Chapter Two – Willingden - Mid-September 1819
Mr. Heywood waited by the gate as his eldest daughter made her way back toward the house. She had slipped back into her old life on the farm with seamless ease, yet Mr. Heywood was concerned. Charlotte seemed older, much, much older. She had always been an active girl, but she had taken to going on long walks by herself in the weeks since her return from Sanditon. Her mood was good, but there were long silences where she seemed miles away. She talked about her experiences with liveliness and excitement. Her siblings would demand she retell stories about the people, the sights and sounds of Sanditon. Charlotte never got bored in the retelling. Their favorites were her descriptions of the sea bathing in the cold water and the regatta. When she was finished with each rendition (always adding something new or exaggerated), the children would beg their father to be taken to Sanditon.
Catching sight of him, Charlotte smiled and waved. "Papa, were you waiting for me?"
"I was my dear," he said slipping an easy arm around her shoulders. "Do you have the energy to walk a little further?"
"Of course." They continued down the southside of the field.
"I am so happy you are home with us," he said squeezing her shoulders slightly.
"You knew I would be home at the end of the summer."
"Yes, but –." He stopped to consider his words. "When people leave home and are put in new places with new people, circumstances can … change."
"They can," she agreed.
"And someday you will want to leave home." Charlotte didn't respond. "Someday you will find another man to love."
"Another?" she asked wondering how much of what she shared in confidence with Alison was shared with the whole family.
"Other than your poor old papa," he quickly corrected.
She smiled brightly. "Someday, perhaps, but no man can hold a candle to you." She kissed him lightly on the cheek.
They walked a short distance in silence. Then Mr. Heywood stopped and turned her to face him. "I have heard all the stories of your adventures this summer, but I know you are leaving something out." He raised a hand to stop her protesting. "I don't want to know. You don't need to tell me. I just want you to know, that I know and that whatever it is, whatever happened, I hope it won't – I hope it doesn't … "
"No, father," she stopped him. "Truly father. I am well and happy to be home." Her father was unconvinced. She considered how much she should share with him; how much she needed to share to make him understand. "There was a gentleman who inspired feelings in me that were … unfamiliar – both anger and admiration." She looked down clearly thinking back to her summer with Mr. Sidney Parker as she liked to think of it. "And for a moment – for a couple of days – I thought that maybe my life would … be taken in a different direction." She smiled remembering how alive she felt those few short days after the kiss, anticipating his return to finish their halted conversation. She had never felt more like a woman. It was exhilarating. "For only a few days I was so consumed with if my life would change, I didn't take time to consider if it should. If the new life that I was anticipating was something I really wanted." She smiled sadly and shrugged her shoulders. "And then it was over - before it had really begun. I am sure I could find ways to hate him or resent what I missed, but why? It won't change the facts and it won't change how I felt – the good and bad. I have no ill will toward him and wish him every imaginable happiness. I believe his feelings for me were real – real enough - but duty to his family prevented … well, it was not to be." She smiled. "I expect that he will be just a fond memory of my adventure one summer."
"You sound sincere, my dear." He thought that she was protesting just a little too much to be believed.
"I am, papa." She took his hands in hers. "I took your advice. You told me to be careful and I was."
He nodded sadly.
"What is it, papa?"
"You grew up so much in so short a period of time, and I was not there to see it."
"I am the same girl who left here months ago, papa."
"No, my girl, you are not. You are a woman."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
There were three letters waiting for Charlotte when she got back to the house.
The first was from James Stringer. They had been corresponding ever since she left. It was not intimate or inappropriate it was mostly talk of how the rebuilding was going. In the letter that day he told her that he was going to go to London after all. Robinson was going to take over as foreman and finish up the work on the Terraces. Charlotte was very happy for him and would send him a reply immediately after reading her other two.
The second was from Georgiana. Her letters were always filled with how much she hated being in Sanditon and some ridiculous interaction with Mrs. Griffiths. Georgiana always seemed to put one line in there about Sidney – usually it was about how glad she was that he was in London and wasn't around to make her life any more miserable than it was. She never mentioned the wedding itself but did suggest that Mrs. Campion could be an enemy. This letter however said that Sidney was due back shortly. She would finally be able to confront him about getting out of Sanditon – back to London or preferably back home, off this wretched island. Charlotte considered Georgiana a friend, but the anger and vitriol that Georgiana spewed was some times very hard to take.
