Lord Castle declares himself
John Heywood turned to his family and friends as they stood at the entrance hall of the Eastbourne's. When he had been reading his paper in his kitchen a couple of days ago he had no idea he would be attending such an elegant dinner.
"Well... Susan... you worked magic in gaining such elegant wear for myself and John Christopher... Are you planning to find a wife for my son as well?" teased John
"John Heywood... your children seemed to be able to to find their own partners in life" laughed Susan
"Papa... I am going to need a lady who will happily live in the country... there are not many young ladies like that!" a frustrated John Christopher commented. Since his sisters were getting married... his parents were now focusing on him.
"Don't rush... you need to wait for the right woman... " Henry commented... placing his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Now... daughter... John calling over Victoria... you will be coming in with me and your mother" Victoria nodding and looked up into his face.
"Don't look scared my love... I know you have feelings for this gentleman... I have heard good things about him... just make sure you guard you heart until he declares himself... we don't need another broken heart!" he whispered to his daughter.
The party was announced and they were all warmly welcomed. Everyone finding a place to sit and conversation flowed naturally. Susan introducing John and John Christopher to the Eastbourne family. The Heywood men were very handsome in their evening wear and due to their manual work were very muscular. Their ride to London with loaded guns had also added an element of danger to them.
Charlotte leaning to speak to Henry commented...
'Now as you can see... all of the men are thinking... I need to get fit and I might look like the Heywood/Crowe men!" Henry smiling at his Charlotte. She was entertaining at these events... always making observations and witty comments about what someone might be thinking. He also had gotten into the same habit and between them they had made up many stories about the guests at the dinner parties they attended.
Their attention was on Lord Castle who looked like he had had an heart attack... he was lost for words and all he could do was stare at Victoria who was having a conversation with his sister Elizabeth.
"I hope Lord Castle gets up his courage and speak with our sister... I can tell by her eyes she is waiting for him to speak to her. He was very confident at York... what is up with him?"
"Charlotte.. the man is in love and is struggling to speak... it is very overpowering" shared Henry
"Is that what happened the night after country ball?" she asked
"Yes..." Henry grabbing her hand and giving it a kiss while looking into her eyes
"I love you Henry Crowe... My Lord Crowe"
"I love you Charlotte Crowe... My Lady Crowe... now do you think we should help the tongue-tied Lord Castle?" Henry suggested
He placed Charlotte arm within his and they headed over to join the conversation.
"Good evening, Lord Castle... how do you think my sister looks tonight?" Charlotte asked
Stanley without thinking replied...
"I think Miss Heywood is a vision tonight" and received a welcoming smile from Victoria. Elizabeth noticing what Charlotte was doing moved so she was seated closer to Charlotte and left a space next to Victoria. Stanley seating himself and the young people started talking about their day.
"Charlotte... you were daring!" laughed Elizabeth. She loved Charlotte's spirit and was happy to help out her brother.
"I suspect we will be visiting Willingdon for a future wedding" commented Elizabeth.
Henry and Charlotte agreeing with her... the couple arranging to have dinner with Elizabeth and her husband. In fact Henry knew the Earl as they had attended school together. He later reassured Charlotte that the Earl was a good man and never ran with the rogues.
"So he is boring..." teased Charlotte and earned herself a tender smile from her own reformed rogue.
Stanley Castle was overcome with emotion as he gazed into the beautiful face of Victoria. As he spoke to her he knew he had to speak with her father!
John Heywood and the Duke were enjoying their own conversation and were watching their children.
"Sir, I believe my son will be asking you an important question concerning your daughter Victoria... he is a good boy and I can see that he loves her" shared Kenneth
"Hmm... I know my daughter prefers him over any man and I have to say he has been successful in gaining her affections." John looking up and notices Lord Castle heading in their direction.
John getting up and walking out of the room with Lord Castle... there was a brief pause in all conversations... Charlotte going to sit with her sister and smiled at this exciting event.
"He will not break your heart!"
They were not gone for long and Stanley returned with a huge smile on his face walking directly to Victoria. He was clearly a man on a mission.
"There is a book in the library I believe you would enjoy reading... would you care to come with me?" he asked in earnest
Everyone watching as the couple disappeared and tried to distract themselves as they waited to hear the outcome of the conversation.
