Don't even think about it
It was no secret Henry would be found at the 'White Club' in the early hours exercising. Since his reappearance from York word had spread and he was being joined by other gentlemen. In fact he was going earlier so he could spend time alone focusing his mind... all events they attended alcohol flowed freely... he was pleased he was no longer tempted but needed to be on his guard.
Edward joining Henry as he wanted to make a good showing when he boxed with John Heywood. He had heard from other gentlemen in the club about the skill and speed of his future father-in-law. Edward was thankful he was a fair fighter but after boxing against Henry realised he needed to polish up his technique. Henry had shared with his cousin his past problems with alcohol and how John had helped him.
"John Heywood is one the of the best men I know... he was the friend and father I never had... I trust him with my life" Henry shared one morning with Edward who had asked about Alison's father.
"He does take his boxing seriously and takes no prisoners... you need to work on your technique cousin or he will knock you out!" laughed Henry while he watched his cousin's reaction.
This morning Edward and Henry were the only ones in the gym sparing against each other. Edward wanted to see if he was improving and asked his cousin not to hold back. The men were engaged in an intense match when Lord North and Lord Castle arrived. The two men standing to the side watching the skill and power of these men. They had witnessed first hand their strength against Sebastian South but the full power of Henry and Edward was on display today.
"Are you sure you want to speak with them?" North wearily asked his friend
"Yes..." even though he was concerned Castle was determined
"I don't think it is worth the effort" North commented.
"If you don't want to support me... then go home" breathed our a frustrated Castle... he was finding his friend tiresome. North annoyed at Castle's tone left to go home and sleep off a hangover.
After watching his friend leave Castle found a chair and waited for the two men to finish their match.
Henry had noticed the entrance of these men and their tense conversation. To be honest both Edward and Henry had increased their intensity of the match to scare North and Castle.
"Look who has arrived again..." spoke Henry as he boxed... Edward who was concentrating could only grunt.
"I wonder if Castle has the courage to speak to us today" continued Henry... Edward grunting again wishing he had the fitness to reply in words.
The men decided to finish their match and waited to see if Lord Castle would approach them. Lord Castle getting up from his chair and started walking towards them. Henry acknowledging the gentleman and suggested he meet them in the lounge area.
"What is going to be our plan?" Edward asked
'We hear him out and like I told you... I will tell Castle Heywood women make their own minds up and will determine themselves if you are good enough. Be thankful my friend our ladies saw something in us!" seriously shared Henry. "It will not stop us from weeding out the rogues and stopping their contact with our family though..." Henry informing Edward. Edward agreeing with that decision... they knew Castle was taken by Victoria Heywood that day at the Palace. They couldn't fault him for his taste but he was a friend of Sebastian and they had not been impressed with him in York. Henry being a reformed rouge knew Castle had to change to be allowed anywhere near a Heywood woman.
They found Stanley Castle seated in a corner area and he looked nervous. Coffee was served for them all and the two men waited for Castle to start. They were not going to make it easy for him.
"Ahh... I was wondering if Miss Victoria Heywood is thinking about marriage?" hesitantly asked Castle... this was not his normal tone and if his friends saw him they would laugh at him.
"I can firmly say that she has NO intention of marrying at the moment... she told us this after meeting YOU at the palace!" Henry firmly stating the truth
"Ohh... do you know what would change her mind?" Castle asked
"Castle... you have already been around two Heywood women... you should know they value the mind over the outward appearance!" Edward commented with a note of warning in his tone.
"Yes.. of course..." Castle lost for words
Henry and Edward taking pity on the poor man... His head had been turned by a Heywood woman BUT he still had a rogue reputation.
Henry giving Lord Castle the same advice he had given Edward but finished differently...
"If you are NOT serious ... Don't even think about it, Castle!" Henry slamming his hand on the table in front of Castle...never dropping his deadly stare "I mean it!"...
Castle jumped at this threat and nodded solemnly. He bid the two men good morning and headed towards the library... he had some reading to do!
"Henry, you scared me... I am glad you never did that to me..." commented Edward
Henry was thinking about the same words spoken to him years ago... he had been a rogue and changed... maybe this young rogue might ... Heywood women had the power to change a man...
Castle had his work cut out to impress 'Victoria Heywood'...