The final letter, to Charlotte's surprise, was from Lady Susan Worcester.
My Dear Friend,
I heard of Mr. Parker's engagement to Mrs. Campion. I am sorry for you, my dear. I do not know how you are managing the disappointment, but if I had to guess, you are managing it very well. You are a strong independent sensible woman. It's why I enjoy your company so much and the reason for this letter. I find myself in London from Michaelmas through Christmas and quite alone. Please consider coming to London as my particular guest for a fortnight or two. I can think of no one who's company I would enjoy more. I understand that you have only been back with your family for a few weeks, and I completely understand that you may not be ready to leave, as yet. The invitation is open. Please let me know when I can expect you.
Fondly, SW
P.S. Have no fear of meeting Mr. Parker or Mrs. Campion. We do not travel in the same circles.
Charlotte smiled. She had no idea how she gained Lady Susan's attention and friendship, but she valued it greatly. There was no way to refuse the invitation. Lady Susan had a way about her that made her mere suggestions sound like commands. Charlotte's first reaction was to dismiss the notion of going to London for any reason. She did not like that town or the society it brought, but in truth, after her adventure this summer, Willingden was just too small. She had been inspired by Mr. Tom Parker and Mr. James Stringer. She wanted to be part of something bigger, even a small part. London was still too big. She didn't imagine ever being at home there, as she was in Sanditon, but at least it was not Willingden – where nothing ever happened.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
That night at dinner Charlotte mentioned the invitation from Lady Susan.
"Oh!" exclaimed Alison. "London. I should very much like to see London." The other children echoing their desire to see London too, the lone hold-out was little Timmy who preferred Sanditon.
"And will you go?" her mother asked.
Charlotte looked to her father. "May I?"
Her father smiled. "You are your own woman now Charlotte and can make your own choices."
Charlotte swelled with pride. Her father trusted her. He was proud of her. He respected her. "I would like to see Lady Susan again," she owned. "She is a good friend to me."
"You must write us every day," exclaimed Alison.
"She will be too busy for that, I dare say," said her mother.
"Often," Charlotte promised taking Alison's hand.
"Long newsy letters full of all the details," the rest of the children shouted.
Charlotte promised.
That night, after supper and the little children put to bed, Allison and Charlotte were alone in their room. Charlotte was sorting through her clothes knowing that nothing would do for London society.
Allison was hesitant to ask, but her curiosity got the better of her. "Do you expect to see Mr. Parker in London?"
Before she knew it, Charlotte had flushed a deep red. "I do not."
"But would you like to?" Allison pressed on.
Charlotte was caught. There was a part of her that wanted to see Sidney Parker again to see if he still had feelings for her, but her sensible mind told her there was no use in that. It would only bring pain to herself, and probably Sidney if he did indeed still have feelings for her. It would be better not to see him. It would be better not to taint her memoires with the reality that was to be her future. "No."
Allison tried to cheer her sister. "But there will be numerous other men that you will be introduced to."
Charlotte wanted to protest again that she was not on the hunt for a wealthy husband, but she had come to realize that the only way out of Willingden permanently was by marriage. It was not that she wanted to leave her family or her home, but she could not stay there forever. The choices in Willingden were painfully small. There was no boy in her village who caught her eye and as best she knew, no boy was looking at her. Alison had many possible suitors.
"Many of them richer and more handsome than -." Alison stopped hoping that Charlotte would take up the possibility.
"I suspect I will meet many of Lady Susan's friends." Charlotte said. "And who knows what is around the next corner." If nothing else, her experience in Sanditon taught her to be braver than she had been and to be open and prepared for what could happen.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
After Allison had gone to bed, Charlotte stayed up to return her correspondence.
Mr. Stringer –
I am so please to hear that you have accepted the opportunity in London. I suspect you will be a great architect one day. I would very much like to see the town you design, and build come to fruition. I too will be in London for several weeks visiting Lady Susan Worcester. I hope there is an opportunity for us to meet again and discuss your new situation.
