New possibilities
It was the last night for the close family members of the Heywood's to spend time together before the extended family arrived for the wedding. There were a number of traditions that needed to take place for the couple. There was much laughter and tears as the couple were blessed by their close family.
Henry and Charlotte reliving their own wedding week as they watched Edward and Alison.
"That was us not long ago and we are now going to be welcoming our little ones soon." He leaned down to meet her lips and placed his hand on her stomach to feel the movement of the twins.
"How are you feeling?" Henry asked while staring into her beautiful face
"Two days of bed rest helped but now I need to participate in the wedding activities" commented a determined Charlotte.
"I know, my love... you need to be there for your sister... just make sure you have a rest when you need it... you know I will be watching you..." he firmly stated... his wife was a strong woman and once she had set her mind on something she would achieve it!.
"I know you have told every single family member to watch me if you are not present... Lydia told me this morning when she visited me..." Charlotte looked him in eyes and smiled when he gave her a guilty look.
"I will reward you later when we are alone for your diligence toward me..." giving him a seductive smile "You will need your book" was all she had to say and Henry couldn't wait until they were home and alone in their bedroom.
The women needed time alone together so the men headed to the study. John had added more chairs to accomodate the increased number of men in the family. Everyone finding a place to settle and spent some time in comfortable silence. John Heywood puffed contently as he read his newspaper in the study. He was surrounded by his sons… made up of his own born and those through marriage. Henry was a great blessing to his family and now they were adding to the number with Edward and Stanley. He observed each one down to his youngest son 'Alex'. Alex as usual was seated next to Henry...reading a book. Each man or boy had their own personalities but each contributed something to the family.
It was in the study where he imparted advice to his sons and listened to their ideas. John wanted to finalise the decision to create a family investment company. Henry and Charlotte had discovered more potential investment options and suggested the whole family join together. John had liked the ideas and knew he had to provide more opportunities for his younger sons. There had been many discussions in London... meetings with solicitors and preliminary papers drawn up.
"I think we should formalise this matter tonight… it is the best time as everyone is present" John decided. The men heading back to the large family room to find everyone else either reading or cleaning the guns used in the hunt.
"No sign of embroidery in this house" commented John and laughed at Stanley watching his future wife expertly cleaning her gun.
Everyone settling in the various chairs and lounges around the room. Charlotte and Henry passed out the official documents outlining the investment strategy and explained how the company would be managed. Everyone was given time to read it and then ask questions. The various members formally declaring their investment amount which was documented by Victoria who had taken on the secretary task. Susan, the Babbington's, the Easting's and the Eastbourne's had already decided their investment amounts... they were now considered family members. Susan was also putting forward money for Alex, Lydia and Johanna. Grace giving her friend an embrace...she knew how much Susan loved the little ones. Alison, Victoria and John C had already discussed this with their future spouses and had agreed on an amount. Through the process Edward, Stanley and John C had been given another insight to intelligence of their future were not surprised when they were informed the Prince Regent was investing but when Charlotte stated the amount Jane's father would be investing Jane gave John C a bright smile.
Mary had been surprised when she was handed a document and saw that her name was listed as an investor in the company.
"You are family Mary and I know you can make a productive contribution…. through our various card playing activities we have generated your stake in the business" Charlotte informed Mary. All Mary could do was thank everyone for helping her gain her independence. Mary offering some interesting insights… she was going to take this opportunity and improve her children's lives.
Everyone voted and the formation of the company was finalised. It was certainly a new era for the Heywood's and the future seemed very bright for them all!
