What is she doing with them?

Lord North and South were relaxing at their favourite club. This particular one had the best women and the owners always gave them private rooms. They also enjoyed the free alcohol as they brought much business for the owner.

They only went to the mainstream clubs for business matters and maintain their reputations.

South had been keeping a low profile since the York incident... he claimed he was not sacred but North noticed he was not going to the white club. It was well known that Henry Crowe and Edward South regularly boxed in the gym. Also the Countess of Eastings and Lady Worcester had run his mother out of the country... South was hoping to avoid that.

"Where has Castle been?" asked South

"It appears since our trip to York he has changed... he has been contemplating marriage?" North laughed... even though he had been secretly pursuing a lady.

"Marriage... you are making a joke... Castle thinking about marriage... who?" South asked

"A younger sister of Charlotte Crowe and Alison Heywood"

"What?" South growled

"Yes... it seems he has been successful and we are waiting to hear the engagement announcement"

"Who would every consider marrying such wild women?" sneered South... who had not forgotten the beating he received from that family.

"Clearly our friend Castle... your brother and cousin!" North answered.

"Well let's forget about Castle... he never joined in with us anyway" South decided while looking at his watch... he had time and selected a lady for himself.

North who was feeling frustrated after finding Lady Jane out for the day... he was going to make her pay for not being home today... selecting his own lady and went to his private room.

The men emerging hours later and decided they would find a place to have lunch. They needed to be seen by the ton and particular scout for potential young ladies to play with. North and South hunted as a pack and over the years had been very successful. They had used Castle to give them an air of respectability... he had no idea what they did when he left them. They were going to have to find another Castle to use as bait to attract the ladies.

They were seated in a fashionable restaurant when their attention was taken by a large group of people being shown to a private room. North knew it was the Prince Regent's dining room and only those closest to him were allowed to use it... let alone use it when he was not present.

They looked closely and their hearts stopped... It was Henry Crowe and Edward South!

The two men couldn't deny Charlotte Crowe and Alison Heywood were extremely natural beauties. They spotted another lady who was clearly another Heywood. There was a tall handsome gentleman securely holding the arm of this woman and when he turned they recognised Stanley Castle.

"Well...it seems our friend has gotten engaged by the way he is holding that little beauty" snickered South

North did not respond as he had seen someone ... Lady Jane... What was she doing with them?

He noticed that there had been another young gentleman who was walking beside her. He calmly raised his cigar to his mouth but inside he was raging...she knew it was not wise to test him.

In the private room the children demanded their own table and were happily seated talking to themselves.

The adults settling on their own table. Everyone was a little on edge as they had noticed Lord North and Lord South.

Since they were in a private room Edward, Henry and Stanley sat close to their ladies. The women welcoming the security and comfort they provided.

Each couples quietly speaking to each other...

"You and the our children are safe" Henry spoke into Charlotte's ear while placing a protective arm around her and rested his other hand on hers which was resting on her middle.

"You are a strong woman Alison Heywood... you showed that in York... but I promise you he will never come near you" Edward firmly placed her arm in his.

"I will not let them near you, my love... you are my treasure and I have promised to love and protect you" whispered Stanley while holding Victoria's hands.

While this was happening Jane was also in agony... she knew Lord North would make her life difficult since she was not home. John Christopher had noticed her change in emotion and looked at her with concern. She had gone pale and was looking unsure of herself.

'My Lady... if I can... what is wrong?"

She took a deep breath

"My father wants me to marry a man whom I believe is evil ... when I am in London he stalks me... that is why I stay on my estate to escape him" most people thought she was lying about Lord North... including her father.

"What is the name of this man?" asked John Christopher

"Lord North" she answered and looked up into his face

John Christopher had been raised to respect women and treat them as treasures. He had seen the way his father had loved her mother and he could never understand why man felt the need to be abusive. For some reason he was effected and he felt the need to protect her.

"Has he every taken any liberties?" he asked

"No... but I have to be careful every time he is around" she knew she had to be open and honest

"You will always be safe with us and please come for help anytime" he spoke while looking at her face. It has been full of so much fear and He was pleased to see her relax.

The food arrived and the women were briefly distracted as they had to look after the needs of the children. Giving the men time to discuss their course of action. They decided they would ignore the men and if they were approached they would keep calm... they didn't want the children scared.

Once the women returned the men did their best to lighten the atmosphere and told funny stories to make them laugh. The women knew what they were doing and loved them for doing it.

Henry pulling out another envelope... Susan had given him a number that he had to open at different times during the day. They were instruction for their next destination. He called over Henry Parker who excitedly opened it... it was to the park outside Susan's house.

Everyone gathering all of their coats and hats headed towards the front door. No one looked in the direction of the table where the two Lord's sat.

Lord North getting up as he needed to speak with Lady Jane and make sure everyone knew he owned her...

"My Lady... you were not home when I visited your this morning... your father will be unhappy about this!" he commented in a light tone but in his eyes held a warning.

"We are sorry Lord North... but we invited Lady Jane to visit us yesterday" commented Charlotte... but her eyes blazing with anger...

"We have another place to go.. please excuse us" Henry firmly stated and indicated for everyone to move towards the carriages.

Lord North moved to speak to Lady Jane but was bared by a large muscular fellow who was a foot taller than him.

"Let me introduce you to my brother John Heywood" smiled Alison Heywood... her eyes also were blazing with anger

John Christopher holding out his arm for Jane and she thankfully took it. He placed her safely into the carriage and their party headed to the park.

Leaving Lord North smoking his cigar... thinking...