The men
While the women were in the Park the men could be found in the 'White Club'. They only visited during the morning as it was quiet and not as many members to bother them. Charles had arrived and he was hearing about Lord Castle's attempt at attracting a Heywood woman.
"He has his work cut out for him... Victoria has similar characteristics to my Esther and you know I had to work hard to win her affections!" Charles puffing on his cigarette remembering his pursuit of his wife. It had been hard fought but worth it... he wouldn't have had it any other way.
"I hear his mother the duchess visited you during the intermission... it is all over the ton... she never visits people so it was noticed" Charles repeating the information Esther had told him.
"It seems she was wanting to plead her son's case... he does seem different compared to the last time... but he was with his mother. She invited us all for tea this afternoon" Henry commented
While they were speaking Charles noticed Sidney and Tom Parker entering the room...
"What do you want to do?" Edward asked Henry... they were thinking about Mary and the Children.
Sidney had been keeping his brother company more since Mary had not come home. He recognised the group of men and narrowed his eyes. They had come back from York and Mary still was not home. He gained his brother's attention and they headed over towards the men.
"Well met, Parker brothers... please join us" Charles invited... trying not to look too nervous but failed poorly.
"I heard you have been up at your estate in York" Sidney deciding to take the lead in the conversation.
"Yes, we needed to view it and have decided to sell the property.. our family estate will be in Willindgon" Henry replied and smiled as he thought about his home.
"Tom... let me introduce my cousin Edward South... he has recently gotten engaged to my sister-in-law Alison Heywood" Crowe happily informing the Parker brothers... Edward smiling at his cousin joy and pride of this news.
While they were talking a number of men came up and paid respect to Henry and used the term 'My Lord'... Sidney and Tom looking at Henry
"Well... it seems that our friend here is heir to a Earldom... He is now the Viscount Crowe-Easting and will become the Earl of Eastings... can't believe it myself when I used to have to scrap him off the floor in bar rooms" laughs Charles
"Charles" warns Henry "It is only a title and it doesn't determine who you are."
"Well, Lord Crowe... we must have a chat about you investing more into our seaside town!" Tom cried. Henry didn't like the gleam that had appeared in Tom Parker's eyes.
Thankfully they were interrupted by the Duke of Eastbourne and his son Lord Castle.
"Hmmm... this will be interesting!" commented Charles quietly
"Good morning, is it possible we could join you gentlemen" The Duke asked. Henry calling the servants to bring over more chairs.
"We are looking forward to visiting your home this afternoon" Henry spoke... it was clear the Duke had sought them out for a reason. The Duke noting Lord Babbington was part of the group turned to him.
"Yes, the duchess is looking forward to you coming... Lord Babbington... you and your wife are also welcome" Charles association added weight to the social connections of the Crowe and Heywood family. He didn't bother speaking to the other men... Sidney taking on an annoyed look while Tom just watched with glee.
"I am certain Lady Babbington will be happy to attend" Charles smiled. He called over a servant to write a note to be sent home for Esther. He knew she would drop any engagement to socialise with her friends.
The Duke finally getting to the main reason for speaking with the men... Lord Castle looking nervous and it was easy to see his father was the dominate personality.
"Tell me, Crowe... what is the dowry and status of your sister-in-law Victoria?" the duke coming to the point... from his wife he had been told his oldest son was besotted with the young woman. He had some reservations... her father was a gentleman farmer and she would have a small dowry.
Sidney and Tom were interested in hearing the financial position of the Heywood's. Henry without any problems informed the Duke of Victoria's dowry and could see he was pleasantly surprised. Henry also took note of the surprised looks on the Parker brother's faces... the amount was not small and knew they had always thought the Heywood's wealth was small.
"My Lord... those in London don't realise the wealth country gentleman have and their ability to generate money through investments. Anyone connected with the Heywood family is blessed... Victoria would be a treasure to your family... BUT... will your son be considered an asset to the Heywood family?" boldly spoke Henry.
The duke was taken aback by this... his family was one of the oldest families in England.. anyone would want to be connected.
"If your son wishes to pursue Victoria Heywood he is going to have to prove his worth... NOT in money but in character... the Heywood's value relationships and not money." Henry looking Stanley Castle in the eyes. "I have already warned your son that my wife's sister is not to be trifled with... if he has no honourable intentions he is to leave her be." Henry had taken on an authoritative voice which demanded respect. The Duke had known the past reputation of Henry Crowe and had seen his change since being aligned with the Heywood's. If his son was set on this woman he would not stop him.
"I understand sir, we will have to see if my son is successful with the lady... but I hear he has much to achieve before he is successful" laughed the duke
"As I told your son...Heywood women have their own minds and will make their own choices!" shared Henry
The Duke and his son bid them a good day and they walked over to speak with some other men.
"Cousin... I am happy John Heywood has given you the responsibility of looking after these arrangements" commented Edward
"I never cease to be amazed at your transformation... a number of years ago I wouldn't even let you look after my dogs" laughed Charles
"Easy now, old friend... Charlotte and I might decide not to be the godparents of your coming child!" teased Henry
"Who are your godparents going to be?' Tom Parker deciding to ask
"We are having two sets of godparents... Edward and Alison and Charles and Esther" shared Henry... starting to notice the uneasiness of Sidney who had not spoken for a while. He felt he was being assessed by his friend and it made him feel uneasy.
Henry sensing it was a good time to leave and was thankful Mary had not be brought up. Edward, Henry and Charles bid the Parker men a good day.
Sidney remained seated and smoked his cigarette in silence. His brother was babbling about the new possibilities of gaining more investment from these men. Sidney had not been able to ask Henry about Mary and had been upset in hearing about Charlotte plus the wealth of the Heywood's.
Sidney turned his mind to what he could control. They had not heard anything from May... she was not in Sanditon... no longer in York... where was she?
Sidney was going to start making inquires to see if he could find her and the children.
