " shared Lavinia. Charlotte now knew why she felt connected with this lady... they had the same backgrounds and Charlotte knew she had another person who would help her.
Later when they were alone in their bedroom Henry and Charlotte really digested the news..."Lord Henry Crowe" but I prefer "Lord Cow Whisperer" Charlotte trying to lighten the mood as she could see Henry had been effected by the revelation.
"I alway thought I was alone but there was someone looking after me!" he shared while wrapping his arms around his wife.
"I am so happy she found us... you now have a few more loving family members... to add to the Heywood clan" Charlotte giving him a tender kiss.
"I guess little one you are going to be a little Lord or Lady when you are born?" Henry speaking to his child while placing he hand on Charlotte's stomach.
Charlotte running her hands through his hair smiled while she watched her child's father speak. In the end their family was the most important thing that matter and a title would not change who they were.
It was just going to open up more opportunities for the Crowe and Heywood families!
"You never cease to surprise me Henry Crowe!" teased Charlotte. Henry taking her into his arms and it was a while before they fell asleep.
