He makes me feel special
Henry had spent the past hour reading business papers while watching his wife sleep. He couldn't shake the memory of her not waking up and the fear of losing her.
'They would not be going to the dinner if Charlotte was tired or feeling unwell!' he thought to himself
There was a knock on their bedroom door. Alice had arrived to check on Charlotte... the noise waking Charlotte who smiled at Alice and her mother. Henry helping her up and supported her while Alice performed her examination.
"I am happy, Lady Crowe... you are already looking better... it was rest and sleep you needed" Alice commented.
"Is Lady Crowe well enough to attend a dinner tonight?" Henry anxiously asked
"I think it might be a good idea for Lady Crowe to get out of the house... but I would not stay the whole time" cautioned Alice
"We will attend the first part of the evening and come home" Henry firmly decided
The time came for them to prepare for the evening. Henry walked from the dressing room when the maid was placing his grandmother's tiara on Charlotte's head... his heart stopped... she was so beautiful...his wife, lover and mother of his children.
"I don't know how I ever won your love... I am the most fortunate man in the whole world..." he pulled her close and held his precious wife ... remembering the words of his mother.
"We need to go and speak with Victoria... you know her history with boys!" commented Charlotte. She had been thinking about her sister and knew she would be apprehensive about the event. Victoria had spent time with Charlotte and shared her feelings about Lord Castle. Charlotte sensed there was going to be a conversation and she wanted to ensure her sister was prepared.
Victoria has often been the target of bullying from the local boys and she had coped by reading. She had learned to be strong by improving her mind and argue with strong opinions. It had kept the bullies at bay but the result was she struggled to trust. Henry had been surprised when she had accepted the attention's of Lord Castle and shown her trust in him. He had been impressed with Lord Castle's determination and how he had supported Victoria when things were uncertain with Charlotte.
Charlotte taking his hand and they walked together towards the room shared by Victoria and Alison.
They found Victoria leaving the room... looking nervous. She was wearing a new gown and Susan had lent her some jewellery. She was looking particularly beautiful and she glowed from the inside... Lord Castle was not going to be able to keep his eyes off her.
Charlotte moving towards her sister and took hold of her hands...
"Enjoy yourself... he looked after you when I was indisposed... that speaks volumes about his character but preference for you... he rushed from the club to make sure you were well..." Charlotte embracing her sister.
Victoria had thought about nothing else!
"He accepts me the way I am... he makes me feel very special" she honestly shared with Charlotte and Henry
"Good... that is the way it should be... I wouldn't be encouraging it if he didn't" Henry commented... he was very protective of his wife's sisters.
"I just want to marry someone who will love me the way you love my sister" Victoria confessed
"Well... I was not always this way... your sister inspired me to be a better person... I firmly believe you are the one inspiring Lord Castle to do the same" spoke Henry. He looked down at his wife who smiled with tears in her eyes.
Victoria embraced the pair who had set such a good example of a happy marriage.
The dinner party at the Eastbourne's was an intimate affair... Alexandra designing the event so the two families could socialise with each other. Her daughters had arrived early as they were excited to see their new friends. They loved Victoria and found her a delight... she was patient with their brother who was clearly besotted with her.
"Brother... how is it going with our friend Victoria?" Georgina asked while watching him
"You know the Heywood's are leaving soon for Willingdon" Elizabeth pushed
He didn't respond but looked at them and nodded. He whole world had grown so small... it was focused on Victoria Heywood...
"Do you know her father and brother have arrived?" Georgina asked
He turned pale and took a deep breath...
"They made a mad dash due to Charlotte... it shows Mr Heywood's dedication towards his daughters... so brother... I would suggest you make a good impression tonight!" Georgina teased. Their brother would be fortunate having such as a father-in-law... both his sisters were struggling with their own husband's fathers.
Stanley nodded and decided to go to the library to calm his nerves... he picked up the book Victoria had given him... she had told him it was her favourite book... while reading it he realised it was her way of showing him her heart.
His mother finding him ...
"Son, I see the way you look at each other... your father and I are happy with your choice... we need new blood in the family!" he nodded and smiled
"Her father would know about my reputation and my association with Lord South" he looked ashamed for his past actions and was worried he would not be accepted. He knew the Heywood's didn't care about titles and would easily decline his offer.
"You have change so much since your trip to York... Grace Heywood has allowed you to spent time with Victoria... but remember what you were told... Heywood women make their own decisions... I know she has decided you are the one!" Alexandra brushing away some tears... she never thought she would see her son find happiness.
"Now... I have a dinner party to host and must have my wits about me... you task tonight is looking after our Victoria and speak with her father" he nodded at her words and walked out to prepare himself for the evening.
She found her daughters waiting for her with expectant looks on their faces...
"Yes... he is ready!"
