Guns and London dangers

Now that Charlotte was no longer in danger John Heywood could relax. After speaking with his wife he decided to stay in London to watch over everyone. Currently there was 7 out of his 12 children plus Grace and Henry in London.

He also had two young gentlemen to meet... Edward South and Lord Stanley Castle!

Leaving the the ladies Henry, John and John Christopher headed to the study. John wanted to check on Henry as he could see the man had been shaken from the experience.

"Grace told me you were strong and never left Charlotte's side. I am proud of you son... I know it would have been hard watching and not knowing what was wrong. Let us be thankful Charlotte is alright and we can now celebrate the fact we will be expecting two little ones" John placing his hand on Henry's shoulder and the two men smiled at each other.

John needed to calm his nerves after the mad dash to London suggested they clean their weapons. Grace had not been impressed and John knew she would be talking to him later about this matter. Henry not wanting to be left out brought out the guns from York that needed the same treatment. The three men looking every bit the country gentlemen as they expertly maintained their weapons. This activity being a regular task in Willingdon but was met with alarm by the London staff.

Food was delivered to the study and the men enjoyed spending time together. John Christopher updating Henry about the Crowe estate and the various tasks that still needed their attention. Henry sharing their experiences in York and the various challenges they faced. John and John Christopher both laughing as Henry's retelling of the shooting competition.

"I am glad to hear your put those young gentlemen in their place... my girls... don't mess with them... we taught them well!" laughed John. He was still angry with Lord South and his attempted attack on Alison. He was very proud his daughter had been able to defend herself but wished it had not happened to her.

"So Edward South... describe him to me?" John asked

Henry spending time explaining his cousin's background and highlighting his differences compared to his older brother. Henry knowing that was the main reason John was asking.

"Good... Good... when do you think we will see this young man?" John looking at his watch

The first weapon had been disassembled, cleaned and reassembled ... John was checking the firing mechanism when Edward walked into the study. John didn't mean too but the gun clicked and Edward dived for the floor.

"Edward... they are not loaded!" cried Henry getting up. He helped his cousin up who thought his future father-in-law was shooting him.

"Son, I am so sorry about frightening you there... you know if I actually shot you... my days would be numbered.. Alison and her mother would hunt me down" John laughing and went over to shake Edwards's hand.

Edward breathing out a relieved breath...

"That is alright, sir" Edward accepting John's hand.

"Edward... this is my oldest son 'John Christopher and the twin of Alison" Edward feeling like he was being sized up by Alison's brother... stood taller.

"I am pleased to meet you... Edward...you are very lucky to have captured the heart of my sister. Now... how are you with guns?" John Christopher asked

The men settling back into their various places in the room...

Alison and Victoria followed by Grace and Charlotte walked into the study as they had heard Henry's raised voice. Henry taking charge of his wife and made sure she was seated comfortably next to him.

Alison had a concerned look on her face as she had heard Edwards's name being shouted.

"What happened?" She noticed Edward looking a little ruffled and he quietly told her what had occurred. She turned and looked at her father and placed her arm through Edward's.

"Papa!" giving her father a angry look

"Everything is ok, my dear... I may have just scared Edward..." John said looking sheepishly

"John James Heywood... you know what I will do to you if you every shoot your son-in-law's!" a stern Grace looked at her husband.

"You see son, you are protected... the Heywood women are the power bases and not to be messed with" Edward liking the fact John was calling him son.

Edward had already seen Charlotte and Alison in action with guns. Alison had told him her mother was even better!

Everyone settling into the various seats in the study and due to the large number of guns ... everyone was employed doing something... Any person outside of the family would have been shocked and concerned for their own safety.

Esther and Charles arriving and burst into laughter as they were meet with this scene.

"Only the Heywood/Crowe family would be found cleaning their guns in the study of a London mansion!" Charles exclaimed

"Well... you know London is a wild place and we need to be ready!" teased John as he checked another mechanism.

Charles proposed the men go to the while club and catch up... all men looking towards the women for permission. The women had wedding planning and didn't really want the men around.

Charlotte reassured Henry that she was well and the ladies would take care of her... he reluctantly went off with the men to the club.

Grace seeking Susan... she needed to gain some clothes for the men as they hadn't brought much with them. Susan despatching a servant to the tailor and by the time the men had returned everything had been arranged.

There was a dinner tonight and they all needed to be looking their best!