Family

The news of Henry and Charlotte was communicated the following day by Lavinia ... it was met with much congratulation!

"You deserve every happiness... my dear" Susan whispered to Charlotte

"We are a little overwhelmed but glad we have many close friends who have titles" teased Charlotte

"Just be yourself... make it your own" shared Susan

"Don't worry we are only going to be ourselves... it has worked so far" smiled Charlotte and gained the attention of her husband who came over to claim his wife.

"Lord Crowe... how are feeling?" asked Charlotte

"I feel the same and determined it will not change us" firmly spoke Henry

"Good... stir up the ton... but I believe another farmer's daughter and rogue did that before..." Lavinia laughing at Susan's words

Finally it was time for everyone to get into their carriages and travel back to London. It was going to a busy time before they could finally go back to their home. They had received a letter from John Heywood informing them that Grace would be meeting them in London. She wanted to help with the preparation for the wedding and their next daughter Victoria would accompany her mother. John reminding Henry that he had another two Heywood family members to look after. Charlotte taking hold of Henry's hand and knew it always weighed heavily on him as he valued his father-in-law's trust.

Before getting into their carriage... Henry gazed on his childhood home. He would never be stepping foot on this property again. He hoped the future owners would have a better life than his did in this home. Charlotte was watching the emotions play across his face and was relieved to see Henry looked peaceful... it has been difficult but he had been able to face his fears and been released from them.

"Well, Lady Crowe... it is time we start are journey home" Henry leaning down and giving her a tender kiss.

"Yes... Lord Crowe... just a little detour before we can finally get back to Willingdon" replied Charlotte

They were meet by Grace and Victoria Heywood at Susan's house who had arrived only a couple of hours before the group. Johanna, Lydia and Alex crying with joy at seeing their mother after such a long time. Grace spent time with each... looking into their dear faces and noticing the changes. After making sure she heard all their stories she turned to her oldest girls. She could see Charlotte and Alison were well and looked happy.

"How is my little grandchild going?" Grace asked as she placed her hands on her daughter's stomach and felt the movements of the babe. Once she was satisfied she looked up to find Henry sitting next to Charlotte.

"I am proud of you Henry... facing your fears and looking after my children... I couldn't ask for a better husband for my Charlotte" she smiled at Henry

"We have to tell you something mama..." Charlotte started and turned to Henry

"I am in line for an Earldom..." breathes out Henry... it had been the first time he had spoken this news to anyone and was glad it was Grace.

"Well..well... how are you feeling about this news?" questioned Grace while searching his face

"I am unsure... I don't understand why I deserve so much happiness?" shared Henry

"Yes, you do... just always be yourself... John and I will always be there to fight for you" She grabbed both their hands and showed her joy.

Grace was happy to hear they had no intention of leaving Willingdon. She wanted to be a hand's on grandmama and be there to support the couple as they navigate the challenges of family life. She was equally excited about Alison and Edward living in Willingdon.

"Thank you Henry for helping Alison and Edward... I am so happy they are going to be near us!" Grace shared and brushed away her tears. She embraced the couple and felt happy that she could watch over them again. Her husband had missed them and urged her to complete their errands quickly so they could come home. She shared this with the couple who laughed... they felt exactly the same.

"I just want to get home so our babe will be born there... I am already feeling relaxed now you are here" Charlotte smiled and leaned against her husband who could feel her stress dissipate.

"Good... could you please introduce me to my next son-in-law!" Grace turning in the direction where Edward was sitting with Alison. He was looking nervous and had been glancing in their direction trying to work out if he would be welcome. Henry offering his arm to Grace and Charlotte walking them over to the new couple.

"Mama... let me introduce to my cousin 'Edward South' who has proved to be a match for our lovely Alison" exclaims Henry... both Edward and Alison displaying pink cheeks. Grace had already seen his love for her daughter at the ball and liked his kind face. The fact he was related to Henry also placed him in favour of Grace and John Heywood. The glowing happiness of Alison was evidence he was already making her happy.

"Well, it is nice to finally meet you... Alison has always preferred her dark tall stranger since that ball when we were in London. You future father-in-law couldn't leave the estate but is very anxious to meet you. Since you have been approved by Henry he will keep the gun in the cupboard" commented Grace and watched as the poor young man's face turned white. Henry placing a comforting hand on his cousin's shoulder.

"You will be fine... Henry broke John's fear about London men... just make sure you can box, shoot and love the country" Grace giving Alison and Edward an embrace

"Thank you, I will endeavour to do my best to please Alison and make you proud of me" shared Edward. Alison tightened her hold on his arm and beamed at his increased boldness when sharing his feelings.

"We will have more time later to get to know each other better but I need to go and speak with Susan. Grace moving away to leave the two couples time to speak with one another.

"We meet again my dear friend... how have you been?... very busy from all accounts... thank you for looking after our family" Grace spoke with Susan. Even those Susan was the grand lady she was just a woman who needed friends.

"I am well... it was my pleasure looking after the family... we faced the challenges head on but won in the end" laughed Susan feeling pleased with herself.

'Now tell me everything... but most importantly were Lydia and Johanna good for you?" Grace teased... as she knew how active and mischievous her youngest were. Grace spent the next hour laughing at the various stories of her children but was glad to have them back.

Mary appeared and looked anxious as she entered the room. She had made a brave decision not to go home and was facing an uncertain future. Grace standing up and going over to embrace Mary.

"My dear, I am so happy to hear you will be coming to stay with us in Willingdon" warmly spoke Grace. Grace was determined her family would be a safe refugee for Mary and her children.

"Thank you, Grace..." Mary smiled and was encouraged to seat with the women.

At that very moment Lydia Heywood took on the role as 'Grand Dane of the Nursery' made sure everything was in order. The boys played with the toys but the girls started planning their next tea party... happily going to visit the cook who feed everyone and enjoyed seeing their shining faces again.