Jane takes charge
Jane woke up determined to settle matters with John…. Today!
Hearing the previous night her father had invested in the family investment company made her believe he had accepted John. She knew John loved her by his affection and words. He made her feel like the most important woman in the world… but he could be stubborn!
She knew he was worried about her father and wanted to do the right thing by the family.
Jane had spent the early hours thinking and had a very determined look on her face while the family was having breakfast. She must have looked distracted because Grace asked her if everything was well. She blushed and went back to eating her breakfast. She got up and told the family she was planning to take the dogs out for some exercise.
"Let her go… I think she has some business with John Christopher " Grace told everyone.
Jane whistled and all the dogs came scampering from all directions… once arriving they planted their backsides one the ground… waiting for her instructions. She rewarded each for their response and started walking in the direction she knew John was working.
"She is a talented woman…. those dogs have never responded so willingly…" smiled Grace as she watched Jane walk out of her line of sight.
"You know what she is planning to do?" Alison asked her mother
"Yes…. now we need to start collecting flowers for your wedding" Grace shooing Alison away from the window and decided to distract the others from Jane's sudden disappearance.
John was digging a series of holes for fence posts to be installed later in the day. He was covered in dirt but found the physical activity helpful. He had come out early as he needed time to think… he didn't think he could wait till after Alison's wedding to propose to Jane. He knew she was the one for him and finding out her father had invested felt like he was sending John a message.
While he continued to dig, he heard dogs barking and looked up to see Jane walking towards him surrounded by their estate dogs. As she got closer he also saw his own dog trotting along beside Jane. He dropped the shovel and walked towards her…. both smiling as they approached each other.
"Jane…. What are you doing here?"
"I came to find you John… I also found a number of friends who wanted to keep me company" giving him a mischievous smile
He couldn't help himself ... pulling her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. He heard her sigh and he tightened his hold on her. Before he could say anything she stepped back and took a deep breath.
"John Christopher Heywood… you are the man I want to spend the rest of my life with… I stand before you today asking you to marry me!"
John didn't say anything but just pulled her to him
"Jane Catherine… House of Hanover… I dearly agree to marry you" he waited until she was looking up at him before he leaned down for their first kiss.
"hmmm… you know I was going to ask you after Alison's wedding" John C commented
"That was too long…"
"We are going to have to write to your father about the engagement"
"I wrote him a letter yesterday..." she looked at him and smiled sweetly. All he could do was hold her close and enjoyed another kiss... deeper kiss.
John deciding he needed to show some self control suggested they go back to the house to share their news. They walked towards the house happily hand in hand surrounded by the dogs.
Grace had been watching for their return and when she saw the two she smiled.
"John… I think we have another engagement!" Grace told her husband who was reading the newspaper. Grace had found Jane pacing her room in the early hours and encouraged her to propose. She knew her John wanted to marry her and just needed a push.
She told her husband who roared with laughter...
"She is certainly a Heywood… all our women are fiery and determined… men in this family have no chance" his eyes sparkled as he pulled his wife into his arms and gave her a tender kiss.
Johanna and Lydia arriving….
"Papa… Mama… have you seen Jane?" affection in the household was normal… the children regularly finding their parents in such a position.
At that moment a radiant Jane entered the room holding John's hand…
"So… I take it he said yes" Grace and John spoke in unison
