Will my sister be ok?

The house was cast under a dark cloud as the family was anxious for their friend...sister or daughter. All visitors were denied entry and the planned activities for the day were suspended. The doctor had arrived but had not been very helpful to the disgust of Grace. She wished the local midwife from Willingdon could be present as she would known what was wrong.

All the London doctor wanted to do was give her daughter an ill smelling tonic. Grace was not going to let her daughter be experimented on by a stranger!

After he had left Grace turned to her friend...

"Susan... I need an experienced midwife... could you please find one?" Grace urgently asked

Susan who had limited knowledge of this sent a message to a few ladies to seek this information... an urgent message was also sent too Esther. Grace didn't trust the midwife recommended by the doctor. Charlotte was resting peacefully and they had time to find someone they could trust.

The Heywood children had been comforted and were now playing with the Parker's who were keeping them entertained. Mary was proud of her children as they were doing their best to look after their friends. It gave her hope that they would be loving and caring adults.

Victoria needed to do something for her sister... she had been disappointed with the doctor's lack of knowledge and thought she could do better. She went to Susan's library and searched the shelves for any medical books but found only one about gout. She needed a bigger library... but where?... she quickly left the room and sought Susan...her mother was with Charlotte and she didn't want to disturb her.

"Susan... I need to go and visit the Duke and Duchess of Eastbourne... they have a library 3 times the size of yours and I remember seeing a section full of medical books. I will take Alex with me as he loves reading and I will not be alone... I don't want to take anyone away from the house." she urgently explained to Susan.

Susan thought for a moment and agreed. Calling for a carriage to be arranged. Victoria quickly got ready and collected Alex from the playroom who was happy to help his sister.

"Now Alex... I need you to be a good boy for me... you must always stay with me. You meet the family yesterday and I know they will help us. I know we will find a book in the large library that will help" Victoria placing her arm around her brother.

The two spent a quiet trip and before they knew it they were standing at the front door of the Eastbourne's home. Victoria knew it was not the normal visiting hours but drew courage and knocked on the door. She ignored the butler's disapproving look and waited with her brother. She needed to speak with one of the Eastbourne's...she hoped Lord Castle would be in...but she couldn't think about that at the moment as her sister was ill.

To her dismay everyone was out of the home except the Duke... he appeared from his study with a frown... but when he saw Victoria he smiled.

"I am sorry...but my wife is not here at the moment ... is there something I can do for you" he noticed Victoria looking anxious.

Clutching her brother's hand Victoria looked the Duke in the eyes...

"My sister Charlotte has become ill and we don't know what is wrong with her...I would like to use your library as I know you have one of the best in the country... please your grace... there might be some medical books that might help us?... the doctor who visited this morning has no idea" She spoke with fear in her voice and waited to hear his decision.

The Duke nodded and made sure a servant was present if they needed anything. He noticed she knew where the library was without being told. From time to time he would check on the two and he found their heads buried in a book... even little Alex was trying to help.

Thankfully the Duke knew his wife had gone to visit their daughter Elizabeth and his son was at the club. He sent a message asking them to come home urgently.

Stanley Castle had agreed to meet his friend North at the club. North has been upset with him declining his recent invitations.

"Where have you been man?... you are missing out on the fun... it was quite satisfying at the 'Scott's club' last night!" North giving his friend a knowing look. Castle in the past would have laughed at his friend...but not today... he had tasted a finer quality of woman. He was seeking different company.

"I have been busy with my father and improving my acquaintance with the Crowe/Heywood family" he told his friend.

"Heywood... you can't be interested in that Victoria ... granted she is beautiful but you know what those women are like... no fun with them!"

"I will not let you speak about this family in that tone, North!" Castle spoke with a harsh tone his friend had never heard him use before

"Well, well... it seems you are serious" North laughs

"Yes... and I appreciate you show respect to this family... I remind you what happened to South in York!"

At that moment the servant sent from his father arrived and he quickly opened the message. Without any explanation to his friend he got up and left the club... leaving North holding a drink in his hand.

Stanley was thankful his horse was fast and he made it back home in good time. He was meet by his father who had been waiting for someone to return.

"How long has she been here?" Stanley asked his father

"I would say about one hour... I have been keeping an eye on them"

Stanley heading towards the library and his heart broke as he saw Victoria reading a book with her a hand resting on her temple. Alex had fallen asleep next to her and she was supporting him with her other arm.

"Miss Heywood, can I help?" he spoke softly

"Lord Castle... yes... my sister is sick and I thought I could help her... but there so many book..." words failing her and tears formed in her eyes. She had been trying to be strong for her little brother.

Stanley moving quickly... picking up the sleeping Alex and sat down next to her. She tried to stop the tears but they just kept falling.

"Miss Heywood" Stanley spoke again... "I am here... I will do whatever you want."

She looked at him cradling her brother and relaxed. She spent time talking to him about what she had discovered and he encouraged her as she spoke.

His mother arriving home knowing the serious condition of Charlotte sought out Victoria to comfort her. She stopped at the door of the library observing Victoria was being comforted by her son and sat in a lounge chair and waited until she was noticed.

"Will my sister be ok?" Victoria asked Stanley

"I don't know, we need to pray she will get better" he replied

"She has always been the strongest and looked after us when we were sick" tears forming in her eyes

"I know you are trying to help... I will be here.. " he reassured her.

"I am so glad... thank you" she breathed a sigh of relief and gave him a smile.