Victoria Heywood's Choice
Stanley Castle Eastbourne knew that in the end his happiness would be in the hands of a Miss Victoria Heywood. It was going to be her decision if she would take him... he knew he didn't deserve her but he knew she made him a better man.
If he was not so nervous he would have laughed as it was Victoria who showed him to the library. He took her to one of the reading chases in the centre of the library and they sat down facing each other.
"Now Lord Castle... you said you have a book to give me" she commented with a mischievous spark appearing in her eyes... she knew he wanted to speak with her alone.
"Well... I don't want to be accused of being a liar and I do have a gift to give you" He brought out a book of love poems .. Victoria opening the cover and seeing the names Blake, Coleridge, Wordswoth, Keats, Bryon and Shelley.
"I bought this for you... as you make me want to read them to you... only you... if possible for the rest of our lives!" he took the book out of her hand and covered them with his own.
"I know we have only known each other for a short time but I have fallen in love with you... everything about you. I promise to love and protect you for the rest of my life... will you be my wife" he held his breath and waited.
Victoria looked tenderly into his eyes and nodded...
Stanley laughed out of joy and relief... she had chosen him!
He gently pulled her into his arms and dipped his head softly kissing her. He was pleased when she returned it... his heart soared. He had to temper his passion as he knew someone would be walking into the library and they had to maintain decorum.
As predicted it was their mothers ... Grace and Alexandra... both smiling as they saw the young couple together.
"That is a relief... we are all waiting so we can go for dinner... your father will make the announcement later... but by your faces everyone will know" Alexandra coming over to give her son an embrace and and a kiss for her future daughter-in-law. Grace also repeating the process and welcomed this young gentleman into the Heywood family.
In the end the announcement was made as soon as the couple entered the room and everyone congratulated them.
"So dear sister... how did my brother tell you he loved you?" Georgina and Elizabeth asked
"He gave me a book!" replied Victoria... Stanley Castle truly knew his future wife... he could see the Heywood's approved of him and he could see a very bright future.
It was a joyous occasion and there was much discussion about the up and coming weddings of Alison and now Victoria. There was no separation of the genders this evening and the families enjoyed their time together. The marriage contracts and other matters would be left for the next day.
Charlotte sitting with Mary and Susan later... "I am so happy you are apart of our family... and I know mama will need your help with the wedding preparation. I know she will be stressed as Victoria is marrying a future duke..."
"How are you feeling?" Mary asked as Charlotte was looking tired and uncomfortable.
"These two are very active at night... I am really going to need your help Mary... mama will be so busy with the weddings..." Charlotte shared
"I am happy to be there for you... your family has been the saving grace for mine and I will never know how to thank you enough." Mary looking over and gaining Henry's attention. He quickly finished his conversation with the Earl and knew he needed to take Charlotte home.
Once home.. Henry helped Charlotte prepare for bed and made her comfortable...he then changed and settled her against him... He held her as she fell asleep.
Henry thinking back to the day when Charlotte chose him!
