Gossip
John Christopher was looking extremely handsome tonight... dashing!
Jane was well aware of the number of women looking at him intently and in some cases trying to gain his attention. It bothered her and at times felt insecure. John Christopher only had eyes for Jane and they never strayed from her all evening. They were only allowed to dance twice so they decided to only dance the waltz and spent the evening with close family.
"Jane... why do you keep looking over towards those group of women? Do you know them?" John Christopher could see her frowning and was concerned. He had seen girls bully his sister Victoria and witnessed the pain it had caused her. He was not going to put up with that sort of behaviour towards his Jane.
"No... ahhh. mmmmm..." she looked away
"Jane, my love... tell me"
Jane looked directly in his eyes and smiled 'he called her, my love'. She took courage.
"There are many women looking at you and I have been feeling jealous..." she blushed out of shame
"Jane... you are the most beautiful woman I know... I only see you..." commented John C
"I am only allowed one more dance so come my lady" he offered his arm for hers.
"You know you could dance more than two danced with me?" daringly suggested Jane
"My love... you know we can only do that if we are engaged!"
"Yes..."
"Patience my love... stop tempting me!" John softly spoke to her as they went onto the dance floor. He wanted her father's blessing but Jane was working on a faster timetable than her father.
Victoria and Alison had been having an exciting evening but when visiting the 'Octagon Room' had come some unpleasant ladies. The ladies unaware started telling the women near them stories about the Heywood women.
"I have been told that they are fortune seekers and the oldest sister had proven to be a breeder. Do you see her size... she was a clever one to trap the Viscount!. I also hear that they are savages... Lord South has been telling people that they unintelligent and violent. And there is another one who has manipulated the Marquee of Eastbourne into marrying her... she probably did the same thing as her oldest sister.
"Have you meet any of these women?" Alison asked sweetly
"No... but the information I received is reliable" a Lady Heart spoke with confident
"Who?" Victoria asked
"Mrs Eliza Parker" Lady Heart spoke
"I don't believe we have meet" Lady Grace spoke
"I am sorry for being a savage from the country... my name is Victoria Heywood and this is my sister Alison Heywood" Victoria added a threatening edge to her voice. It didn't matter what social circle... gossiping women were the same. Alison taking her sister by the arm and they walked out of the room. The women followed them and turned pale when they spoke directly to Lady Susan... Lady Grace and Heart didn't move quick enough and they were recognised by Lady Worchester. The great lady frowned and gave every indication that they would pay for their gossip!
Alison and Victoria angrily recounting the words spoken about each of them... Edward and Stanley boiled with anger. Henry was not happy with the comments made about his wife and any goodwill he was prepared to give to Eliza Parker... was gone.
Charlotte who had more experience than the others with the ton commented with some wise words...
"Don't let those women control who you are and what you feel about yourself? They are small minded and have nothing much to talk about."
Charlotte taking matters into her own hands got everyone together and decided to do some impressions of the family... Henry joined in and together they gave impressions of couples. The Prince Regent roaring with laughter as they gave a perfect impression of himself and Susan. It released tension and everyone happily went back to enjoying the evening.
"I love you, Lady Crowe" Henry taking hold of his wife's hand and took her out to the terrace. He held her close and as the music was playing they danced together away from prying eyes.
Let those people gossip... it was what they had that mattered the most!
