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Christopher Babbington and William Crowe had stopped at one of the traveller's Inn's. The roads had been in bad condition and their horses required resting. They were not the only with the same need and they observed many carriages waiting outside the Inn. They had been fortunate to have secured the last two rooms and they headed towards the dining room.
"Did you ever believe your father would marry again?" William asked while accepting a pint of beer.
"No!" Christopher had been surprised as his father for years had swore undying devotion to his mother. Joy had written many times expressing her love for Janette and the happiness she brought their father. When Christopher had received the news, he had travelled to Sanditon to visit his mother's grave. He had placed flowers on her grave and thought about the changes that had occurred in his family's life.
"Everyone deserves happiness.. including you" William speaking with more meaning behind them. Christopher had been crushed when he realised Elizabeth loved another. After the celebrations in Scotland the two friends had embarked on a journey around the continent. William had been called home, but Christopher had only recently returned from Europe and was ready to find a wife.
William played a key role in his family's businesses and was a highly prized bachelor by the ladies. William had enjoyed his reputation but now only sought the attention of one lady 'Claire Montrose'. He had met her again at a dinner hosted by James and Flora Parker. Flora had seated the pair together as she knew William would look after her quiet sister who had struggled to regain her confidence after their kidnapping. Claire lived with them and was a dearly loved Aunt of their two children Mary and Murray. William had visited the Parker House a number of times and was looking forward to seeing Miss Montrose again at the Babbington wedding.
Their attention was taken by the entrance of a woman carrying a sleeping child. Christopher instantly recognising Elizabeth Worcester followed by her husband carrying a small boy in his arms. The Worcester's had been forced to stop at the Inn as poor road conditions had delayed their journey. Alfred had sent one of their men ahead to secure rooms for the whole family. His parents were also with them and was thankful they had found some safe accommodation. He had posted his guards on the carriages and would ensure they had a man on each door. Alfred would not be taking any chances with the safety of his family.
"Alfred!" Elizabeth spoke to her husband as she recognised William and Christopher. Alfred directing his family over towards the men.
"Christopher! William!... well met!" Alfred exclaimed and introduced their children 'Lord Henry George Worcester and Lady Rose Charlotte Worcester'. Henry (3) making his parents proud by his confident greeting while Rose (1) remained asleep…her face buried in her mother's neck. The men inviting the family to join their table and caught up on various news. Christopher had only visited his sister once since her marriage and was looking forward to seeing his niece and nephew. He had already sent up various gifts for them and planned to spoil them.
"Any marriage prospects?" Alfred asked
"No… the bachelor life suits me" answered Christopher. He would find the right woman and was not going to be rushed.
"Maybe" commented William. Elizabeth clapping her hands together. She had noticed how Claire and William responded to each other. Susan and Elizabeth had convinced Claire to purchase some new gowns which would gain the attention of William. There was a sudden hush over the room and Alfred knew it was his parents. Susan casting her eye over the full room until she found her precious family. Rose lifting her head as she recognised her grandmother's voice and smiled when she was kissed on the cheek. Lord and Lady Worcester were devoted grandparents… Henry and Rose were the apple of their eye. Alfred often teasing his mother that he was no longer her favourite.
"Hello, my darlings" Susan kissing everyone and when she was seated accepted little Rose who lovingly snuggled into her grandmother's protective arms.
"Lord Babbington! Mr Crowe! Well met!" happily exclaimed Fredrick. He was pleased the table was in the back of the room which afforded them some privacy. The Worcester's were a well-known family and always gained the attention of the public. Fredrick smiling when Henry moved from his father to sit on his lap. The pair spent much time together and Elizabeth often joked that their parents should just move into their home.
"Don't tempt fate" seriously spoke Alfred. He loved his parents but enjoyed having his family to himself.
It was decided they would travel the rest of the way together. The Worcester's finally biding the men a good evening as the children needed to sleep and the men wanted time alone with their wife.
"It was a long day today and they are exhausted" softly spoke Elizabeth as she kissed their two sleeping children. Alfred who had removed the majority of his clothing placed his arms around his wife. Before leading his wife to their bedroom he kissed his precious little ones. They wanted another child, and Alfred took every opportunity to achieve this goal.
The two bachelors finding themselves at the bar. William leading his friend to an empty table and sat in silence while drinking their beers. The men wondering what would be installed for them at the Montrose Estate.