Sincerely –
My dear friend, Georgiana –
I am sorry that Sanditon continues to plague you. I imagine with all your friends gone and the turn of the season, that it has become a very lonely place. Please do not be too hard on Mr. Parker. He has much to contend with and I do not believe he wishes to make you unhappy. You will disagree, I'm sure. As for how your situation will change after he and Mrs. Campion are married, maybe it will be a good thing for you. There is no need in fretting what cannot be changed. For your sake I do hope you are able to convince him to remove you to London as I have some news for myself. I have been invited by Lady Susan Worcester to visit her for a fortnight. I intend to leave the day after tomorrow. It would be so nice if we had an occasion to meet.
Sincerely –
Lady Susan –
Your kindness to me is much appreciated, as always. I too enjoy your company. I accept your generous offer and will arrive in London in three days and can stay as long as you wish. As for that other matter, I am well. Disappointed yes, but not defeated. There is too much life to be had to let one letdown ruin me. I look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely -
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Babington and Ester sat quietly in each other's company as the carriage rocked and rolled toward London.
"I am so glad you decided to join me, my dear." Babington said taking her hand.
Ester playfully slipped her hand from his grasp but laid it on his thigh. It was a game they played.
"I saw Edward when I was in town."
Ester stiffened and pulled her hand away. "In London?" She knew he did not mean London. She knew it was Sanditon. Edward was always lurking around the outskirts of Sanditon ready to pounce on her when Babington was away.
"No," he said without mirth. He would not engage in the game. "From appearances he had gone through the money we gave him for Denham Park." Ester said nothing. "I got the impression he was -."
"I don't know what he told you -."
"The impression that he has been plaguing you."
Ester decided that honesty was in order as her husband seemed to know all. "He is my brother – step-brother."
"I understand." He took her hand again and she did not pull away this time. "I would not be able to cut my sister off and we are not as …. close as you and Edward were … are."
"Were," she assured him.
He pressed her hand. "I don't want you to hide anything from me. I can take anything but secrets from you."
"What would you like to know?" she asked.
"I don't need to know anything, but whatever you want to share with me … I can take."
Ester turned her head to look out the window.
He went on. "I made a promise to you. I promised that Sir Edward would not make a victim out of you."
"What would you have me do?" She protested.
He smiled and covered their clasped hands with his other hand. "I would have hoped that you would have come to me."
"And what would you have done? Fought him? Killed him? Send him to prison?"
Babington laughed slightly. "Nothing so dramatic," he soothed. "I would make him an offer."
"An offer?"
"In exchange for him removing himself from your life, he would be … provided for."
She snorted a laugh. "You would pay him to stay away?" She turned so she did not have to see the earnest love he had in his eyes.
He shrugged. "If that is what it took." He turned her to him with a very gentle touch to her chin. "I want you to be happy. I want you to be free of his influence. If I thought he would change, I would help him to that end, but …"
"Edward only loves one thing," she stated.
"I know." He agreed. "By while you have it and he doesn't, he will not leave you."
"It would be blackmail … it would never stop. He would keep coming back for more and more and more."
"Actually," Lord Babington smiled. "I had a better idea. A way to get him out of England all together."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
London
The coach to London was not scary or full of anxiety as Charlotte's first. She was dropped off at Lady Susan's door and greeted warmly by her friend. The accommodations were beyond comparison. The décor was elegant and unassuming as the lady herself. Charlotte's rooms were large, bright and overlooked the small garden in the back. It was more than she could have dreamed. Lady Susan had engaged a maid for Charlotte who was completely at her disposal. Charlotte protested but was brushed away with a wave of the great lady's hand.
When she was left in her room to recover from her travels, Lydia, the maid, showed her the wardrobe. Lady Susan provided many gowns that were for Charlotte's use. Most of them were not new, they were from the Lady's younger days, but were still in fashion and with a little altering they would look very well on Charlotte.
"This is all too much," Charlotte had said when she and Lady Susan finally sat down to tea.
"Not at all, my dear."
"How will I ever -."
"You will not," Lady Susan cut her off. "Now, I do not expect that we will be going out every evening, but there will be many occasions were your attire will be important. There are several people I wish you to meet."
Charlotte looked panicked.
"Please do not fret, my dear. Just be yourself."
Charlotte nearly choked on her tea. "You do not wish that, my Lady."
"Susan," she repeated. "And yes, I do want that. I expect that your honesty and opinions might raise a few eyebrows, but for all who truly matter, they will find you as lovely and engaging as I do."
"Thank you." Charlotte was still nervous.
