The guests are arriving
Charlotte slowly woke up and smiled as she found herself securely held by her husband. Henry was sound asleep, and she didn't want to wake him… she knew he would wait until she would fall asleep or when she couldn't sleep would read a book to her and the babies. That was not the only reason why he was still sleeping this morning.
The babies started kicking where his hand was resting, and it woke him up. He kissed her good morning and the place where he felt the kicks.
"Good morning my loves… how we all today?"
"We are well thank you" Charlotte the only one of the three who could speak.. the other two kicked harder to tell their father they were awake.
"They are lively this morning… do you think you are going to be ok today?"
"Yes… it is the day before Alison's wedding and there is much to do" Charlotte giving him a frustrated look…. He was hovering
"I am sorry… I just worry"
"I know… I am not a porcelain doll that will break…. I have been surviving the active nature of our children… I think they are going to be boxers" teased Charlotte
"Hmm… you proved that last night so I should not worry as much" Henry giving her a look of passion and ran his hands down her body.
"My love… as much as I would like to stay here, we have to get up… we have a busy day before us" commented a reluctant Charlotte. Henry helping her get up and was there to steady her when she needed to regain her balance… it was a challenge at times and was thankful there was always someone with her.
Once dressed Henry took hold of her hand and they walked together to the breakfast room. By the evening the table would be full of guests who had arrived for the wedding. Henry and Charlotte were best suited to entertain the London guests. In the future Alison and Edward would share that burden but they needed time alone after the wedding. There were a number of family members arriving for the wedding…. Lavinia and her husband, Esther, Charles and little James would be staying with them in the main house. They had restored a series of guest houses where Stanley's parents, his sisters and their husbands would stay. They also had a special cottage for the Prince Regent.
"You were clever in restoring those cottages first, my love" giving her a kiss
"Yes… I wanted to provide good accommodation and make sure we were not overrun with people… I do like our privacy" smiled Charlotte
After breakfast Charlotte and Susan spent the morning with the housekeeper ensuring all tasks would be completed by the time their guests arrived. Once Henry had returned from supervising a project, they travelled to the Heywood estate. On arriving they were told of the engagement of John C and Jane. Henry and Charlotte hearing how it happened laughed with the couple.
"I am pleased you will have an entertaining story to tell your children as well!" Henry slapping his brother on the back.
Johanna, Lydia and Alex arriving as they had heard Charlotte and Henry's voices. Making sure they were settled near them…. The little girls proceeding to ask their sister when their nieces or nephews would be arriving… Alex telling Henry about the happenings in the house. Grace never grew tired of seeing this happy scene…she could always rely on the pair to care for her youngest. The three never strayed far when Charlotte and Henry visited. The day was busy and she was going to ask if Alex, Johanna and Lydia could spent the rest of the day with them.
Grace gathering everyone around her and gave instructions … they were heading to the small village shops as there was last minutes shopping required. Once complete everyone would meet at the church for the rehearsal and decorate the church. The three little ones were satisfied that they would be going with Henry, Charlotte and Susan. They raced to get their coats, hats and were waiting impatiently at the carriage door.
The wealth and increased status of the Heywood family was fast becoming known. The locals had always respected the family and had been pleased to see their improvement. The local community had grown as a result of the productive capacity of the Heywood, Crowe-Eastings and South Rosling Estates. There was greater employment and businesses had been established with the increased trade occurring between Willingdon and London. Locals were getting used to the increased number of wagons, people and the gentry. It was becoming a regular occurrence in seeing luxury carriages and elegant ladies and gentleman. Shop keepers were putting out their best wares as Alison Heywood was getting married… everyone was expecting to see travellers from London.
The unmarried children of John and Grace Heywood had become a focus of a number of men and women in the local area. The number of visitors had increased and many left disappointed to hear of the engagement of Victoria and John Christopher. James Heywood always choosing to leave the house so he was not the focus of anyone's attention. Leading up to the wedding James would be found on the Crowe estate helping Henry.
"How are you expected to find a wife if you are not around to look?" Henry asked him as they fixed a fence.
"You know I don't like being the centre of attention… John Christopher is the funny one and now he is distracted everyone looks at me" James shared
"I wouldn't worry James… look at me… I didn't meet your sister until I was 28 and only married her when I was 30… be yourself…if fate has it you will be given an opportunity to meet the lady who will be your wife." Henry shared. He often was sort out for advice by his wife's younger siblings and took this responsibility very seriously.
"Henry… I know you were different before you meet my sister but I think you are the best big brother… I trust the advice you give me" James shared. Henry had been touched by this and told Charlotte later of the conversation.
Henry and Charlotte were not surprised when James elected to stay at home to help his father while everyone else headed towards the village.
