We move in different circles
Lady Susan's party created another stir as they entered the ballroom... Lady Susan leading her party with Mary, Grace and John Heywood. Charlotte, Alison and Victoria were natural beauties and their outfits highlighted their loveliness... their glow of happiness also adding to their beauty. Henry, Edward and Stanley wearing matching vests with their lady and securely held her arm. The compatibility of the couples was clearly evident and they received many jealous looks from people in the crowd.
Both Henry and Charles had spotted Sidney who was looking agitated!
John Christopher was also noticed by the young ladies who thought he was a distinguished looking gentleman. John C had no interest in anybody and was eagerly waiting for the arrival of Jane.
There was suddenly silence and everyone went quiet. It was the Prince Regent and he was surrounded by a number of his family. They headed for the same private area and everyone settled in for the evening. John C was content as he had the lovely Jane by his side for the evening. Footmen were placed at the various entries and only those invited were allowed to approach.
Charlotte and Esther were both starting to feel heavily pregnant and were only planning to dance the waltz and play cards with their husbands.
Charlotte and Henry happily found a comfortable lounge and enjoyed watching the ton in action. They laughed as they saw Susan floating between the various groups and the reactions on the peoples faces depending on their treatment.
"She is Queen B and this is her playground !" commented Charlotte...
Susan had been given a private area and it gave them some privacy away from the social climbers. They held hands and talked about the coming months. Charlotte knew Henry was anxious and she wanted to reassure him they would be fine. He shifted so she was leaning against him and he had placed his arm around her.
"I am really happy for my sisters" Charlotte watching Alison and Victoria both dancing with their future husbands.
"I can see there are a few jealous people out there..." Charlotte pointing out the women
"They are now protected and will be well cared for by Edward and Stanley... I can tell you I am happy I only have to watch you tonight" he teased and she put her head on his chest.
"I don't think I am able to dance tonight... are you upset?" a worried look appearing on her face.
"No... it means we get more privacy... let the young couples enjoy the night" Henry whispered
"Are you calling me old Lord Crowe?" she faked a frown
"Not at all Lady Crowe... but happy to make it up for that comment later tonight" he leaned down and kissed her
"You two... we are in a public place..." Charles exclaimed but winked. He and Esther were needing to find a safe harbour from the throng of people.
"I can do this with my wife and so can you.." challenged Henry. Esther laughing as she husband gave he a tender kiss.
"It is very hot out there... so many people.. you were wise staying here" Esther commented. She had grown tired of being interrupted by people claiming slight acquaintances with them. She also needed to put her feet up and was happy to be with close friends. Esther thinking about the time when she wouldn't have even considered this couple friends.
"I am so thankful for your close friendship... I am so happy we reconnected" tears fell and Charlotte joined in. The two men looking on in concern but knew the babies were making their wives very emotional.
Grace, Lavinia appearing to find Charlotte and happy to see Esther. They encouraged the men to go and see how the other men in their group were faring while they spent time with the ladies. Henry looked at Charlotte for permission and promised to return soon. They watched the two men disappear into the crowd.
"I don't know how he is going to cope when I give birth!" shared Charlotte
"The first is always difficult for a man... it also might be the fact he has a better understanding of what is going to happen" Grace reminded her.
"I know he is worried... I am not complaining about the attention he gives me though..." smiles Charlotte
While the women were enjoying their time Henry and Charles were looking for the only men in their family. They found John and the Princes playing cards... John calling them over to join the game. John and Henry were excellent card players. There was money to be made tonight and Henry could see the look on John's face. Stanley's father joining and they began an intense card game. Henry had to concentrate so he could read the various players. His thoughts were interrupted by Tom Parker who tapped him on the shoulder.
"Good evening Lord Crowe... how are you this evening?" Tom exclaimed loudly... making the men at the table start at the interruption.
"I am well... is there some thing I can do for you?" Henry asked... aware of the frowns appearing on the Princes faces.
"Yes... Mary..." Tom asked
"I am sorry... but I can't help you..." replied Henry
"I need to speak with her... she can help Sanditon" exclaimed a frustrated Tom
"Mr Parker... I can't help you and you can see I am currently playing a game" Henry commented
"I am sorry Crowe for his interruption... he is determined to see Mary" Sidney had suddenly appeared to save his brother from further embarrassment.
"You are welcome to join us but I warn you the stakes are high" John invited the brothers.
The two Parker brothers choosing to sit and watch the game. The amount of money being bet was high and only those of great wealth could participate. Sidney was a good player but knew he couldn't risk any money. He watched as Henry and John expertly played as a team and won the pot of money in the centre. John was planning to use it to purchase the other property on his estate boundary. Jane's father was pleased at this expansion and the men discussed their other investment projects.
Sidney observed that Baddington and Crowe now moved in the highest of circles and their wealth had grown significantly... significantly more than Sidney... even after marrying Eliza.
The dinner bell rang and everyone got up... the men bidding the Parker brother a good evening.
The Parker brothers watched the group settle in the private section which made them untouchable. Tom couldn't take his eyes off Mary... she looked beautiful and was surrounded by the most powerful people in english society. It was the first time Tom started to realise Mary was no longer with him... she was safe and cared for by other... no longer dependant on him.
Sidney was focused on Charlotte and Henry ... her heavily expectant state and the loving gaze of her husband Henry. He had been following the advice given to him by John Heywood but it was hard at times.
"Sidney... Sidney" Tom cried bringing Sidney out of his mussing
"How can I speak with Mary?"
"You have to follow her rules, Tom... you know the consequences and it impacts us all" Sidney warned his brother.
"Mary wouldn't do that?"
"Tom... you really don't know your wife... she no longer accepts your ways..."
"But Sidney... Mary is connected with the top of the ton and that can help Sanditon" Tom persisted.
"That is enough Tom... Mary doesn't want anything to do with you or anyone closely connected to you... not anymore!" Sidney breathed out while trying to control his anger.
