Alison and Edward's Wedding Day
Henry and Charlotte arrived before anyone else… entering the church they went to stand at the front. Henry taking hold of her hands as they faced one another. They privately renewed their wedding vows… it was something they planned to do whenever they attended a wedding in this particular church.
"Lord Crowe… you are such a sentimental husband" she smiled at Henry.
"Yes I am, Lady Crowe… you bring that out in me" he replied smiling back at her.
He pulled her into his arms and sealed their promises with a tender kiss. Henry thought Charlotte was radiant in her blue gown and Charlotte though her husband looked extremely handsome. Today Henry was to stand beside his cousin and Charlotte for her sister. Due to Charlotte's expectant state they were only going to stand for the first part of the service and the sit down with the other guests. Henry was pleased as he would be able to sit with his wife and hold her hand.
Edward appeared that moment looking nervous as he approached them. Charlotte directing him to sit down and Henry helped fix Edward's cravat.
"You don't need to worry…. We left Alison this morning and she is already to come and marry you. I know you will love and care for her the way she deserves" Charlotte spoke and wiped away some tears.
"I couldn't sleep thinking about marrying your sister…she is everything I always wanted and need… I hope I can live up to her expectations" a nervous Edward spoke
"Just love her…. treasure her… work together" Henry spoke while placing a reassuring hand on his cousin's shoulder. Edward nodding and the men went to take their positions at the front of the church. Charlotte headed outside to wait for her sister.
Susan arrived at the church and was pleased to see Charlotte. The women embraced and they waited arm in arm. Susan had gifted Alison with a pearl necklace and earrings which the bride was wearing today. Susan had designed the wedding dress for this special occasion. In her spare hours Susan designed clothes and many people didn't realise the favoured dress maker of London used her designs. It had been one of her more profitable businesses as the fashion changed every season.
"Henry and I will be sitting with you… please make sure there are two spaces!" Susan giving Charlotte a squeeze… the Heywood's were a treasure.
Finally all the guests were in the church and the bride was at the entrance. John Heywood giving his daughter a kiss before leading her towards Edward. The groom overcome with emotion as he watched Alison walk towards him. All Alison could see was Edward's face and was thankful when he took hold of her hands. They spoke the sacred vows before the lord and promised to be each others help mates for the rest of their lives. Edward slipping the wedding band on her left hand and engulfed her hand with his own. He had given her an engagement ring that had belonged to his grandmother but she had chosen to keep her hand bare today. He had that ring in his pocket and would place it back on her hand after the ceremony.
Finally, the minister formally announcing the Earl and Countess of South Rosling…. To the delight of their family and friends but most importantly the bride and groom!
Edward and Alison were required to go to the rectory to sign the marriage papers. Henry and Charlotte performing their duties quickly as they knew the couple required a few moments alone before being bombarded by their guests. Edward taking Alison in his arms….. giving her the passionate kiss, he had been dreaming about since seeing her in the ballroom. She responded in kind and they both hoped the wedding breakfast would pass quickly and they could finally consummate their love for each other. The both reluctantly pulled away slightly and knew they would be surrounded by other people.
"My lady… I will not be letting you go…" he softly spoke while looking into her eyes
"My Lord… I wouldn't expect anything else" she replied and happily received a tender kiss from her husband!
There was a knock on the door and Henry informing them they needed to come out. The couple opening the door and were meet with the knowing smiles of Henry and Charlotte. They had been guarding the door so the young couple would not be disturbed. Alison giving her sister a thankful embrace and Edward placed his hand on his cousin's shoulder. It would not be long before they would be standing in this church making promises as god parents for Charlotte and Henry's twins. Alison hoping, they would be expecting their first child by that time.
The couple holding hands as they exited the church to be meet by a crowd of people who had assembled to wish the newly married couple well. There were more than usual as many locals wanted to see the Princes and Princess who had attended this wedding.
Violet was one who had chosen to be there as she wanted to find an opportunity to speak with her old friend 'Victoria'. Violet had gone home and was informed Victoria was engaged to be married to the Marquess of Castle Eastbourne…. meaning she would be in the future a duchess!
Her husband had been very happy to go with her as the Eastbourne family used his firm. She noticed Victoria and Stanley speaking by themselves and she walked up to speak with them. Victoria stopped talking when she saw Violet… quietly telling Stanley who was approaching them.
"Victoria… my husband and I must congratulate you on your engagement. My mother told me that will be married by the end of the mouth. Let me introduce my husband… Mr Victor Smith" Stanley giving them a slight acknowledgement but was displeased with them. It was at this point Alexandra and Kenneth Eastbourne arrived and were formally introduced to Violet and her husband.
"My dear… is this your childhood friend Lady Jane was telling us about?" asked the Duchess while looking down at the woman.
"I believe our family uses your firm Mr Smith?" Stanley commented and his eyes held a warning.
"Yes, we are privileged in serving your family" Victor Smith spoke
"We would hate to dissolve you service… but we will use people who will respect our family" Stanley looking directly at Violet.
"Yes, my Lord…." reassured Victor Smith … he knew his wife had a sharp tongue and hoped she had not offended this family… they would be having strong words when they got home. Firmly taking hold of his wife's arm they left them to celebrate the wedding.
Victoria couldn't help herself but she moved her hand so it rested on Stanley back. He looked down at her and smiled lovingly at her. She was now under the protection of the Eastbourne's and they protected their own.
The wedding breakfast was an intimate affair where only the close family and friends of the couple attended. Edward keeping his promise never let go of his wife's hand. The couple were glowing in happiness and couldn't take their eyes off each other. Henry finally going over to Edward and told him it was fine if he needed to take his wife home. Edward had asked for advice from Henry concerning the wedding night… Henry had been surprised to hear that it would be his cousin's first time… so Henry sat him down and helped prepare him. Edward later thanking Henry as it has proven to be a very successful wedding night.
There had been a reporter in the crowd who wrote an extensive article about the wedding… this being read by the ton….
The newly appointed Earl of South Rosling married Miss Alison Heywood daughter of John and Grace Heywood at the Willingdon Parish Church last Friday. It was a close family affair with the groom's cousin and bride's sister the Viscount and Viscountess of Eastings standing as witnesses. The wedding was also attended by HRH The Prince Regent, HRH Princess Charlotte,HRH Prince Fredrick, The Honourable Lady Jane of Hanover, The Duke and Duchess of Eastbourne, The Marquee of Castle Eastbourne, The Earl and Countess of Rosea, The Earl and Countess of Bethel, The Dowager Countess of Worcester, the Earl and Countess of Eastings and the Earl and Countess of Babbington.
The bride wore a gown specially designed by the favoured London dress maker Madam Juliet. All women present were wearing gowns specially designed for this occasion. It is predicted these dress designs will become the standard for the coming London season.
Later in the month the Marquee Castle Eastbourne will be marrying Miss Victoria Heywood. It was announced by the palace today that 'The honourable Lady Jane Catherine of Hanover' has become engage to Mr John Christopher Heywood. The presence of the Princes at the wedding highlights the importance of the Heywood family to the crown and the marriage of the honourable Lady Jane further strengthens their connection.
John and Grace Heywood reading the article days later just shook their heads….
