So many things to do before we go home
Grace found Jenny and reassured her Lydia and Johanna were with their sister Charlotte.
"I am sorry Aunt Grace... I lost track of Lydia and Johanna... I will not make the same mistake again" spoke Jenny
"Jenny, you have such a caring heart... you need to know those two are tricky... they have fooled many people.. even their mother!." Grace giving Jenny a hug and waited until she saw a smile appear on the girl's face.
Grace was very grateful for the Parker children as they had looked after her three little ones. Alex and Henry had become best friends and were inseparable... at the moment they were in the playroom engaged in a battle scene. She had to thank Edward who had helped the boys understand the battle strategy and he himself joined in with all the enthusiasm of a young boy. 'He will make a good father'... thought Grace. She had been getting to know this quiet man and could see he balanced her daughter's loud personality. He loved Alison and was seeking to meet all her needs. She was looking forward in seeing them married and start their own family.
Her thoughts turned to her husband... she wondered where he was?
She had sent a message early in the morning to her husband and hoped he would get it. She realised she may have been hasty in her panic the previous day but she couldn't change it now. Charlotte was better and that was what mattered. All she prayed was that if he had decided to come to London that he would be safe on the roads.
She should have known about the twin possibility since she herself and other family members had twins. She was just thankful they now knew and could ensure that Charlotte was well and strong for the delivery. She planned to write to their local midwife who would help in the delivery of the twins. Alice had stayed overnight and only just been taken home. She would visit every day until the family headed back to Willingdon. The date of their departure was fast approaching and Charlotte needed to be well enough to travel home. Charlotte already telling her mother she was already feeling better and with a determined glint in her eye informing Henry she could endure a carriage ride home.
Grace now turned her thoughts back to the wedding preparations for Alison. There was much to do and she now had to make sure Charlotte didn't over do it... but by the protective look of Henry she knew Charlotte would be well cared for... but she knew Charlotte would want to be involved. Esther and Lavinia were coming around in the morning as the final arrangements were being made. Grace deciding the ladies would move to Charlotte's room so she could be part of the planning.
Charles and Edward could spend time with Henry. She was very proud of her son-in-law who never wavered and was a strong support when they were unsure of the outcome. Grace remembering to tell Henry when they had a moment alone.
She entered the morning room and was surprised to find that Lord Castle was visiting with his mother.
"You will find Victoria and Alison in the library..." Grace showing compassion for the young man who was looking eagerly around for someone.
He took his leave and happily went to find Victoria...Grace and Alexandra smiled as they were witnessing the blossoming of young love.
"Alexandra... it is so nice you have come... Charlotte is on the mend but is still resting. We have wedding planning tomorrow and she wants to be involved" smiled Grace
"Ahh... there is much to do... I had two at once... it will be easier with my son" Alexandra smiled at Grace.
"I know that Victoria is very eager to have another book discussion with your son...I hope he has been preparing..." the two ladies laughing together.
Grace and Alexandra happily discussing wedding arrangements. Grace could tell a wedding of the Eastbourne family was very different to her own. She hoped the Heywood's would be good enough for the Eastbourne's if Lord Castle chose to marry Victoria.
Her insecurities must have shown as Alexandra place her hand on Grace's... "I feel Victoria would be the best choice for my son and I would be privileged having our families joined through their marriage. Yesterday has brought them closer together. Now we have to give them opportunities to understand each other better. When are you leaving for Willingdon? Alexandra asked
"Three weeks?"
"Hmmm... I will put on a dinner towards the end of your time and I know we will be seeing each other at various events." commented a thoughtful Alexandra... the two mothers conspiring against their children... in the end the didn't have to try hard as the pair were already gravitating towards each other.
