Goodbyes and Surprises
Stanley couldn't sleep... Victoria was leaving for Willingdon. He could not shake the look on her face as he bid her goodnight. He was thankful her mother had given them a few moments alone. He had pulled her close and she placed her arms around his neck... he gave her a soft kiss which deepened as he needed to show her how much he loved her. They pulled apart and he placed his forehead on hers... he reminded both of them he would arrive the day before Alison's wedding.
He finally gave up trying to sleep and ended up in the library... pacing... it was one place he felt calm as it reminded him of Victoria. He heard a noise and found his father watching him.
"Having trouble sleeping?"
"Yes, I know I will be seeing her soon but I can't stand the thought of her going without me" blew out a frustrated Stanley
"It means you are deeply in love and attached...it you were not I would be worried"
Stanley smiled and thought about Victoria and how she felt in his arms.
"Now how many books did she leave for you to read?" teased his father
"I have two books!" he seriously replied
His father shook his head... Victoria had truly inspired his son... he found him more attentive to business matters and valuable in managing the family holdings... they also engaged in deeper conversations. He had been worried about Stanley for many years but not anymore!
"I will leave you to your pacing and see you in the morning"
Stanley arrived early at Susan's house... he needed to see his Victoria before she returned home. Carrying a bouquet of flowers he found her reading his book in the library. She looked up and smiled... he could see that there were tears in her eyes. He gathered her in his arms and held her while she composed herself.
"Love, I will move heaven and earth so I can come sooner!" he kissed her on the forehead.
"Promise" she looked up into his face
"Promise... but you realise I now have less time to read those books you gave me!" he teased
"That is ok... we can finish reading them together" she told him with a cheeky smile
"Good... I always do better when we read together" he spoke tenderly and was rewarded with her bright smile...
In another room Alison was having a similar conversation with Edward. He had had a sleepless night and was at Susan's early to see her.
"My love, I will be there in a couple of days after your arrival" He spoke as he brushed away her tears.
"I know... but if you can... come sooner" she looked deeply into his eyes which melted his heart.
"You know I will... once I am there I will not be going anywhere... you will be stuck with me" speaking from the heart... since meeting Alison he had opened up and often surprised himself with his emotions. He was reward with her wrapping her arms around his neck and he willingly placed his arms around her waist.
"We have an estate to run and in the future have a family of our own" she spoke voicing her dearest dream. He nodded and kissed her on the forehead. Knowing her mother would be coming in soon he quickly leaned down and meet her willing lips.
"I will be there as soon as possible" he promised
"Edward are you planning to join us for breakfast... Stanley is also here!" Grace knocking before entering the room... she came over and gave her future son-in-law an embrace.
The two couples sat next to each other and held hands under the table. Grace and John deciding to ignore this as they knew their daughters needed to be comforted. Breakfast was finished sooner than what they wanted and everyone was moving towards their respective carriages. Victoria and Alison were going to be traveling with Susan and Jane. Charlotte and Henry had the twins and Alex. Mary and her children were in their own carriage. John and Grace were given the luxury of having a carriage to themselves. John was planning to ride his horse and follow the carriages... they had hired men to be guards for the trip home. The had to go to the palace first to collect Jane and they would travel as one group.
Stanley and Edward watched the carriages leave. They both were already missing their ladies but they had a task to do. They were going to hunt down Lord South and make him pay for the things he had been saying about the Heywood's. Stanley's father was going to go with them which was a relief... they were going to start at Sebastian's home and hoped he was there. They didn't want to go looking for Sebastian in his usual clubs.
Sebastian had only returned home from his night out and was well satisfied. He was tired from his activities and after washing went to bed. He was woken suddenly by someone pulling him out of his bed. He blinked and found it was his brother Edward and his friend Castle.
"Why do I have the pleasure of your company?" he spoke harshly
"We need to speak to you about the rumours you have been spreading about our future wives and their family" Edward had not released his grip on his brother.
"Come now... they are wild... " he didn't even finish as he had been lifted up against his bedroom wall by Castle who had taken on a dangerous look in his eyes.
"You will cease speaking about these women or you will face consequences... it might be helpful if you take a trip like our mother" Edward spoke in a deadly tone.
"I can do what I want brother" he spoke even though he was smashed against the wall
The two men dragging him down the stairs and he was meet by the Duke of Eastbourne.
"Sit down... Lord South" The duke commanded
Edward and Stanley pushing Sebastian into a chair... holding him down until he sat still.
"I have been making inquires about you Lord South and have been disturbed by their nature... your friend North has been very helpful in explaining some of your illegal activities." The Duke lighting a cigarette and looked this man in the eye.
"You will pay for your crimes... Lord South or Mr South... the crown has decided to strip you of your title and wealth... your brother is now the Earl of South Rosling"
"You can't do that!" screamed Lord South
"The crown has and you will find the paperwork is on the table" The duke standing when he heard a knock on the door. Sebastian didn't even bother looking as he charged at his brother who knocked him out in one punch. The constables had arrived and took Mr South to the prison. Evidence had surfaced and he would be facing the noose.
"I guess you didn't expect that to happen today" smiled the Duke of Eastbourne
Edward sitting down and looked at the paperwork from the crown... he was an Earl and Alison would be his Countess.
