I think we have been corresponding with each other

Everyone was having an interesting time at the art gallery. When they had arrived they were informed that the Prince Regent had arranged they would be the only visitors. The Gallery was closed for the day.

Without prying eyes they roamed freely throughout the rooms full of paintings. They were even allowed into rooms that was closed to the public. All the Heywood women excitedly telling everyone about the various artists and their importance in the development of the art world. Henry, Edward and now Stanley stood in awe as they watched their loved one speak with so much knowledge and passion.

"How is your extended reading going?" Henry asked Stanley

"After this I am going to have to read more widely to keep up with Victoria" laughed Stanley

"You are marrying the smartest one... so good luck to you" commented Henry

"Now... I need everyone to gather around me" Henry making sure the children were looking at him...

"Remember what you have been told before... don't touch the paintings" he looked at Lydia who gave him a sweet smile.. they were going to have to watch this little one.

Everyone had separated to look at the paintings that interested them. Henry had taken charge of Alex and Henry Parker... he had settled Charlotte in a comfortable chair as she needed to rest.

"Uncle Henry... I really like this picture" Henry Parker commented while looking at a particular painting.

"Why?" Henry asked while he kept an eye on Lydia who was getting a little too close to a picture. Thankfully John Christopher had taken hold of her hand just before she touched it.

"When I look at it I feel happy..." the little boy reflected.

Henry looking closely at the picture and realised why... it was a picture of a large family seated around a large table outside their country house... everyone was laughing with each other.

Henry looked down at this little boy who had gone through so much. "I hope you feel that way when staying with us?" Henry moved so he was at the same eye level of this little boy. Alex also joining them and had placed his own hand on Henry's shoulder.

"Yes... I feel happy and safe... mama is also better" Shared Henry but he looked sad.

"You can tell Henry" encouraged Alex... next to his father he trusted Henry over anyone.

"The last dinner we had at home... it was hard... my father and Uncle Sidney had been arguing over Sanditon. We spent the dinner in silence!" tears coming to the little boy's eyes

Henry looked at this little boy and put his arm around him... Alex also did the same. Henry got up and took hold of each boys hand and they walked over to paintings he knew would make them laugh. He also made some funny comments and the little boys couldn't stop giggling. Without a doubt Henry Parker knew he was loved.

Charlotte was comfortable and being kept company by Alison. They had both witnessed the interaction with Henry and the boys.

"He will make a good father... those little boys worship him and they love his attention" Alison commented.

"Your Edward is not doing so bad himself" pointed out Charlotte

Edward was clearly telling a story about a painting ... Jenny and Alice Parker were hanging off his every word. They could tell the moment when he had told a joke and the girls giggled.

"Yes... we have chosen well. How are you today? please tell me if you are tired... Henry made me promise to keep an eye on you when he was busy" Alison laughed when she could see Henry look in their direction. He was staring directly into his wife's eyes... asking her if she was well with his eyes... she nodded and he turned back to the boys.

"These little one will be blessed to have such a strong but sensitive father" shared Charlotte. It was as if they knew she was talking about their papa... she felt their kicks.

"I am so happy to see Victoria settled... I am glad we gave Lord Castle another chance" Charlotte shared... the sisters observing Stanley securely holding Victoria arm in his as they were looking at various paintings.

"Did Victoria tell you what book he gave her when he proposed?" Alison asked

"Yes... it was a collection of love poems" Charlotte told her sister and decided not share it was the same book she gave Henry as a wedding gift.

Charlotte was brought out of her mussing when she realised she hadn't seen Lydia or Johanna... she search the room and breathed a sigh of relief. Lydia's hand was being held by John Christopher and Johanna by Lady Jane.

"That looks like our home... we have animals like the ones in the painting" Johanna telling Jane

"I have animals like that as well at my home" Jane told the little girl

"Really... do you live in the country?" Lydia asked

"Yes... when I look at this painting I think about my home but... I have many dogs" Jane pointed out while at the same time gently stopping Lydia from touching the painting.

John Christopher was thankful Lady Jane was helping him with his little sisters... they could be a handful... full of energy but she was gentle with them." he smiled

"Yes... farms need a number of dogs so we can complete the work... how many dogs do you have my lady" he asked

"Well... at the moment about 60..." she had liked the way he used the term 'my lady'.

"60! he looked at her... the only reason for such a large number was if she was a breeder.

"What is your estates name?" he asked

"Greystone?" she looked confused

"We have been needing more hunting dogs and Greystone is the best breeding estate in England... I believe we have corresponded with each other!"

"No... I don't remember reading a letter from a Mr John Christopher Heywood?" she frowned when trying to remember names.

"No... I signed John Estate Manager of Crowe Estate. Since my sister and her husband have been dealing with matters in London I was given the responsibility of managing their estate"

Jane suddenly remembered... she thought the letters from 'John Estate Manager' were very elegant and spoke to her of a man who had been highly educated. They had written a number of business letters between each other... he had ordered 10 dogs from her estate.

"Well... 'John Estate Manager' it is finally nice meeting you" she laughed and a huge smile spread over her face.

"Well... it is pleasing to meet the 'Breeder of the best hunting dogs in England" he smiled back at her

Alison and Charlotte turned to each other with amused looks on their faces... "I wonder what they have been speaking about!"