Expansion

John Heywood was surveying the Donaldson estate north of the Heywood's. He was endeavouring to be able to provide property for each of his five sons. He wanted them to feel secure and owning property would increase their wealth. John had found Henry an astute businessman who had many contacts. Over the course of the year the two men had been securing property throughout the Willingdon area and surrounding counties. Through Henry's various business contacts, they had found out which landowners owed money and they had systematically offered to purchase them.

Today he had asked James to help him assess the most recently acquired property. The men found the property was in good condition and only required a small amount of investment. It had been used as a country retreat and the productive nature of the land still needed to be further developed.

"Another wise purchase Papa" James complimenting his father. He had always thought this was a good property. He could see its potential and was happy it was going to be managed by the Heywood family. James was hoping his father would let him as he had wanted to prove himself. Like John he had completed his studies but wanted to work the land and stay in Willingdon.

"Will you be leasing the property?" James asked his father

"No, it is intended for one of my sons" John answered with a smile on his face.

"It will be nice for John Christopher and Jane" smiled James… he was happy for his brother

"No… you brother is getting the Dover Property… it is more suitable for Jane's dog breeding business.

James looked confused as his father continued to smile at him.

"Son… this property is for you and your future family... I know you always wanted to farm and stay in Willingdon." John smiled and placed his hand on his son's shoulder

"Papa… I don't know what to say… but thank you"

"I know you never felt you had a right to ask but we wanted to help secure your future… you have come of age and it will mean you can start looking for a wife" James blushed at his father's words

"Papa…. not you as well… mama has been dropping hints ever since these marriages have been taking place. I will be well… Henry gave me some good advice the other day" shared James.

John was pleased James had been speaking with Henry. James was very similar to Alex…. both were quiet and unassuming….. they often gravitated to Henry. John had noticed James had been over at the Crowe estate regularly. He had assumed it had something to do with all the increased visits of mother's and their daughter's. John was going over to visit Henry and Charlotte… he would talk to Henry about James. John listened as his son suggested the plans he had for this estate. He knew he had made the right decision in purchasing it for James.

John and James happily rode home but on arriving they were meet with Grace Heywood giving her piece of mind to four men. Victoria, Stanley, Jane and John Christopher were watching her as she started to swing her rolling pin. John quickly jumping off his horse and grabbed it before she added to the men's injuries.

"Please… could someone tell me what happened?" John asked calmly

Jane and Victoria informed him what the four man had attempted to do. He turned with anger flashing in his eyes towards the four men… they looked scared as they knew John Heywood's fighting prowess.

Before he did anything, he gave the rolling pin back to his wife who hit each man.

"How dare you attack innocent girls… you should be ashamed of yourself… your mothers will be shocked at your behaviour. John…. they have been drinking!" exclaimed an angry Grace

John looked at the four men… "You were fools to think you could take a Heywood woman down" giving his daughter and future daughter-in-law a proud smile. Victoria and Jane standing tall as their future husbands placed their arms around them.

"So… I think it is time you face the Heywood men" he looked over and winked at boys who all nodded. They were planning to scare them before the constable arrived….. dragging them towards the main barn. John, John C, James and Stanley taking off their outer layers started warming up. The level of fear increased with the men when they saw the punching power of John and his sons.

John turned and walked towards the four…

"I think we will start with you… Johnny Pike" but before he did anything Johnny had fainted. The other three quickly begged for mercy. John was a man of honour and was not going to fight these men…. They were going to face significant charges for their attempted attack on his daughters.

Pete of the four seemed to be aware of what was going to happen. John shook his head as he knew the boy had been influenced by his older brother. He had tried to help him, but Pete was not strong enough to stand up against his brother.

"Pete you are smarter than this… don't you realise Lady Jane is a grandchild of the King… you are going to be taken to London… you attacked a member of the royal family" quietly spoke John looking sad. The men contributed greatly to their family's income and would suffer while these boys were in prison. Grace who had calmed down knew what the family faced with their loss of income. She went inside to organise a food basket to be sent to their home.

"I will write a letter, but you are now under the mercy of the Prince Regent" John placing a hand on the shoulder of the young man. The constable had arrived and took the four men away.

While John was dealing with the constables John and Stanley were checking on the well-being of their future wives…..

"Maybe you do need to wrap me up in cotton wool" spoke Jane as she looked up into John C's face. He just held her thankful she was safe and not injured. He called the five dogs and rewarded each for their protective efforts. His future wife was capable but knew she also wanted his protection.

"Hmmm… maybe sometimes" John C spoke.

"Are you well now, my love" Stanley asked his Victoria… he didn't know what he would have done if she had been injured. He relaxed when he felt her sigh in his arms.

"Stanley… you know I am not a society lady…. Susan told me you were a prized catch in London" she spoke into his shoulder. He frowned and looked into her dear face.

"Those women compare nothing to your character, strength, intelligence or beauty…. you captured my heart Victoria… never forget that" he placed a kiss on her head and held her.

The two couples headed inside and spent the rest of the day together. Even though the women had proven they could protect themselves ….. both Jane and Victoria agreed they would take the carriage when visiting Charlotte or Alison.