They talked the afternoon and evening away like two very old and dear friends. Eventually the conversation turned back to Sanditon, the night of the mid-summer ball and the fire that ended the hope that Charlotte had of a new life.
"You still speak so warmly of the Parkers," Lady Susan observed.
"Should I not? They were nothing by kind to me." Charlotte paused. "All of them. I bear no ill will and wish them all success in their Sanditon venture … and all others."
"You sound sincere."
"I am."
"This includes Mr. Sidney Parker."
"Yes of course, my lady." Charlotte said urgently. "I hope he is happy with his choice of wife. There is no reason to think he won't be. They had a history."
Lady Susan did not believe it would be that simple. "Ill use and time tend to wreak havoc on our memories. Recapturing feelings of a bygone time are not as simple as it may seem."
Charlotte was reminded of Sidney's comment about stepping into a river. She wondered if he meant it differently than she had taken it at the time. He had, after the regatta, sent Eliza home alone because he was not the same man and they were not the same river?
"But maybe you are right, my dear."
They sat silent for a moment. Then Charlotte spoke again.
"I only wish there was more I could do to help them."
"Who?" Susan asked.
"Why, Mr. Tom Parker and his scheme for Sanditon."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Sidney Parker was announced to Eliza Campion by the footman. It irked him to no end that Eliza maintained this level of propriety particularly with him. He remembered her as a girl with flowing hair who didn't mind getting her petty coats dirty in a walk through the fields. Now she would not be seen unless she was properly dressed, not a hair out of place like a porcelain doll. There was no life left in her at all. There was no joy. There was no depth. She was all for show. Had she always been that way?
"Eliza," he said approaching her.
She put out her hand to be kissed. He did reluctantly. "I did not expect you back this soon Sidney," she stated. "You claimed an enormous amount of business with your brother and that pitiful project in Sanditon."
Sidney paused to take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I came back early."
"So it would seem."
"Some news has been made known to me." He was attempting to control his anger, but it was overtaking him.
"News?" She turned away and rang for the servant. "Some tea," she ordered from the attentive butler who left directly. "There is an event tomorrow evening at Lady Egerton's house. I expect you will join me."
He shook his head at the audacity of her demand. She did not care a fig about what he thought, or what he wanted.
"The news," he continued and waited for her to look at him. "When were you going to tell me?"
"Tell you what?"
"Of your son," he stated. She looked down and was thankfully saved from responding immediately because the footman returned with the tea. "Leave it and go," Sidney stormed at the servant who ran out dutifully.
"Sidney!" she scolded. "I have asked you repeatedly not to speak to -."
"Would you have told me before we were married?"
"I am not sure what my son has to do with anything?" she dismissed. "He is away at school and shall remain there."
Her coldness was like a shock to Sidney's system. Did she not even love her son? "You don't know why your son – and heir – matters?"
"I am well provided for," she stated quickly. "Well enough for you to renounce your business."
His jaw clenched which turned his mouth in to a perverse smile. "As I have told you on more than one occasion, I will not renounce my business. Nor will I renounce my ward! I am not a servant to be ordered around!" He calmed himself. "I will not be kept by you."
"You will," she said dismissively. "Or you will not see a penny of my money for that silly Sanditon project."
Something occurred to Sidney. "You have no intention of funding that project at all, do you?"
"Of course, I do," she protested. "If it will keep you out of mischief. A thousand here or there … it would be cheaper than some other pursuits a man in your position might wish to undertake."
Sidney was furious. "Why do you wish to marry me, Eliza?" he asked. "You dislike everything about me?"
"You mistake me, Sidney. I have loved you for years," she said coldly. "I named my son after you."
"You what?"
"I dreamed that a time would come when we could be together. It kept me going as I was wed to that buffoon – you and me and Campion's money."
"You don't know me, Eliza." He thought to add that he was only beginning to know himself. "I am not the same naïve boy who was destroyed when you left him with cold words."
"I know you, Sidney. You have not changed. You will never change."
"I have." He stood and moved to the other side of the room. "I have changed more than you will ever know. Our time was then – and you … you did not choose me. You chose money. There is nothing left for us now." His tone was so final that she turned to him to see if he was serious.
"You don't mean that, Sidney."
"I do."
"You need my money," she protested.
"I do, but it's not your money. And this … this is too high a price for too little in return." He turned toward the door and stopped before he exited. "I will give you two days to call off the engagement."
