Success and new friends
Much conversation and laughter came from their card tables. Another serious game was currently being played but it was amongst the women. Henry had taught Charlotte the finer points of the game and she was poised to win the money pot. Henry had drifted over after his game and watched her play the winning card. He leaned down and congratulated her... they had already decided any money won would go into an investment account for Mary. He had seen her determined look on her face... he was impressed how she didn't give away her 'tell'. A new game was starting and the women allowed a few of the men to join them. Henry and John together had already won a substantial amount of money and he knew those men were going to lose more to his wife.
Esther was also playing and the two women were always successful when they played together. Charles and Henry had to really focus when they played against them.
"I am feeling hot... could you please get me some water..." Charlotte slightly turned and looked up into his face. He had his hands on her shoulder and looked at her face carefully.
"I am well... go and get me water" she ordered him with her fan before using it to cool herself. Now that the men had joined Esther and Charlotte were determined to win...
Charles and Henry headed to the bar to get jugs of water.. their wives would need more than a glass of water... it was very warm in the room... both were worried about their comfort. They were waiting to be served when they found themselves in the company of an older man. He introduced himself as the Duke of Jacaranda... who had only recently returned from living overseas. Henry and Charles liking this gentleman inviting him to join them at the card table. Charles and Henry pointing out their wives and family connections. The Duke smiled and commented that they had been lucky to have married the woman they loved... the men nodding in agreement.
"Yes... you gentlemen are very lucky..." commented Sidney who had heard their whole conversation while waiting for a drink. The men had been unaware he had been watching their group.
"I understand you are closely connected with Lady Worchester?" The Duke asked
"Yes, she treats my wife like a daughter... we stay with her when we are in London" replied Henry
"Do you know Lady Susan?" asks Charles
"A long time ago before she was Lady Worcester" the Duke answered
"I must congratulate you gentlemen on your expectant joy... first child?" smiled the Duke wanting to keep the conversation going.
"It will be my first and my friend's second child... but my wife is expecting twins!" Henry smiled... choosing to ignore the intense stare from Sidney.
"Double the joy!" exclaimed the older man
"Do you have children?"
"yes... I have one daughter" the man smiled... "she has been in school and will be coming out this session"
Henry noticing his wife's face... she was looking uncomfortable and had used her fan to gain his attention.
"I need to get back to Charlotte... she has had a difficult time lately and I need to make sure she is alright" after bidding a good evening to Sidney... Henry and the Duke went over to the tables.
Sidney stopping Charles... "What did Crowe mean about Char... lady Crowe?"
They didn't know she was carrying twins and ... she fell asleep and they couldn't wake her... Henry thought he was losing her... " Charles and Sidney watching as Henry served his wife and placed his hands on her shoulders while speaking to her.
"They are truly happy..." Charles commented quietly. Sidney dropping his head a little...
"Sidney... we need to leave now" called Eliza urgently from the doorway. Sidney looking up and slowly rises from his seat. Tom arriving also having consumed too much drink was shouting aloud the benefits of visiting Sanditon... Sidney taking hold of his brother wishing Charles a good night.
Henry had settled himself next to his wife and watched her expertly play her cards while ensuring her wellbeing. Esther and Charlotte were victorious pleased to add more money to Mary's investment account.
Susan, Lavinia and Alexandra arrived and looked Victorious... seating themselves with Mary and Grace. Henry taking the Duke over to be introduced who happily bid the women a good evening and then was seated with the gentlemen. Charlotte had noticed Susan had recognised this man and had been pleased to see him. She asked Henry what he knew about this gentleman. All he knew he was the duke who had lived for many years overseas and was back for his daughter's opening session.
"I like his face" commented Charlotte who was starting to feel tired. Charlotte had placed her arm within Henry's and was leaning against him. He knew she needed to get home... they bid everyone a good evening and he gently guided her out of the venue.
The others in their group continued on and enjoyed each others company... over the next week everyone would be travelling to Willingdon. Grace had noticed the three great ladies had been very busy tonight...
"Ladies... have you been playing with the ton?" asked Grace
"We just dealt with some women who have been causing some issues.. it has been resolved and we can look forward to the coming weddings!" smiled Susan
"Duke Jacaranda... you know each other ... I could see it in the way he looked at you." Grace commented
"Yes... we knew each other over 20 years ago... it seems like a lifetime..." reflected Susan as she observed the Duke of Jacaranda play cards with the princes.
"He is a handsome gentleman for his age... " observed Lavinia
"Yes..." was all Susan commented before she started talking to the ladies about the travel arrangements for their trip to Willingdon. Susan had been given the responsibility of bringing Lady Jane and everything had to be well organised.
Thankfully the rest of the evening was uneventful and everyone went home satisfied with the outcome.
