Not interested!
Susan surprised everyone by securing tickets to visit the British museum which housed the nation's great collections. They were going to get a personal tour from one of the curators. Everyone making sure they were wearing their best day clothes and were taken by carriage to 'Montagu House'. Their group being met at the front doors by the head curator himself!
"We are very fortunate... only those with high connections can have a tour of the museum" shared Charlotte with her mother and sisters.
"Are we the only visitors today?" Susan asked
"Yes... we normally have more but your group is the only one allowed today" the curator replied
"Hello, dear friends!" everyone turning to see the Prince Regent... the little Heywood's rushing to give their friend a huge. The Prince greeting everyone by their first names. Charlotte and Henry laughed as they saw the shocked look on Mary's face.
"Your Highness ... let me introduce you to Mary Parker and her children" Susan introducing the names of each child who were allowed to shake the hand of the Prince.
"Well... Susan had told me about your situation... completely understand... my solicitors are looking into it for you... anything for my Susan and the Heywood's" laughs the Prince.
Princess Charlotte arrived and greeted each woman affectionately. She had missed them while they were in York. She had demanded to come with her father when she found out they were going on an outing. The women happily spent the morning walking together through the various exhibitions. Henry and Edward walked with the Prince and discussed some business matters. The Prince congratulating Henry on his elevation and wanted to host a dinner for them.
Charlotte was fascinated with the new Egyptian Exhibition. Napoleon had invaded Egypt in 1789 and the British had brought back most of those finds after defeating the French. Charlotte had read about this and pointed out the Rosetta Stone, the Sarcophagus of the last Egyptian pharaoh and many other treasures from that ancient civilisation. She had gathered the children and had them captivated by the various treasures on display. Of course... the boys were fascinated by the mummy and demanded to know how a body was able to be so old but still have skin.
Victoria stepping in to explain the method of mummification and the children listened carefully as they stared closely at the mummy. The curator who had been taking the group around was very impressed with the knowledge of Charlotte, Alison and Victoria. Henry and Edward just shaking their heads as they were witnessing another man underestimating these talented women.
Henry waiting to see who would put this poor man in his place...
'Sir, we are able to read and I have read a number of your own journal articles" Victoria's tone taking on a warning edge. She spent the rest of the tour reviewing the gentleman's academic writings and asking him obscure questions. Henry laughing at the poor man who had become flustered by this small feisty female whom he thought was only concerned about dresses and tea parties.
Once their curiosities were satisfied they were invited back to the palace for lunch. Lydia and Johanna hugging the Prince because it meant they were going to his playroom.
"It is huge... full of so many things to do..." Lydia told her friend Jenny Parker.
Mary giving her children a stern talk as she needed them to be on their best behaviour. Grace taking hold of her arm... "It will be ok Mary.. the Prince loves children and he likes having fun." Mary watched as the Prince gathered the children and took them himself to the playrooms. Not returning for a while as he had been playing a game.
"Mary.. you are now in our social circle... you will never have to worry again" Susan declares as the servant served them tea.
Charlotte placing her arm through Mary's
"More importantly you are part of our family now!" Mary Parker becoming integrated into the Heywood/Crowe clan.
The afternoon with the Prince and his daughter was pleasantly spent. Thankfully the children willingly left the playroom but only after Henry and Edward had extracted the twins. Edward was getting a quick lesson on how to manage the little Heywood's. He admired Henry's natural ability and hoped he would be the same.
While they waited for their carriages... two gentlemen walked past them. The gentlemen stopping as they had noticed the Prince Regent and that the group had left the private entrance of the palace. The younger gentleman was instantly recognised by Alison and Charlotte ... Lord Castle!'. The older man was his father 'the Duke of Eastbourne'.
The Prince Regent introducing his guests and it was not missed Lord Castle was fixated on 'Victoria Heywood'. Alison and Charlotte both giving him a warning stare which was replicated by Edward and Henry. Lord Castle taking on a startled look but couldn't help glancing at the beautiful face of Victoria.
Charlotte telling her sister to be careful of Lord Castle... Victoria looking at her sister... "I have no thoughts of marriage and anyway he looks like he is more concerned about his looks than his brains"
Everyone laughing with relief...
The evening was spent at home as the next couple of weeks would be full of many engagements of luncheons, afternoon teas, dinners, the opera and balls!