"And if I do not?" she said haughtily.
"Then I will."
"And ruin your reputation? Who would have you after you disgraced me in such a way?"
Without missing a beat, he responded. "I have lived for the past ten years with the knowledge that I was to be alone. I can live happily for the remainder of my life in the same knowledge."
He turned to leave again.
"Your little country mouse won't have you," she pressed. "Not after you abused her so abominably."
He walked out. He would never discuss Charlotte Heywood with Eliza Campion: one had real honor and integrity and the other the mere pretense. Alas, there was probably some truth in her words.
I don't think badly of you.
She didn't need to. Sidney thought badly enough about himself.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Charlotte poured the tea. Lady Susan was chatting about London and all the sites to be seen. She did enjoy Charlotte's company, but she also wanted to help the poor girl.
"Charlotte," she said softly. "I am very glad you are here, and while my invitation was selfish on my part – I was in very great need of some company. It was not entirely selfish. I want to help you, my dear."
"Help me?"
"Yes, what I am about to say will probably cause you to defend yourself, but I want you to listen before speaking."
"Yes, my lady."
"Susan," the lady corrected. "You are the eldest daughter of twelve children. You are of age and will soon be a burden on your parents if you aren't already." She held of her hand. "I understand that you are very helpful on the farm. I can also see that you are a capable young woman and want to be useful and not idle, like me."
"My lady," Charlotte protested.
"It's alright Charlotte. I am very fortunate. My father is a very wealthy man and I am a very wealthy woman. I did not need to find an occupation or a man to protect me or keep me. But my dear, you are not so fortunate. You will need to marry to secure your future life."
"I have no desire -."
"I understand that you want to marry for affection and while I applaud that, you need to start looking for that man. I am not suggesting that you marry the first man who asks you. Nor am I suggesting that you marry for any other reason than love. Wealth is not your goal. I can see that you would likely be as happy as a farmer's wife as you would be a Duke's. But in the end, you will need to marry."
Charlotte nodded.
"What I am saying is that if you continue to stay at home with your parents, your choice of potential husbands will be limited. Please use this time in London and my associations to broaden your … your horizon."
"I understand."
Susan reached out and took her hand. "I'm am sure you are still hurting over the missed opportunity with Mr. Parker."
Charlotte shook her head. "It was a foregone conclusion."
"That is not what I heard."
Charlotte was shocked. What had she heard?
"I hear a lot of things Charlotte and I witnessed myself you and Mr. Parker together at the regatta."
Charlotte nodded. She then told Susan all that had happened including Sidney's parting words.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Sidney was alone in the London house for nearly twenty-four hours thinking about what his next moves were to be. He needed to make more money, that was all there was to it. It was so strange how important this project of Tom's had become to him. He was resolved to be all the help he could be. He would not allow his mind to go to the real reason Sanditon was so important. He still had Campion's associates and wondered if they would stick by him or her when it was made known that the engagement was called off. He was betting that privately they would stick by him, and he didn't need their public approval.
Jenkins, his footman, came in with four letters. One was from a Mrs. Bennett, the woman he had engaged to help him find a companion for Georgiana. She had found several possible women that would be appropriate. She wanted to set a date for interviews.
The second was from the man he hired to keep an eye on Otis Molyneux. It confirmed that Molyneux did indeed enlist in the Royal Navy and his ship sailed that morning. Sidney was a little impressed. The man was trying to distinguish himself. Maybe with time and distance between them, they might fall out of love, or maybe they would find each other waiting on the other side more committed. By then, Sidney would have no say in the matter, but was grateful he didn't have to worry about her running away again.
The third was from Babington.
Parker –
In town for two days. Meet me at _ this afternoon, four o'clock. Need to share some information that I think will brighten your spirits.
Yours &tc
The fourth he was expecting. It was from Eliza.
My dearest Sidney,
We spoke in anger yesterday. It did not reflect well on either of us. Please come to me and we can discuss our future in a more rational manner.
Yours in love,
He nearly tore the missive into little pieces. He reread it again and then crumpled it and threw it in the fire.
He sat down to write – first to Georgiana.
Georgiana –
Pack your bags, you are returning to London. I have information on a new companion for you; but wish you to be here for the interviews. I will be there tomorrow early, and we will leave that afternoon. You will not be returning to Sanditon so make any good-byes that are required.
