What do I do now?
Joy at the invitation of Charlotte had been staying with the Montrose family. She had been enjoying the company of her mother's relations and was basking in their unconditional love. Janette demanding Joy always wear her hair out and had gifted her with combs that had once belonged to Elizabeth Frazer.
"Boidheach… beautiful" smiled Janette as she supervised Joy being dressed. Every female member of the household couldn't help smiling every time they caught Sidney M admiring Joy.
"She is a Scott and would make a fine wife for our Laird" Janette commenting many times to Charlotte. Charlotte herself had discovered after her marriage to Hector her grandmother on her mother's side was Scottish. It had helped Charlotte to integrate better into Scottish society. Charlotte knew Hector would be impressed with Joy but wanted her son to make his own choice.
It was coming to visiting hours and the men decided to make themselves scare. Sidney demanding any potential suitors be directed towards his study. He took this task seriously and ignored the warning glare from his sister Elizabeth. Since arriving in London, they had attended a number of events and as expected Elizabeth was a favourite. All manner of gentleman arrived to call on the family and Sidney M was constantly interrupted.
"You can tell much about a gentleman in the drink he selects" a famous statement of Hector who swore he could tell the type of man by his drink selection. He always trusted a man who drank a scotch or whisky. Sidney M had already eliminated half the gentlemen by their poor drink selection. He breathed out a sigh of relief when his cousin Lord Alfred Worcester entered his study.
"I can see you have been using Uncle Hector's drink cabinet test and thankful not many have touched my favourite scotch" Alfred pouring himself a drink and sat in his normal chair. He was thankful for a safe harbour as the ton wouldn't stop talking about his hunt for a wife. He was 28 and his mother had told him he had to start thinking about the family legacy. Alfred in truth had been waiting for the coming out of his cousin Elizabeth. After making his addresses to the women he wanted to find out from Sidney M who his competition was. It was no secret amongst the older women he preferred Elizabeth and he had to avoid their eye contact as he personally addressed Elizabeth.
"There were a number of suitors this morning cousin with good prospects" truthfully spoke Sidney M and watched as Alfred grunted.
"You have one thing that the others do not… we know you" Sidney M wouldn't mind if his sister married Alfred as she needed an older man. Even though he liked Christopher Babbington he was too young and wouldn't be able to handle the spirit of his sister. Alfred suggesting, they take the ladies for a walk and was pleased Sidney M agreed. The women agreed and the whole family spent the rest of the morning walking in Hyde Park.
Sidney and Anne themselves were strolling through the same park. Anne had been feeling neglected and Sidney had to make up for his absence. She had the habit of pouting which always reminded Sidney of Eliza. It had taken all of his energy not to get angry and patiently listen to her share her thoughts about London. She had been frustrated as her friend Joy was spending more time with the Montrose family. Sidney clenching his own jaw as he knew Babbington had been socialising with the Montrose men.
Sidney pretended to listen to his daughter as he closely observed the ladies and gentleman who were strolling. His heart missing a beat as he recognised his son who was escorting Joy Babbington. He focused on the group and instantly saw his Charlotte. She had not changed and her beautiful smile took his breath away.
"Papa.. what is wrong? You seemed to be having breathing problems? Do we need to go home and call the doctor?" Anne asked with concern.
"I will be well my love… why don't we continue on our walk" Sidney steering his daughter in the direction of the Montrose's and hoped to force an introduction. His plan worked as Joy recognised them and spoke to Sidney M. Sidney's heart beating faster and he prayed they would stop. To his relief the group stopped and waited for them to approach.
Sidney feeling, he was being placed under investigation as experienced by the steady gaze of his son. Sidney M taking command of the situation and made the introductions.
'What do I do now?' thought Sidney to himself as he fixed his attention first on Charlotte and then his son.