Only the best of men for my girls

John Heywood was a celebrity at the 'White club' due to his boxing and wise words of wisdom. John also had a good memory and was able to remember the various people he had met previously. The men finding a private space to sit but were constantly being interrupted by gentlemen who wanted to meet or speak with John Heywood.

"London men need more things to do!" repeated John

"Now tell me... about this Lord Castle?"

"He is a school friend of my brother and we first met him in York" Edward answered first

"What was your first impression of him?" John turned to ask Henry

"He was like any young unmarried gentleman..." Henry searching for the right words

"Hmmm... compared to your former rogue reputations...how would you rate him?" John giving both Henry and Charles a knowing look

"Well... probably on par..." Henry going red and really didn't want to talk about his former days... he deeply regretted his old reputation and disliked speaking about it.

"Hmm... drinking?" asked John

"I would say the normal amount... he doesn't appear to have a problem so that is something..." commented Charles

"Hmm... how did Victoria meet him?" John quizzed.

"We were at the palace and he was with his father the duke of Eastbourne" Henry answered

"Hmm... Grace wrote that he is the eldest son... what made you change your mind about him?"

"He is not like my brother sir... he made a mistake with his friend choice... away from them he is a respectful gentleman" Edward added

"Hmmn... yes... we can be stupid around our friends" reflected John

"He has been very attentive to Victoria and she had taken on the task of helping him extend his reading..." laughed Henry

"Well... that is something... she would never thad done that... most of the boys at home avoid her as she wants to argue with them" commented John

"Family?" he inquired

"We have spent time with them and you will find them pleasant... sir" Edward shared

"Sir... son ... call me John"

"I trust your judgement gentlemen ... you know Heywood ladies are the ones who decide in the end!" John declares

"Only the best of men for my girls..." simply stated John... placing a hand on Edward and Henry's shoulders. Edward was thankful he had been accepted without any conditions.

After spending time at the club they headed back to Susan's. They found the women had been productive but were pleased to see the gentlemen back. Henry immediately going to sit with Charlotte and remained with her. The adults were attending a dinner and Henry suggested Charlotte have a rest. John was pleased at the attentiveness of Henry and nodded approvingly as he watched the couple leave.

John focusing his attention now on Edward and Alison... he spent his time telling stories about Alison and making Edward laugh. His daughter had made her choice and he trusted her judgement. On first meeting Edward he knew he was right for his daughter and as they spoke was pleased to have this young man join the family. Before everyone headed to get ready for dinner he pulled Edward aside...

"I approve of you son... you are everything I wanted for Alison... I am pleased you will be settling in Willingdon... welcome to the family!

He watched the young man leave and sought out his daughter... "I am glad you were able to find your dark stranger from the ball!" Alison giving her father an embrace and knew he approved of her choice.

"Are you well after the York incident?" he looked intently at her face

"Yes., but I do jump sometimes but I feel safe when Edward is around. He is the best of men, Papa" freely spoke Alison.

"Good... that is all I ask for and I am pleased you will be living near us" he shared

"Tell me about Victoria and Lord Castle?" He had heard the men's point of view but he needed to hear his daughter's. She gave him a similar account and how Lord Castle had changed.

"When Charlotte was sick he was there for Victoria.." Alison shared this with her father

John smiled... he was getting a better picture... like Alison he trusted Victoria's judgement and looked forward to meeting this young man... They were going to be having dinner at the Duke and Duchess of Eastbourne home tonight!