Arrivals
Since it was a bright morning the ladies and children had gone to a peaceful spot near the river on the Crowe estate. The women watching the children as they chased each other….it was nice finally being able to relax. It was not going to last long as Victoria' wedding was in two weeks and the twins due date was fast approaching. Henry had ensured there were enough pillows and blankets for an army to keep her comfortable. Charlotte knowing he was nervous let him hover and fuss. She would not be surprised if he would appear to walk her back to the house…. suspecting he was not too far away as she could hear one of their herds in the next paddock.
"Susan… what are your thoughts?"
Mary was reading aloud a series of business papers… everyone had been contributing their thoughts concerning the various investment opportunities for their newly formed company. She had noticed Susan had been distracted since Victoria had received a letter from Lady Christina accepting their invitation to visit.
"Please forgive me dear, my mind had wondered." Susan refocusing her mind and added her own suggestions.
Susan had been contemplating the news and the implications of spending time with George Jacaranda. Susan had to be honest with herself…. she was apprehensive and not sure how she would cope. She felt Grace slip her arm through hers and turned to smile at her supportive friend.
After a period of discussion Charlotte suggested a meeting later to present their ideas to the other investors. Mary was put forward as the presenter and her eyes sparked with excitement. She was proving to have an astute business mind which had been untapped in Sanditon.
Mary had had her own crossroads moment and now took all opportunities presented to her…. with love and support she was coming into her own. Her children seeing the difference and were benefiting from the changes. They were improving in their studies and now having a memorable childhood. All mail was being forwarded from the solicitors and she had not opened any from Tom or his siblings… she needed time to settle and then answer the letters. She did have some moments of guilt but when she saw the happy faces of her children and felt her peaceful spirit…. those moments passed quickly.
Henry rushing over to give his mother a hug… "Thank you…. for letting me learn how to ride" giving her a kiss on the cheek and went back to play with the older boys. John was going to teach Henry and Alex… gifting each boy a horse for their birthday. It was supposed to be a surprise but Samuel Heywood must have told the boys… he was looking guilty when everyone turned in his direction.
All the ladies beaming as they watched Alex and Henry jumping with joy ... talking to Samuel about their horses. Mary thanking her new family for their love and bringing so much happiness to her little family. Mary started to cry and this spread to every other lady.
Charlotte knowing there needed to be a change in topic….
"When did Lady Christina say they will be arriving?" she asked
"I am not sure… it looks like she was so excited she forgot to tell us when." laughed Victoria and passed the letter for everyone to read. It was in a mixture of English and Italian… full of excitement and many different thoughts.
"Yes… she has a bright personality… she must be really hating London… I think we need to expect them any day judging by the tone of the letter" Alison commented. Alison and Edward finally making an appearance two weeks after their wedding…. both looking happy and very attached to each other. Henry taking a reluctant Edward with him so the women could spend time together.
"We never talked about the hosting duties?" Grace bringing up this urgent matter
"We can do it together… they can be settled in one of our guest houses and eat at the different houses. We are at each other's homes anyway so what is two more people." Charlotte suggested. She ignored the concerned looks from the ladies and crossed her arms. She was not going to be treated like an invalid.
"That would be best and it will allow Susan and myself easier access to train Lady Christina for her coming season" Lavinia added.
Everyone looking at Susan to add her own thoughts… she had been very quiet.
"I would agree... Charlotte and Henry's cottages are the best option and I can help Charlotte with the hosting" Susan finally spoke. It would allow her control over the time spent in the presence of the Duke. The ladies determined menus and when everyone was hosting lunches and dinners. Grace was relieved Alison could contribute in this way.
Once everyone was satisfied the Heywood girls who had never had an opening season asked Lavinia and Susan what was involved.
"It sounds very tiring… the marriage market…like a cattle sale" Victoria commented without any thought.
"Yes, it is the main way young women can be seen and given the opportunity to catch a husband" reflected Susan
"Was Stanley considered a fine catch?" Victoria asked
"Yes…. He was targeted by many mother's and their daughter's." Susan answered but could see Victoria's insecurities surface
"My dear, your Stanley had no interest in marriage until he came across a woman called Miss Victoria Heywood. At the last ball you were so focused on him that you didn't see the jealous looks on the faces of the women who have tried desperately to gain his attention" Susan smiling with glee
"Alexandra considers you a saint by the way her son has been transformed… thanks to you" Lavinia commented.
"Really…" Victoria asked
"Yes… never doubt his love… the fact he is living in a small cottage to be near you speaks volumes to me" Charlotte teased and was happy to see her sister smile as she thought about her Stanley.
"It still sounds terrible for Lady Christina" Alison commented getting everyone back on the main point of discussion. She had only had a small glimpse of it in London and was thankful she had found Edward.
"Yes, I would agree…. You do feel like you are up for sale… being judged on your looks, childbearing potential, wealth, status…" shuddered Jane. She had avoided many seasons by staying on her estate.
"She also comes across more Italian than English …. Not many mother's will be able to cope with her energy" Susan trying to be polite in her observations. She had witnessed many seasons and the ways marriages had come about.
"Yes… she is very similar to Georgina" Mary shared a knowing look with Charlotte. Georgina had the wealth but her uncontrollable temper had made her difficult to manage. Her unguarded heart had gotten her into many difficult situations. In fact, shortly after Charlotte had left Sanditon Georgina had run away and ended up pregnant. She and her daughter had moved back to Antigua to get away from the public scandal. The father had been a titled gentleman who couldn't marry her but still sent money to support his daughter. Charlotte had only just started corresponding with her and was thankful to hear Georgina was happy being back in her homeland.
"I wish, she will be able meet someone in a more natural environment…" Lavinia commented… she had also promised to help.
"It appears she will need a man who will have a calming effect on her energetic personality and not to mention speaks Italian" Susan thinking about any potential gentlemen but it was going to be difficult… even with her father being a duke.
"Susan… you can do anything… I have seen it" teased Charlotte and watched Susan blush.
To get attention away from herself she started to ask everyone about the family bet that had started…. 'were the twin going to be born before or after Victoria's wedding'. Charlotte not missing the sudden change of topic decided to help…
"I am hoping before the wedding… I am getting tired of being a punching bag" as she placed her arms around her large stomach. In the two weeks since Alison's wedding the twins had grown. Grace was predicting before the wedding and was making sure there was always an older lady with her. She knew if the midwife couldn't get there in time… there would be someone with her to help deliver the babies. She already told Charlotte and Henry to expect the arrival of their children soon…. another reason Henry never strayed too far away from Charlotte.
Today Grace was noticing signs of the possibility of the impending birth being soon. Grace sitting next to her daughter while the others spoke ... quietly reminded her she needed to rest as childbirth needed strength and endurance. Charlotte was well aware of the changes nodded in agreement.
Everyone had decided to pack up and head back to the Crowe house. Henry and Edward appearing helped everyone collect all their items.
"Henry… it is going to be soon… the babies have dropped ready for the birth" Grace speaking quietly to him as not to gain anyone's attention.
"How long?"
"It can be any day now…. She needs rest, son…." Grace seriously spoke.
Henry nodded went over to place his arm around Charlotte and guide her safely home. She was tired and thankful for the help… if they were alone, he would have carried her home.
"I am feeling tired… I think our little ones will be arriving soon.." Charlotte rubbing her stomach and looked into her husband's concerned face. She placed her hand on his cheek ... without asking he scooped her up and carried her to their bed. She happily settled in his arms and fell asleep instantly.
Henry choosing to remain awake ...watching over his wife and children.
