The Dinner
Sidney and Charlotte made their way upstairs to freshen up for dinner. More people were expected to arrive, and Sidney desperately needed Charlotte alone. He smiled when he noticed Charlotte's personal items had been placed on the dresser. Her maid had clearly been busy moving her belongings to his room… their room. Sidney closing the door and watched as his wife removed her spencer. He pulled off his jacket and strode over to take her in his arms. Leaning down he claimed her lips and twenty-one years of longing poured out like a gushing waterfall.
"Hmmm… how long until we have to be down for the dinner?" tightly asked Sidney as he ran his hands down her back until they finally rested on her hips.
"We don't have to be there until the meal begins and I have to check your bandaging" Charlotte spoke with a secret smile. Sidney giving her a wicked smile… he was required to completely remove his clothing.
"Ahh… well my love… we must not waste our time" both smiling as he pulled her even closer.
Downstairs Babbington and Crowe had been directed towards a comfortable seating area. Sidney M ensuring a servant was allocated to Babbington for the entire evening. Sidney M and Joy walking over to spend time with the older men. Babbington giving his daughter a kiss and like a King invited them to join his sphere of influence. Crowe approved their drink selection and raised his glass towards Sidney M in appreciation.
"Papa.. I see you are pleased with your personal seating area" Joy smiling at her father. Joy had told Sidney M her father often was lonely at these events and he had specially organised this oasis for him. Now that she was happy, she wanted her father to find a lady and not be alone.
"Yes.. it suits me quite well" beamed Babbington and slaps his future son-in-law on the back.
"Lucky dog!" spoke an envious Crowe. His eldest daughter had married a minister and non-drinker! Amanda reminding him that Violet was happy and that was what they always wanted. Crowe liked the man, but hoped Elizabeth married a man who enjoyed a drink with him.
Sidney M and Joy were expected to circulate leaving the two old friends to observe the guests around them. Crowe was watching his wife who was being introduced to many people. He was also keeping a close eye on the Count of Alix who clearly was trying to gain Isabella's attention.
William Crowe and Christopher Babbington finally making their appearance. They spotted their fathers and headed over to greet them.
"Young bucks! picked out any targets for tonight?" teased Crowe. He had been given specific instructions by his wife to remind their son he was to help Isabella. Without being told William headed over to speak with his sister and the Montrose twins. William had informed his parents Isabella had been baiting the Count in the teahouse and they were currently in battle. Henry knew his daughter and was a little sorry for the man. Amanda had cautioned her daughter who clearly had become more determined.
"There are more fish in the sea" Babbington commented while watching his son observe Elizabeth Montrose. Christopher nodding but Charles was not sure his son believed it. Christopher knew he had to attempt another apology to Miss Claire and Flora for his insensitive remark at the tea house. He was disappointed with himself after his sister told him what had happened to those young women. Christopher finishing his drink and walked across the room to join their group.
For the second time that evening…
Sidney was being dressed but this time by his wife. She was taking her time buttoning his vest and laughed as he kept interrupting her progress. Promising to stand still as she got on her tippy toes to put on his cravat. Once finished he leaned down and kissed her… he couldn't help it. Charlotte was also wearing a different gown that complimented his vest. Once she had collected her shawl, he placed her arm through his and kissed her wedding ring.
It was important they attend the dinner as it was being held in the memory of Clyde Montrose. Sidney had been present when the man died, and he wanted to pay tribute to the man who had died protecting his son.
"How many will be in attendance?" he asked out of interest as they descended the staircase
"100 – 200 people" Charlotte laughing at the look of horror on his face.
"You said it was going to be a small dinner" he accused. He avoided large events as he was not the best socially.
"We love our family gatherings" Charlotte placing her hand on his jaw to calm him. He leaned down and kissed her the last time before entering the main reception room. Sidney could feel many eyes on him and placed his hand on Charlotte's… seeking strength from her.
Charlotte taking everything in her stride introduced Sidney. Proudly informed them of their marriage and happily receiving their congratulations. Sidney finding the experience not as tedious and knew it was because Charlotte was by his side. He was congratulated a number of times by people who had heard of his heroic action in saving the Laird's life. Sidney also getting used to being introduced as Sir Parker and Charlotte Lady Parker. She had elected to drop the Montrose surname as Joy would be Lady Montrose once she married Sidney M.
After circulating they found Crowe and Babbington. Charlotte was required to complete some tasks and left Sidney in the capable hands of his oldest friends. Sidney lovingly watching Charlotte as she moved around the room.
"Besotted!" Babbington told Crowe as he watched his friend touch his wedding band. Charles never wore a wedding band as he had his title signet ring but had been surprised when Crowe elected to wear a wedding ring. Sidney ignoring them and kept his eyes on Charlotte. He hoped she would return soon and was thankful they would be seated next to each other for the dinner.
"How about you Babbington? Ever thought about having another go?" asked Crowe. As expected, Charles shook his head and was happily waiting for grandchildren.
The men were enjoying each other's company when the King suddenly approached them…
"Babbington! Crowe! Parker! Very pleased I could attend!" King George taking the spare couch nearest to Charles.
"Your Majesty! It fit the couple perfectly" commented Charles while slapping the back of Sidney.
King George had decided to attend for his one curiosity. He had been displeased when Alfred had not attended the meeting earlier with his parents. The reason Susan had given was flimsy and made him suspicious. He had decided to cancel his engagement and attend the wedding. He took great satisfaction seating himself with Alfred Worcester.
Alfred did have a regal presence and reminded George of his own father. Fredrick had been pleased with the King's presence, but Susan was watching carefully. Alfred was the spitting image of his father when he had been younger and slimmer. The King now was extremely overweight and only a person who knew the King in his youth would guess. When Susan had suspected her husband couldn't father children, she had chosen a close relative to him. To the outside world her affair with the Prince Regent was to improve her connections but it was to produce an heir for her husband.
"Alfred Worcester… is a fine young gentleman" observed the King as he watched Alfred and Elizabeth speak with a group of people.
"He clearly takes after his father's side" the King commented and turned to watch Babbington carefully. Babbington was an old friend and knew him when they were young men. In truth he wanted to take Alfred to the family picture gallery and compare him with himself as a young man.
"Yes… he does remind me of your father and you…" Babbington pausing and spent time watching Alfred. It was all the King needed and he knew… Alfred was his son!.
The King excusing himself and was determined to have a private conversation with Susan. The three men wondering why the King was concerned about Alfred Worcester.
There was no time to ponder the matter because the piper had walked into the room. He started playing Clyde's favourite song which caused everyone to stop talking. There were few dry eyes in the room as everyone silently acknowledged the man who had lost his life for the Laird. Sidney M standing at the front blessing the gathering and spoke about the fine qualities of the man.
Everyone raising their glasses to honour Clyde.
Charlotte had suddenly appeared and tightening her grip on Sidney arm. She could have easily have lost Sidney that night and was thankful they were given a second chance together. Sidney kissing her hand before leading his wife into the grand hall.