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Susan's house was a buzz with activity as the servants were preparing for the trip to Willingdon. She had decided this very morning to travel with everyone instead of her original departure date.

"Is everything well?" asked Grace

"Yes, my dear... I don't want to miss out on the wedding preparations... also Jane is very eager to head to Willigdon" answered Susan. Grace looked at her friend and thought it was something else.

"Grace... I know you have things to do before we leave... I have much to do to prepare the house for my extended stay in Willingdon." Susan was feeling the need to spend a number of months away from the ton and enjoy the quiet pace of Willingdon. She also didn't want to be left behind in an empty house. She had gotten used to the noise of a full house.

By mid morning the women had settled in the morning room with the children. The twins were settled with Susan and were enjoying her reading a story to them. The butler entered and passed a letter for his lady to read.

She opened it and paused for a moment... Grace and Charlotte noticing her hesitation.

"What is it?" Charlotte asked

"It appears the Duke of Jacaranda and his daughter are outside in their carriage requesting a visit" a frown appearing on Susan's face

"Who is he? Victoria had heard from her sister about this man but hadn't had the pleasure of meeting him.

"He is an old acquaintance of mine, my dear... he has really been out of the country for a long time... it is very early for callers!" Susan contemplating her response

"Please Susan... could we meet your old friend and his daughter?" Alison asked... Susan nodded. The butler was sent out and the occupants prepared for the entrance of the their visitors. Susan quickly requesting tea and fixed her appearance. She was given a strange look from Grace but chose to ignore her...

Everyone stood once the butler announced the the visitors. The pair were elegantly dressed and appeared surprised at the number people waiting for them in the morning room.

"Good morning your grace... and my lady" Susan pleasantly addressed the pair

"Good morning, ladies... thank you for allowing us entry into your home" spoke a thankful Duke

"I will always welcome my friends" commented Susan who introduced everyone in the room.

The duke's daughter was Lady Christina and was a little younger than Victoria. Alison and Victoria taking charge of this young woman and settled her between them. It didn't take long until they had her talking about her schooling and impressions of London. Lydia and Johanna had venture over and were working their charms on this pretty young lady. Lady Christina for the first time in months was laughing as she was told interesting stories about their life in Willingdon.

"I am sorry that my husband, son and son-in-law are not present... they go to the 'white club every morning to box... they should be home soon" Grace commented while observing this gentleman before her.

"I am grateful that you received us... I would like to wait and see them, if I may?" asked the Duke

The tea was served and conversation easily flowed between the different occupants in the room. Lydia and Johanna telling the Duke proudly that they were going to be Aunts and busily told him all the activities they had planned for their nieces or nephews" the Duke smiled and everyone could see the moment the girls charm had won over another fan.

"I don't know how they do it? ... but we are going to have to watch them carefully once they come of age." Grace spoke quietly to Charlotte.

"Let's enjoy their cuteness now and don't forget there will be father, brothers and brother-in-laws who will keep the rouges away" Charlotte reminded her mother while Grace placed her arm through Charlotte's.

"Sir, I believe my husband told me you have only returned from living overseas?" Charlotte asked

"Yes... we have lived in Italy for the past 15 years and only returned now my daughter has come of age" he answered

Everyone in the room smiling brightly... they had all been learning Italian together and now they had their chance. The women switching to Italian and pleasantly surprised the duke and his daughter. Christina suddenly becoming excited as she was able to finally express her true feelings. She had found it difficult at times in England and the language barrier made it more difficult. Her father knew she was relaxed as she was using her arms to express herself. He smiled and turned back to speak with Susan and Grace... not realising he continued to speak in Italian.

"I have not seen my daughter happy in a long time... you have lovely children Mrs Heywood" He smiled and then focused on Susan.

"I took the chance you were home as I have a request..." he hesitated

"You are fortunate your grace... if you had arrived tomorrow the house would be closed up... I will be away for a number of months" Susan informed the Duke

"You are leaving London?" a slight anxious tone entering his voice which was not missed by Grace or Charlotte

"Pray... what is your request?" asks a curious Susan

"My daughter is to embark on her first session later in the year and she is ill prepared." Duke George Jacaranda looked directly at Susan.

"What is it I can do for you?"

"Christina's mother died when she was a child and I am asking if you could help her enter society? I fear I am am not the best person to help her..." George Jacaranda stumbled and could not complete his request.

"I am happy to give you names of some excellent tutors..." she stopped as she looked in his eyes.

"No... the school she attended was meant to do that but I need someone to help her through the process..." He was looking uncomfortable and thankfully saved by the entry of the men. The men warmly welcomed the Duke and went off to the library leaving Lady Christina in the capable hands of the ladies.

"Please forgive my papa... he is anxious for my session to go well and since he has been away from England he has limited contacts" spoke Christina

"Could I ask what finishing school you attended?" Susan asked as she observed this young girl...

"Sandwood Finishing School for Girls"

"How was your experience?" asked Charlotte who remembered the awful time Georgina had in Sanditon.

"The majority of the time the girls were mean and called me a savage... I preferred the outdoors compared to needlework" honestly shared Christina

All Heywood women started laughing... they had found another kindred spirit.

"Well... you can join us 'savages'... we enjoy the outdoors and don't always conform to the expectations of ladies" Alison commented while placing her arms through Christina's

While the men were engaged in the study the women decided to take a walk in the park!