Will you please stop pacing
"Stanley will you stop pacing... you are making me nervous" the Duchess cautioned her son. She had never seen him so nervous and it was quite unsettling for her. He was always confident and it was a new experience to see him uncertain.
"My son... come and sit down" she patted the place next to her" taking hold of his hand and noticed it was shaking.
"You have to be yourself and take a few deep breaths... goodness you are worse than your sister Elizabeth when the Earl Rosea courted her." laughed Alexandra Eastbourne
To show support for her son she had invited her daughters the Countess Rosea and the Countess Bethel whom had only recently married.
Elizabeth and Georgina were amused to hear their brother Stanley was seriously contemplating marriage. They wanted to see the woman who had finally turned the head of their brother and from their own investigations heard pleasing things about the family. Both confessing to each other they wanted to meet the Heywood girls and were pleased to accept the invitation from their mother.
Elizabeth and Georgina entered the morning room followed by their husband's greeted their mother or mother-in-law.
"So... what is the plan?" Georgina asked her mother
"Are we to corner the girl and interrogate her?" teased Elizabeth
"Elizabeth... Georgina !" growled Stanley. He knew his sisters and they could put people off
"Mother.. he must be really taken by this one... I have never seen his looking so tense... maybe you should have a drink to calm down?" Georgina suggested.
"No thank you"
"Stanley...are you ok?.. you would never have refused a drink before!" exclaimed Elizabeth
"Elizabeth!" growled Stanley who was up pacing the room again.
"Girls... leave your brother alone... you can see he is highly strung... I hope he will be able to relax once our guests arrive" Alexandra cautioned her daughters.
The Duke or Kenneth Eastbourne walked into the drawing room and was pleased to see his whole family together. He had missed his daughters and wished they visited more. He walked over and gave each a kiss and shook the hands of their husband's. He had also taken note of his son pacing in the corner of the room... he shook his head and decided to join his wife.
The butler announcing their guests and the Eastbourne family witnessed the entrance of the Heywood/Crowe family. They entered all smiling and their unity was evident. They brought an energy to the room which was not missed by the Eastbourne's. You would be mistaken if it was the Heywood's who hosted as they embraced the Eastbourne family.
The Eastbourne family were cast under the spell of the Heywood's hospitality. The conversations were intelligent and the knowledge range of the Heywood's was extensive. Alexandra understanding why her son had been spending hours in the library. She had been impressed with his improved knowledge and that the Heywood's were pleased. Elizabeth and Georgina were delighted with Charlotte, Esther, Alison and Victoria... the women planning to see each other again.
Elizabeth and Georgina could see their brother needed help in speaking with Victoria... suggesting he give them a tour of the house. In the end Alison, Edward and Victoria were taken by Stanley. The others preferring to stay in the drawing room.
Charlotte who was still feeling tired decided to stay and Henry refused to leave her. Elizabeth and Georgina were impressed by his devotion towards his wife. They hoped their own husband's took note of the attention Lord Crowe lavished on his wife. They decided they wanted to get to know Charlotte better... she was closer to their age and they found her fascinating from the stories they had heard about her. They also loved Esther and found her an amusing lady. They could see these women becoming close friends.
Grace, Mary and Susan were enjoying having a conversation with Alexandra... this had not be the first time and they enjoyed speaking about their children. Alexandra laughing at the antics of the Heywood/Parker children. She was looking forward to being a grandmother. Grace agreed as she glanced in the direction of her Charlotte. Charles, Henry, Kenneth and his son-in-law's spoke abut business and the various management issues they faced with their country estates. The men asking Henry about the sale of his York estate and also if his wife had any investment tips.
While this was happening the tour of the house was progressing...
"Could we see your library first?" Victoria asked... she wasn't interested in any other room.
"I was planning to take you to the library first... as he directed them into one of the largest rooms of the building... it was full of books. Victoria spell bound just walked along the shelve touching the books. Stopping when she recognised a book she had always wanted to read.
"You are welcome to come and use the library anytime..." Stanley invited her
"Thank you... there are some many books here I have always wanted to read" her eyes sparkled ... taking Stanley's breath away and he just watched her.
Edward making a coughing noise... reminding him that there were other people in the room. Stanley directed them to another part of the house and offered his arm to Victoria. She accepted his arm and they continued the tour.
"How are you finding London?" he asked her
"I am finding it very noisy but enjoying the various activities"
"What has been the most enjoyable?"
"When we visited the British Museum!" she answered without any thought
She spent time explaining the different exhibitions and the new knowledge she had learned. She did tell him about the curator who was surprised women could read academic books. Confessing she had been so angry she had given him a negative review of his work and badgered him with questions until he was sorry for his actions.
"I am sorry, Lord Castle... I have taken up all our time talking and not letting your speak" she looked into his face and smiled. She found him a good listener but was interested in his thoughts.
"That is alright... Miss Heywood... I enjoy hearing you talk" he was rewarded with her cheeks going red. This had been the first time she had been told by a gentleman they liked to hear her talk.
"Lord Castle... can you tell me about the book you are reading?"
Stanley gladly told her the name of the book... confessing he had not always been a great reader and found this one challenging.
"I have read that book... would you like me to help you?... reading is important... it broadens the mind" Victoria for some reason wanted to help this gentleman. He nodded and accepted her help. He suggested he could visit with his mother tomorrow.
In the eyes of Alexandra the afternoon tea had been a success. She was able to introduce her family to the Heywoods and Crowes. It also provided an opportunity for her son to spent time with Victoria Heywood. She herself had been impressed with the young lady who could stand up to her husband and had her own opinions.
After everyone had left she sat her son down...
"So... how did you go?" her son now had a smile on his face
"She is letting me come over to visit and we are going to talk about the book I am reading... but I need you to come with me"
"Stanley James Castle Eastbourne... I knew there was a scholar in you.. my.. this young woman had changed you... I quite like you this way!"
