Sit down and and listen to me
Sidney was like a snorting bull as he bashed on the door of lady Susan's home. He didn't care who saw him... he was determined to see Mary and her children. He was angry at what Mary was doing... he was going to force her to return home.
He bashed on the door again... it was opened by the butler who calming picked up the coat, hat and cane Sidney had thrown on the ground.
"Mary... where are you? Henry... Jenny, Alice... James I have come to take you home!" bellowed Sidney
"Why don't you sit down?" Mary cooly invited him once he entered the morning room. Lady Susan and Grace sitting next to her and watched this angry man. John Heywood was in another chair and had a grim look on his face. He could see this man was out of control and he was happy he was present.
"I would suggest you sit down Mr Parker" John Heywood quietly commanded.
It stopped Sidney for a moment and he found a chair in the corner. He was looking agitated and his eyes were flashing with anger.
"I see you failed to follow my request... but knowing you all these years I expected you... your anger always coming to the surface and you lose all reason" Mary commented
Sidney was shocked at her assessment of him but knew she was right about him.
"What are you doing Mary?"
" I am not coming home... you read my letter"
"You can't separate the children from their family... it is not right!" he argued and got up and started pacing
"It is not right that they have been neglected and subjected to a home full of tension, anger and madness!"
"You are over exaggerating things Mary..."
"Am I... tell me Sidney..."
"Well.. Ahhh" Sidney tried to think of good moments but couldn't come up with anything
"Hmmm... healthy home life!" Mary taking on a sarcastic tone
"Where are the children? I have not seen them and want to know they are safe?" Sidney demanded
"Oh... now you want to see them... I can count on my hand the times you have seen them since your marriage. They are not here and you are never allowed to see them if you are going to be in such a state" Mary's voice rising as she gained strength.
"My children will be surrounded by stable adults who want to participate in their life and model loving relationships" a determined Mary stated
"Is that Crowe..! Sidney taking on a threatening edge
"Mr Parker!... do not make threats against my son-in-law" warned John
"I will not stand for your interference in my family..." Sidney looked directly at Susan
"You should be thankful for the many people who have offered shelter... becoming the family Mary and her children need" John Heywood spoke
Grace placing her arm around Mary to show her support and looked this angry man in the eyes. This jolted Sidney as it was the same look he had received from Charlotte all those years ago.
He took a deep breath and spoke..."Mary, they need to be with the family"
"So... you approve of your nieces and nephews being subjected to neglect?" Susan asked
"No... they are fine.. they are loved..."
"Hmm... how long since you have told them they are important to you? Mary asked
"Ahh... " thought aloud Sidney
"How long since they have seen you without a drink in your hand?' Mary questioned him
"Ahh.."
"How long since they have seen their father and Uncle not yelling at each other?" Mary's voice getting louder
"Ahh..."
"How long since they seen their mother being cared for by their father? A slight tremor appearing in her voice
"Mary..." Sidney struggling
"I am removing ourselves from this unhealthy environment and I pray my children will grow up to be balanced people."
"Mary... this will not do!" he yelled at her
"That is enough... Sidney..." Mary standing and the others stood
"If you need to speak with me please correspond with my solicitor. Mary finally stated
Sidney had no choice but to leave the house.
