A Family Heirloom.

Edward finished his breakfeast and found his father in his parents rooms.

"Come with me, my son." He said.

He led the young man into his main wardrobe room. In the center was a gorgious gown in a deep, regal blue.

"This it the wedding gown every man in our family has worn on our wedding day. I wore it when I married your mother. my father wore it when he married my mother, and my grandfather wore it when he married my grandmother. It's passed from father to son for nearly 100 years... and it's time I get it set for you to wear it when you get married.

Edward looked at the dress.

"Father... it's gorgeous" He said in amazement.

"Don't get too attached to it. I would like to see any of your protentional nephews wear it when they get married. Come..."

His father led him back outside to his private drawing room and the two sat down. The two men made for an interesting sight. The Early was pushing 50 but could easily pass for a man 20 years younger. Some people refused to believe he and Edward were father and son, assuming Johnathan was just an older brother.

"Edward, my son..." the Earl began "I want to talk to you about... life..."

"What do you mean, father."

"I mean... What it means to be a man, a husband, and a father." the Earl said "Your mother and I... Not every marriage is as happy as ours, or your Aunt Lisa and Uncle James. Not every woman treats her husband with the same respect your mother treats me or your aunt shows your uncle... And that's within a woman's right."

'I'm not a child, father, I'm well aware of how the world works..." Edward said.

"Yes, but that's the point... you're not a child. You're just about a man now. Some day soon, women are going to come calling, asking for your hand. Some of the, I dare say many of them, won't be the kind, gentle figures you're used to in your day to day life. Most women are cold, distant from the husbands and sons. Husbands exist to father children. Sons are for marrying off to advantageous gain. Your value is in how many daughters you can father. I gave your mother seven daughters... I know deep down she didn't care... but I do often fear what would have happened if I'd only given her sons..."

"I would have loved you anyway, my darling." The countess said, having overheard.

"oh..." He said "Dear, I didn't see you..."

"John... I... thank you for having this talk with Edward. I love my children, all of them... equally, and I do not want to see my pretty flower hurt if I can."

"Thank you, Mother." Edward said "But if I am to be married off, I accept what's coming."

"Who said anything about that? I only came up because I can't find my address book and was wondering if anyone seen it."

"I just figured, with a wedding on the horizon, it be best if he were prepared for his own." Johnathan said.

"Too true..." She said, finding her book and heading back downstairs.