Village Encounters

The village was teaming with activity and it seemed every person who lived in Willigdon was shopping. Through the help of John and Henry the roads had been improved and thus had improved trade in their community. When the Heywood's or Crowes arrived in the village they were always treated well and kept safe.

Henry wanted to introduce Edward around to the various shop keepers as he would be the third largest landowner next to John Heywood and Henry himself. It was decided the men would go with Henry and the women would shop together. When Henry looked back to watch his wife…. he smiled when he saw Johanna and Lydia holding her hand as the women walked towards their first destination.

While Alison, Charlotte and Susan were busy selecting ribbons ... Victoria and Jane went to the next store. It was the book exchange and Victoria always visited it when she was in the village. She was pleased to see it had been expanded and there were more books. It would never rival the ones in London or her new home in London, but she still was excited. Jane smiled as she could see her future sister showing sheer delight as she looked at the shelves of books. Jane felt the same when surrounded by dogs. She loved reading as well and happily started walking down the aisles… searching for a book to give to John Christopher. She was going to gift him with a puppy from one of her prized breeding dogs as an engagement gift but she would also give him a book!.

Victoria was so intent on searching the shelves she didn't realise a woman approach her….

"Good morning Victoria... it has been a while since we have seen each other"

It was Victoria's old acquaintance Violet... the girl who pretended to be her friend and would make fun of her behind her back. Victoria had been hurt deeply and … it was when her appetite for reading increased. Her mother finding her in the study when she should be visiting friends with her sisters. Grace had been able to discover what had occurred and had spoken too Violet's parents. After that Violet just became more creative in how she tormented Victoria… she often got the boys involved to do it for her… Johnny and Peter Pike often being her willing helpers. When she had gotten married 2 years ago Victoria has been relieved.

"Hello, Violet"

"Why am I not surprised to find you in a book exchange?" she laughs her tone holding more meaning.

"Yes… you know I enjoy reading" Victoria standing taller and spoke with a calm voice… even though she had become unsettled in seeing this person again.

"I am visiting my parents... my husband is a busy solicitor in London and it is the first time we have been able to visit. I see you are still unmarried... all that reading has not helped you I see" she gave Victoria a meaningful look.

"That must be nice for you" Victoria deciding to ignore the comments. She was better than this awful woman… also she was engaged to a man who loved and valued her mind.

Jane who had heard the woman and could see Victoria's discomfort . Coming up beside Victoria and placed her arm in hers. Jane had experienced the nastiness of women… would not stand for her future sister to be publicly abused by this woman. John Christopher had shared with Jane the various things Victoria had been subjected to. It was going to stop today.

"Victoria, I think I have found the book we were looking for" Jane happily exclaimed and smiled at Violet.

"Is this a cousin of yours?" Violet looking down her nose at Jane…

Jane could feel the tension in Victoria's arm and decided she was going to put this woman in her place.

"Victoria, dear… could you properly introduce me to this lady" Jane putting on her most cultured voice. Violet suddenly changing her demeanour… she recognised an upper-class accent and decided she needed to be on her best behaviour.

"Mrs Victor Smith I would like to introduce you to my future sister-in-law Lady Jane Catherine of the House of Hanover" Victoria smiled and could see the women pale when Victoria said the word Hanover.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Smith… is it?"…. I have heard so much about you and how you were such a good friend to my sister…." Jane staring the woman in the eyes giving every indication that she knew the truth about Violet. Violet shifted uncomfortably… her husband worked for a firm who dealt with a number of the royal family…he would not be pleased if she was the cause of the firm losing their patronage.

"My lady..." Violet giving her a formal curtesy. Jane giving her a displeased look which informed Violet she had done it incorrectly.

"Come, sister… we need to find our friend Lady Worcester and our sister the Viscountess of Crowe Eastings" Jane giving Victoria a wink and they swept out the door. The girls laughing when they stood outside the shop… observing the concerned look on Violet's face.

"Now… that put her in her place… I can't stand bullies" exclaimed Jane

"Thank you, Jane… Violet caused me many difficulties"

"You will not have to worry about her.. Stanley will not stand for it" Jane commented … Victoria smiled as she thought of her Stanley. There was another reason Violet had target Victoria it was jealousy. Victoria's beauty had always distracted the boys away from Violet.

They were just about to the enter the dress maker when they were waylaid by another person. It was Peter Pike who had spotted Victoria coming out of the book exchange. He wanted to beg her forgiveness for his behaviour the other day. Victoria and Jane saw him walking towards them…. both women putting on calm faces when he stopped before them.

"Miss Heywood" Peter greeted her

"Mr Pike" Victoria stated simply

"I would like to apologise for my behaviour the other day" he spoke while playing with his hat in his hands.

"Thank you…. are you also going to apologise for the many years of harassing me" Victoria's tone had taken on a harsh edge.

"Yes.. if you like" he honestly wanted to make amends for the past.

Victoria turning to the other women who nodded and turned back to him…

"Mr Pike… let me introduce my future sister-in-law 'Lady Jane Catherine of the house of hanover' she is marrying my oldest brother John Christopher" She enjoyed seeing Pete Pike face pale as he realised his mistake.

"Sister you remember this man…" Victoria asked Jane

"Yes, sister I believe he referred to me as another beautiful lady to watch…is that correct Mr Pike?" Jane turning to him with a lifted eyebrow.

"My lady please forgive me…" Pete was lost for words

"Thank you sir, my father would be pleased you have apologised… "

"Your father?" his voice taking on a worried tone.

Pete Pike looked like he was going to faint as he discovered he had insulted a grandchild of the King. Not to mention he had just spotted John Christopher striding towards him. There also was another gentleman and they did not look pleased… when he glanced at the women he knew they had told John Heywood about their encounter.

The men had just exited the post office and started searching for the rest of their party. John recognised Pete Pike and he alerted Stanley… both men wanting to have a word with this man. When they got closer they could see the women had everything in hand. Both men relaxing and offered their arms to their respective lady.

"Mr Pike.." John greeted him but his eyes communicating his displeasure

"Good afternoon Mr Heywood" an humble Peter spoke

"Mr Pike… let me introduce you to Lord Castle the Marquess of Castle Eastbourne" John introducing this tall gentleman who had secured Victoria's arm in his. "Lord Castle is engaged to Victoria and they will be married at the end of this month" John seeing a flicker of disappointment in Peter Pike's face… he had always suspected Peter had wanted to be attached to his sister.

"My love, is this the man who spoke to you on your way home after visiting your sister Lady Crowe the Viscountess of Crowe Easting" Stanley placing an edge of warning in his tone.

"Yes… but Mr Pike has just apologised for his behaviour" Victoria placing more pressure on his arm… she didn't want a scene.

"Good… I am pleased… you deserve all respect…" while Stanley spoke he placed his free hand on hers and was rewarded with her smile.

"Good afternoon, Mr Pike" Pete nodded and walked way…he sighed… Victoria was taken and he never was going to have a chance.

As Victoria walked beside Stanley, she told him that she had confronted two people today who had made her childhood difficult. He took her hand and kiss the back of it… since it was the only thing he could do in public. Before getting in the carriage she gave Jane an embrace and told her she was grateful Jane had given her the strength. Victoria felt that those memories that had tormented her for a long time were being erased.

Everyone assembling at the church and by the time the rehearsal took place the church was decorated and ready for the wedding of Edward and Alison.