Time for home
The ton was abuzz with the news that Mr John Christopher Heywood was courting Lady Jane ... granddaughter of the King of England. Anyone and everyone wanted to improve their acquaintance with the Heywood's including those already associated with them. Esther took great pleasure in rejecting callers or reminding them of the awful things they had said about her dear friends.
Lady Susan's home was bombarded with callers. In the end they refused all visitors except a limited number of friends and family. Eliza Parker being a persistent caller but never succeeded in gaining entry. Esther had told Susan the names of the women who had gossiped about Charlotte and the Heywood's. Those ladies were currently feeling the slow wrath of Lady Susan and Lady Lavinia.
Lavinia put on her elaborate dinner to recognise the heir to the Eastings title. The people who attend commented on the regal young couple and the beauty of the Viscountess. Charlotte laughing with Henry but told him she was just happy to be married to him and be a farmer's wife.
Even though they had enjoyed their time away the Heywood/Crowes families were looking forward to going home. Henry was talking more about their estate and future projects. John Heywood had already been in contact with the land agent as both men were looking to expand their estates. They needed to show Jane's father she would be cared for and they needed space for her dog breeding business.
Charlotte was starting to feel the effects of the increased weight of twins and felt the urgency to get home. Henry had decided they would leave after the ball so they could be settled before the birth of the babies. They were both looking forward to going home but concerned about the travel. They had been away longer than originally intended and Charlotte was much more along in the pregnancy. She was determined to get home as she wanted to have her children at their estate. Mary and the children would be travelling back with them... the cottage was prepared and ready for them to move in. Multiple wagons had already been sent home ... full of various items for the three estates.
Allison's wedding was fast approaching and Victoria's would shortly follow.
As agreed by the Prince... Jane was to live with the Heywood's during the courtship period so she could experience their life. John Christopher was moving into a small cottage on the property which satisfied Jane's father. She was to travel with Lady Susan to Willingdon... Lady Susan was going to stay with Charlotte so that Jane would have a true experience. Jane had already started preparing to leave and had packed most of her belongings as she knew she would not be leaving Willingdon.
"Jane..." her father cautioned her but could see she was set on her decision. The Prince going to speak with his brother about a particular request and hoped he would be agreeable with it.
Even though Stanley was to follow a couple of days after the Heywood's departure... Victoria was dreading the separation. Stanley consoling her but reminded Victoria that once he arrived he would be staying until they were married. He was going to live with John Christopher in the cottage and conduct his business there before the wedding. In fact, Edward, Henry, Stanley and John Christopher had already started some joint business ventures.
Victoria was going to be the first Heywood child to be leaving Willingdon after her marriage. Grace had always known Willingdon was too small for Victoria and she was happy Alexandra would love her daughter when she was not there.
Grace had to be thankful Charlotte and Alison were close by.
Grace was completing their final packing as the last wagon was due to live in the morning... when Charlotte walked or gracefully waddled into the bedroom. 'They really needed to get home' thought grace.
"Are you nearly packed?" asked Charlotte... finding a comfortable chair... she was resting more and finding it difficult to be comfortable.
"Yes... it has been a very busy and exciting time... but we need to get you home" Grace placing her hand on her daughter's cheek.
"Is everything ready for Alison's wedding?" Charlotte checking with her mother
"Yes... our house keeper had ordered all the food and thankfully it is a simple wedding so we only need a day to decorate the church!"
"I am sorry that I will not be much help for you except watch" commented Charlotte she moved in the chair to find another comfortable position.
"I am so thankful Mary is going to be living near you... she really has become a sister to me" Grace smiled
"Alice will be making her final call tomorrow as we will be leaving the next day... I have been thankful for her care" shared Charlotte and her mother agreed but they would be happier once they were near their midwife in Willingdon.
"Charlotte! Charlotte... where are you?" an urgent Henry called searching the house. He blew out a sigh of relief when he found her... as she progressed in her pregnancy his anxiety was increasing.
"My love... I am well... we are well... I have just had a lovely rest and ready for the ball tonight... my last London event before the birth of our little ones" she spoke softly as he leaned down.
It was one of the largest balls of the season... the tickets for the event were highly sort after. The wealth of the various families were on display tonight and the ball sparkled with the tiara's and necklaces being worn by the women. The Parker family arrived early and found a place to watch the people entering the ball. Sidney had received an official letter from Mary's solicitor and had been declined access to the children. Sidney hoped he would get a glimpse of Mary and maybe an opportunity to speak with her again. There was another he wished to see but he never dared say the name.
