Your turn

As usual the men were at the gym early... there was an addition to their group... Stanley Castle.

John was in his element... barking his instructions and there was an intensity in the air... Henry and John who were used to this and focused on their training. For Edward and Stanley it was a new experience. Edward was thankful he had been practising with Henry but Stanley was concerned. Victoria had warned him the night before her father took his boxing seriously.

In fact Victoria had gotten up early to ask her father to show some grace towards him.

"Victoria... you know the only way to improve is to be challenged... I promise not to knock him out!" smiled John and received a warning stare from his wife.

Now that John Heywood was back there was a small group of gentlemen at the club... some to box and others to watch. The Duke of Eastbourne and his son-in-laws being among them... they wanted to see the power of the Crowe and Heywood men... they had heard rumours but wanted to witness it themselves.

They were not disappointed!

Henry and John Christopher challenged each other... it had been a couple of months and they wanted to test their skill level. John was the referee and kept score... Edward and Stanley watched with their mouths open as the match progressed. The whole time John Heywood giving the men pointers and helping them adjust their technique. Edward realising his cousin had been kind against him when they had boxed together.

Finally Henry was declared the winner by John...

"You have certainly improved... brother... James will want a match when you get home!" breathed out John Christopher... he thought he had a chance since Henry had been away.

"Your turn..." John pointing to his future son-in-law's. "You can box against each other and I will assess your abilities".

The two men having a fair fight with Edward coming out on top. Stanley determined to improve his fitness and boxing skills for next time.

"Don't worry son... practise!" John slapping him on the shoulder as a way of encouraging him.

While the men were battling it out at the gym... all the women and children were enjoying an early breakfast. It was going to be a busy morning... now that Victoria was getting married Grace wanted all wedding preparations completed before they left London. She rather extend their time now than leave Willingdon when Charlotte was close to her time. The children were excited as they were going to visit the Prince Regent and play in his playroom. Princess Charlotte had invited the them all for afternoon tea.

Mary was sitting next to Charlotte and she was quieter then usual

"Mary, are you well?" Charlotte gently asked

"I wrote a letter to Tom letting him know about my decision... that was weeks ago" quietly spoke Mary

"You have heard nothing?" Charlotte taking on a frown... that man was undeserving of such a woman

"He has chosen his path... I have decided mine... do you think you are going to be able to cope with us?" tears falling down Mary's face. Charlotte taking her friend to another room... letting her grieve her loss. Grace had entered the room as she had seen the two leave. Both Charlotte and her mother knew Mary had been quietly suffering.

"Mary, my friend... we will do everything to support you" Grace embracing her friend. Making Mary promise she would not suffer in private but would always share her feelings.

Susan popped her head in...

"Come ladies we have decisions to make and I can't do it without you all!". The three ladies laughing at her friend and they headed back to the breakfast room.

Before they knew it they were inundated with friends and family... Lavinia, Alexandra, Elizabeth, Georgina and Esther. The morning room was full of chatter and laughter... Esther expressing her joy of hearing her friend becoming engaged. Susan didn't want Charlotte to miss out so Susan had arranged the dressmaker to make a personal visit. With the help of the women all dresses and other pieces of clothing were selected. Alexandra were helpful in making choices that would ensure her future daughter-in-law would reflect her new status.

The men had purposely stayed longer at the the club as requested by the women but were pleased to get home and see their chosen lady.

It was not long before everyone found themselves heading to the palace. Charlotte and Henry had Lydia, Johanna and Alex in their carriage. They had been scared when their big sister had been sick and they took every opportunity to be with her. They also had been told their sister Victoria was going to marry Stanley... they were excited but still found Henry their favourite. Henry was still the only one allowed to call the girls his little princesses and they reminded the prince regent when they arrived. Without any help the children raced to the playroom for an afternoon of fun together.

"Those girls adore you..."The prince regent commented

"I think I am going to have to make them official princesses to be able to call them that!" he teased Henry.

The Prince turning to John and John Christopher Heywood

"John, it is good to see you again... and you have your oldest son with you"

"Yes... we had not planned to visit but here we are" laughed John Heywood

Princess Charlotte had entered the room and was followed by three other young women...

"I would like to introduce you to a number of my nieces who are visiting me... Lady Rose, Lady Jane and Lady Cynthia" the Prince introducing them with pride

"These women are daughters of the Prince Regent's brothers ... you understand?" Susan whispered to Charlotte. Charlotte nodding... many of the Princes had refused to marry foreign princesses and had married women of their own choice... their children were recognised as being royal but not included in the line of succession.

Charlotte and her sisters spending their time getting to know these women... discovering that Lady Jane had spent the majority of her life in the country... her father had ensured she was cared for... her mother had died when she was young. Lady Rose and Cynthia has lived most of their life in London... living with their mother and other siblings. All three women were relaxed and easy to speak with. The Heywood women always had a way of making people feel comfortable and everyone was happily in various conversations.

Charlotte was speaking with Lady Jane...

Lady Jane confessing she had only accepted her Uncle's invitation as she had heard so much about the Heywood family from Princess Charlotte. Charlotte placing her hand on her and commented

"We are only just ordinary people from the country" Charlotte firmly stated

"So am I... I hate London ... the horrible ladies who like to gossip about my father and family" expressed Lady Jane. They ended up having a deep discussion about farms, breeding and various country related matters.

"Can I come and visit you? I so enjoyed speaking with someone who loves the country!" Lady Jane asked

On the ride home Charlotte commenting to her husband that she had found the ladies interesting but particularly liked Lady Jane.

Charlotte learning later from Susan that Lady Jane rarely visited London and the Prince Regent was happy to see this particular niece.