Ahhhhh so you are the man
"Easy son... you seem to be out of sorts today" John spoke to his oldest son. John Christoper was thinking about Lady Jane ...
"I am having trouble concentrating"
"Ahhh... has it got something to do with a lady called 'Lady Jane'?"
"Yes... but we know she out of my league... her grandfather is the King of England"
"Yes... I know"
John Christopher turning back to the punching bag as he sorted through his feelings. He needed a sign... something that would show him that he could pursue her.
John leaving his son to his mussing went to speak with Henry. He was worried about John Christopher... he couldn't cope with another child with a broken heart. Henry could see his father-in-law needed to speak with him. He stopped what he was doing and they found a quiet place away from the others.
"I am worried" John spoke
"Yes... I see what you mean" Henry agreed
"We know it will take a miracle for him to have a chance..." breathed out John
"Yes... it is not just money but status... the royals are particular in who they marry. Lady Jane is an example of the restrictions placed on them for marriage" frowned Henry
"Lady Jane is everything we would want for a wife for our son... and they clearly are attracted to each other" signed John
"hmm... saving her from Lord North might help his cause?" Henry commented hopefully
"No title..." John simply stated
Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the Prince Regent entering the gym with two other men. Everyone stopping to pay respect to his highness and his two brothers. Henry was introduced as the Viscount Crowe-Eastings first and the other members in order of status followed. John Christopher being the lowest. Among the princes was Lady Jane's father. The Prince Regent winking at Henry when he introduced Lady Jane's father to John Christopher Heywood.
Henry smiling... 'there was hope!'
"My brother tells me that you saved my daughter from Lord North?" Jane's father commented
"Lord North was violent and injured your daughter... she deserves better than him" John Christopher deciding he was going to be bold and this maybe his only chance.
"Who then?"
"Your highness... please forgive me... me?" John taking courage
"You... what do you have to offer me?"
"She would be loved, treasured, have an equal partnership in the management of the estate... let me prove myself... sir" he stopped and knew he had said too much
"Hmm... you know Lady Jane is very different from all of my children... very independent and in every aspects a country lady... I will take your request into consideration... my brother speaks highly of you" Jane's father spoke... he was a reserved man and it was difficult to know what he was thinking.
"Now gentleman could we have a boxing demonstration?" the Prince Regent asked
John Heywood boxed against his son... both putting on a good display which pleased the princes. Everyone going to the private dining room of the princes and enjoyed a breakfast together. Overall the Heywood men made a good impression on the princes and they arranged to meet again in the club. As they were leaving the Prince Regent invited everyone to the palace for a dinner. He spoke quietly to John who nodded with a smile on his face.
If John Christopher needed a sign... he received one!
While this was occurring Jane was creating pictures for the little girls. She was drawing them pictures of her dogs. She used her skill to produced images of the dogs she was selling and it seemed to be a point of difference for her business. Besides she loved watching her animals and capturing them in various stages of development. As she drew her pictures the girls were all gathered around her as they watched her create the image.
"What is his name?" Johanna asked
"This is Campbell" she replied
"He has lovely markings" Lydia touching the picture as if she was trying to pat the dog
"Yes... do you know he is coming to your estate?" Jane told them
"No" both girls answering at the same time.
"Your brother, John Christopher purchased him for your farm" she informed the girls
"Really?" Johanna spoke up
"Yes"
"Well you be brining the dog to our home?" Lydia asked
"Well... maybe... would you be happy if I visited?"
"Yes... we like you... also we know our brother likes you... he would be happy if you came?" Johanna at this point had moved so she was seated on Jane's lap
She blushed and focused on finishing the last drawing. Charlotte walked in and happily settled herself on one of the lounges. She started reading estate business papers Henry had give her to review. Looking up ... "Clearly you have won the twins over" as she watched the girls enthralled with their drawings.
Lydia and Johanna going over to show their sister Jane's drawings. They sat on the lounge on either of Charlotte and place their heads on her shoulders. Charlotte placing her arms around them and it was not long before the two were fast asleep. They had a big day yesterday and they were feeling tired. Jane finding a new piece of paper started drawing the scene before her. It didn't take her long to draw their likeness and was working on the finer details when the men walked in from the club.
Henry walking directly to Charlotte and picked up Lydia but not before giving Charlotte a kiss. He gestured for Edward to take Johanna and the men took the girls to their rooms. John Christopher had seated himself so he had a clear view of Jane drawing while participating in other conversations. Alison and Victoria arrived looking for Edward and Stanley. Charlotte informing Alison Edward was helping Henry with the girls. Alison smiled at that statement.. like her sister she hoped to start a family as soon as they were married.
Henry and Edward returning and settled near their beloved. Charlotte and Henry sharing the estate business papers and everyone else was reading a book. Stanley was reading a book on Art history... Victoria was reading it with him and sharing her thoughts.
Jane spent her time drawing the different couples... capturing these moments. She wanted to give it to them as gifts.
The drawing of John Christopher was for her!
Grace and Mary walking in the room and went to look at the drawings of Jane.
"Jane, these are beautiful, you have a great talent" Grace picking up the drawing of Charlotte and the twins. She looked at the others and smiled when Jane tried to hide the drawing of her son.
"Hmm.." thought Grace with amusement. The Heywood men were very handsome... he was her tallest.. he had her eyes and his father's fine chiseled face. Dark curly hair which he kept short to manage the tight curls. He was broad and tanned from working in the sun. He had his father's temperate and her humour.
"Do you think you could draw my sons and daughters" Mary asked. She had left her pictures behind and wanted to have some pictures to remember these happier times.
"I would be happy to Mary" Jane smiled
Grace taking over the picture of Charlotte and the twins to show Henry. He smiled as he looked at it and placed his arms around his wife ... kissing the top of her head.
"Could I keep this?" he was going to get it framed and keep it in the study.
Jane nodded but gave each couple a drawing and they thank her for it. Edward and Stanley both planning to frame their own picture.
"What abut John Christopher? asked Victoria.. she had seen Jane drawing his likeness.
"I ran out of time..." she went red in the face. John giving his sister an annoyed look for putting Jane on the spot
"I am sure, Jane has better subjects to draw besides me" He looked at her to apologise for his sister.
Thankfully for the pair the children arrived and took the attention away from them. John Heywood had been up playing with the younger Heywood's and Parkers.
"Henry... have you told everyone about our invitation for this evening?" John asked once he was seated next to Grace
"No.." he had been waiting for John to tell everyone
"Jane, we meet your father at the club today and your Uncle has invited the family for dinner at the palace.
"You need a rest" was all Henry said to Charlotte as she was leaning against him. Without any argument she nodded and he quietly help her up. They bid good day to everyone.
Jane moved to sit down next to Grace and John... John Christopher joining them. Grace explained what had happened to Charlotte and the reason her husband and son ended up in town.
Jane thought... "If it wasn't for Charlotte I would not have been introduced to John Christopher" she felt guilty thinking that way
Her companion and carriage arrived and she bid everyone a good day.
She was putting on her coat and hat and found him waiting at the door.
"How is your wrist?"
"Better, you see the worst of the bruising has taken place... " showing her wrist to him. He gently placed his fingers on her wrist and his face took on a protective look.
"I promise you... I will not allowed this to happen to you again. I will see you at the dinner... hopefully we are seated next to each other" he gave her a bright smile and helped her into the carriage.
On the ride home all she could think about was to arrange matters so they were seated together and what dress she was going to wear!
