The Crowes
Once again there were three young women walking together but this time it was Isabella Crowe, Flora and Claire Montrose. They had formed a close bond and since Isabella had arrived in Sanditon they were inseparable. Her vibrant personality gave the girls courage and she protected them when they were uncertain. Isabella couldn't stand bullies and wanted to help her friends gain their confidence back.
While Babbington House was being prepared for the garden party Isabella had suggested they go and visit the township. Amanda Crowe wished to go commanded her husband to accompany them. Henry would do anything for his wife.
"Do you miss walking through the streets of Sanditon as a single man? Any regrets my love?" questioned Amanda who already knew the answer. Henry looked down at his beautiful spit fire and spoke the same words since he first met her in London…
"You own my body, heart and soul … my love… I wouldn't want to be anywhere else and besides who else could put up with me!" their children rolling their eyes when their parents behaved in such a manner. Amanda and Henry walking arm in arm behind their children, the Montrose twins, Little Cassie and Christopher Babbington.
When they approached the Sanditon Hotel Henry wished the ladies good shopping and turned to the young bucks.
"Come! We are going to visit the Sanditon Hotel!" Crowe placing his arms around William and Christopher pushing them inside the establishment. The owner welcoming Crowe like an old friend and the boys wouldn't be surprised if he owned a share in the business.
Crowe asking for everyone in the bar to be served and joined the gambling table. He had business to conduct and information to gather. He easily made friends and by the end of the game discovered the local gossip of Sanditon. The manager of the hotel handing Crowe paperwork and asked to pass on his wife's regards to Mrs Crowe.
"You know it is useless trying to flatter my wife as she will find any mistakes in these financial statements" warned Crowe. The Crowes owned the 'Sanditon Hotel' and it had been staffed from loyal worker from their other London establishments. It was how Sidney M was getting regular updates about the arrival of hotel guests. Crowe had also been informed of the boys behaviour and found them drinking in the corner.
"We have Steward Montrose on the prowl, and you have been in the hotel drinking every night. We have to be cautious, and I have just learned a carriage arrived in the middle of the night which was not reported to Sidney M. Come! We have to find the women and ensure they are safe" Henry Crowe walking out and searched the streets. He blew out a sigh of relief when he spotted his wife. When he quietly told Amanda, she didn't panic but suggested they visited the other shops and asked about the carriage. Amanda Crowe was cool under pressure and always came up with brilliant ideas. Crowe didn't care what people thought and kissed his wife who enjoyed every bit the spectacle they created.
Isabella rolling her eyes and took the shocked Montrose twin to the milliner's shop.
"Don't mind my parents… they are very expressive with their emotions and don't care what people think"
"That is right my dear daughter… you will understand once you find your prince!" Crowe wagging his eyebrows while tucking his wife's arm in his.
The Montrose Twins were enjoying visiting the shops but interested in hearing how Isabella felt about their second cousin Filipe. He had been acting strangely and certainly cared what Isabella thought about him.
"How are you finding our cousin Filipe?" Claire asked
"We are now friends and enjoy each other's company" Isabella was cautious in her replay as she didn't want to give away her true feelings. She not only enjoyed his company but was preferring it to any other. The women walked into the milliner's shop and started feeling the various fabrics. Amanda wanted to purchase bonnets for all the girls including the Flora and Claire. While she started bargaining with the hat maker each girl started trying on bonnets and selecting ribbons. Isabella looking out the window and saw Irene walking quickly along the road.
"Flora! Isn't that Irene? She was not at the breakfast table this morning? Why is she in town?" quizzed Isabella as she watched Irene look over her shoulder before moving quickly down the road.
"Maybe she was completing a task for the garden party?" suggested Flora. Everyone making their final decisions and the shopkeeper promised to have their purchases delivered to Babbington House. By the time they had come out of the last shop Amanda had gain various accounts of the travellers in the carriage, but one item remained the same a 'small dog'.
They were met by Filipe Alix on his horse. He had arrived the same day as the Crowes and was determined too spent maximum time with the beautiful Isabella Crowe. He had been disappointed when he had been informed at the breakfast table the Crowes had already gone to town and he had ridden his horse to find them.
"Count Alix… it appears you are following us!" exclaimed Amanda with a sparkle in her eye. She knew the man was trying to court her daughter and was working hard to earn her respect.
"I was a little late getting up and sorry I missed your family at breakfast. I decided to exercise my horse and join you in town" Filipe explained with a slight flush in his cheeks. Isabell's parent's were very perceptive and would not let him get away with anything. He greeted everyone in the party before offering his arm to Isabella. He horse was being taken by one of the Montrose guards so he could join the group.
"Comment allez-vous… how are you?" he asked Isabella who spoke fluent French.
"Bein mercu… well thank you" she replied while taking in his open admiration of her. He had visited the Crowe home multiple times and even invited the family to the theatre. The ton commenting about the sudden change of the Count and the name of Isabella Crowe was on their lips.
"At least I can have a good drink with the man" joked Crowe to his wife after their evening at the theatre. Amanda slapping him on the arm as she knew he like their oldest daughter's husband. The Count had been attentive and shown respect towards their daughter. Henry expecting the Count to request an interview and had promised his wife he wouldn't torture the young man. He still remembered visiting Amanda's Great Aunt Cynthia and being scared witless. Crowe checking his watch and knew that needed to get back to the Babbington's. The information they had gathered needed to be told and the mysterious carriage found.
"Mon amour… my love" a woman's voice spoke loudly. Filipe swearing under his breath as it was 'Evangeline' the woman he had fled France to get away from. Clearly, she had heard about him courting Isabella and followed him. Evangeline moving to greet him with a kiss but pouted when he moved backwards.
"Bonjour.. Evangeline… tu n'es pas mon amour… you are not my love" he spoke directly to her as he wanted to make it clear to Isabella. He knew Evangeline could ruin everything for him and he was annoyed. He stiffly introduced the lady who chose to ignore the change in his tone or attitude towards her.
"I am visiting a friend and thought I would take a walk" She commented and bid them a good day. Filipe taking on a pained look as this was going to present some issues for him. To his relief Isabella still held his arm.
"Miss Crowe… you know that I have a reputation and distressed my past has presented itself …." Filipe trying to form the right words.
"We did promise we would be honest with each other. I will make sure to point out my own gentlemen" Isabella teasing to lighten the mood, but it had the opposite effect on Filipe. He didn't want any man to have her and was determined to make her his. In the back of Filipe's mind, he wondered where Evangeline was staying in Sanditon.