She deserves the world
John Christopher thoroughly enjoyed dancing with Lady Jane. She was not only beautiful but she was intelligent. She loved the country and was an accomplished estate manager. They shared many interests and he found her very easy to talk too. She also enjoyed his jokes which made him feel very good.
He had to keep telling himself that she was a friend of his sisters. He had to guard his heart but knew that he was well on the way to losing it. When the dance finished he found it difficult to let her go and was worried about her safety. He remembered the way Lord North had looked at her and Lady Jane's frightened face.
"Will you be safe?" he spoke softly as he took her back to the ladies.
"Yes... I will be returning home with my Uncle" she smiled up into his face. She liked the fact he was wanting to protect her... when Lord North did it she wanted to run away but not with John Christopher Heywood.
"Remember... if you need anything please... your safety is important to me" he spoke quietly when she took her leave for the night.
He watched her walk towards the carriage and noticed a figure waiting in the shadows. He frowned as the figure moved towards Lady Jane as she approached the carriage door. The Prince Regent was with Lady Susan so he strode quickly as he felt there was wrong.
Indeed there was something wrong...
Lord North had been watching the garden party and was waiting for his time to speak with her. His anger boiling over as he watched her dance with Mr John Christopher Heywood. He knew the only chance he would have was when she was entering the carriage... he saw the Prince Regent was busy so he could be direct with her.
"Good evening... Lady Jane... you disrespected me today... when I say I am coming to visit you... you must be home! " he commanded
"No, you don't own me Lord North... you will never marry me... you might think you have the power but you don't" she drew her shoulder up and looked the man in the eyes. She had learned this through training dogs... never show them your fear.
He laughed and grabbed her wrist painfully... she didn't move or let him know it hurt her...
"You must understand I will win and you will be my prize" he spoke in a dark evil voice. Before she knew it... John Christopher appeared and looked menacing as he approached Lord North.
"Release this woman... you are no gentleman!" John Christopher giving the man a choice
"This is none of your concern... leave us" Lord North turning back to speak with Lady Jane
John grabbed Lord North's wrist and applied pressure. The man gasped in pain and finally released his grip on Lady Jane's wrist. She moved and stood behind John Christopher.
"You will be sorry for this... I will ruin you" Lord North clutching his broken wrist.
"I don't care... no lady should be treated in this manner... if you try to threaten her again... be warned" John standing to his full height and looked down at the man.
Lord North without thinking moved forward and was suddenly picked up... finding himself held off the ground against the carriage.
"I warned you... don't ever bother this lady... she deserves the world and not the likes of you" forcefully spoke John Christopher and without any effort dropped Lord North.
Henry and Edward has noticed the incident and had rushed to support him. Charlotte and Alison were close behind and went to check on Lady Jane. Lady Jane explained what had happened... showing the bruise forming on her wrist.
"You can't go home like this... mama will look at it... Henry go and speak with the Prince Regent and get Mama" Charlotte directed her husband. They took her directly to Susan's house and requested ice. Grace walking in and tended to Lady Janes' wrist... thankfully nothing was broken but it was badly bruised.
Charlotte and Alison sitting on either side of Lady Jane. They noticed the shock was settling in and she was starting to shake. They placed a blanket around her and hoped it would stop the shaking.
To their surprise their normally jolly brother entered the room with a serious face. He went straight to Lady Jane and went on his knees ... looking into her face.
"My Lady... you are safe now... I am sorry that man hurt you" His face going dark thinking about Lord North and the pain he inflicted.
She smiled and her shaking stopped... 'she did feel safe!'
He realised he had an audience and got up...
'Please forgive my forwardness" he looked embarrassed
"No, thank for coming to my rescue" she spoke
The moment was broken by Susan and the Prince Regent entering the home. He was looking upset and went to seek out his niece.
"Niece... who attacked you?"
"It was Lord North... Uncle" she spoke
"Lord North... the one who wants to marry you? Hmmm... I am not happy... I will be speaking with my brother"
Jane breathed a sign of relief... finally she was going to be free from this man. She looked around and found John Christopher in the corner watching her with concern on his face.
"Uncle... it was Mr John Christopher Heywood who rescued me from the clutches of Lord North" she smiled
"Hmm... you will be rewarded for looking after a member of the royal family" The Prince spoke and from the advice of Susan decided it was best Lady Jane would stay at her home tonight.
"Well... my lady... you will be staying the night with us!" Grace commented
"Please call me ... Jane" while she spoke she was only looking at John Christopher.