~Sidney
He reread the note several times and realized how harsh it sounded. In the end he didn't care. She was getting what she wanted, he didn't need to couch it in any softer language. He sent a similar note to Mrs. Griffiths albeit a little less harsh.
He wrote to Mrs. Bennett next hoping to set the interviews for early the following week.
His final note was to Eliza Campion.
Eliza –
I have said all I need to say. There is nothing left between us. Say anything you like about me to whomever you like; but end this charade or I will.
Sidney
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
"We will be attending Lady Egerton's dinner party this evening, Charlotte." Susan smiled warmly. "It will be an intimate affair, no more than one hundred guests."
"One hundred!" Charlotte exclaimed.
"I am particularly interested in you meeting the young Geoffrey Egerton. He is a very accomplished young man. Very handsome. He is the third son, but as wealth is not your object, I think you will find him very amiable."
"You like him?" Charlotte asked.
"I do … very much."
"Then I am sure to like him as well."
"There will be no dancing tonight, but that does not mean you should not look your best. Lydia will help you."
Charlotte retreated to her rooms to find Lydia waiting for her. There were three gowns pulled and displayed on the bed. Charlotte was not accustomed to have someone to aide her in dressing.
"Miss." Lydia curtseyed. "I have made a couple of selections for you."
Charlotte smiled. "They are all so beautiful."
"Yes, Miss."
"Please, call me Charlotte."
"Oh, no Miss." Lydia shook her head. "Lady Worcester would not like that."
"How long have you known her?"
"All my life, Miss. My family has been in service to the Worcesters for three generations. Lady Susan Worcester is the best of the bunch, if you will forgive me, Miss. They are all very good people, but my lady has a very generous heart." Lydia looked to the door to ensure she was not being overheard. "With people she likes." The rest was implied.
"I understand that you are not from London."
"Oh no, Miss. From their country estate in _shire." She smiled proudly. "Lady Susan asked for me personally to assist you during your stay."
"Well, I am very happy she did. I am afraid I am out of my depth here in London."
Lydia laughed. "I am too."
"Then we will have to muddle our way through, yes?" Charlotte said conspiratorially.
"Yes, Miss." Lydia nodded to the dresses.
Charlotte looked them over. "I like the green one."
"I do as well, Miss. It is my favorite. And if you will forgive me," she added. "With your skin and hair, I think it will be very becoming on you."
Charlotte smiled and wondered who she would be dressing for that evening, certainly not Sidney Parker.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Sidney was early to meet Babington and was two glasses in before Babington arrived.
"Parker, my man, well met."
Sidney shook his hand warmly and waved to the server to bring another round of drinks.
"What brings you to town, Babington?"
"Truth be told, a meeting with my banker and solicitor."
"Oh?" Sidney downed another glass and ordered a bottle.
"Drinking to celebrate or to forget," Babington asked.
"A little of both," Sidney faked a smile at his friend. "I have ended my engagement to Mrs. Campion."
Babington nearly laughed. It was nothing to laugh about, but it felt funny for some reason. "Something I said."
Sidney nodded. "Something she didn't." Sidney poured another glass for his friend. "I am the fool. How could I have trusted her a second time?"
"Did you?" Babington asked. "Did you really trust her … with your -."
Sidney laughed out loud at that. "Oh lord no!" He lit a cigar. "I trusted that I would be … in control this time. But she is more calculating and vicious than I gave her credit for. No, no, no. I am well rid of her." He shrugged and took a long drag on his cigar. "The situation remains, though, I need to find funding for Tom." He lifted his glass to toast Babington. "But at least I will do it as a free man."
Babington toasted him. "Well, on that account I have some news for you."
"Yes, yes … you were saying. What news?"
"I am making an investment in your little seaside town. It won't cover all the costs, but I think it will keep you afloat for a time."
Sidney looked concerned. "I can't ask you to do that."
"And you didn't," Babington assured him. "Frankly I did it for my wife and myself."
"It is much appreciated, old friend." Sidney gave him a warning glance. "Not too much."
"Nothing that a year away from gambling won't cover." He clapped his friend on the shoulder. "But as I am a married man now, that was a given."
"You have been tamed," Sidney exclaimed. "What would Crowe say?"
Babington shook the thought away. "There is more – perhaps better news."
"Please." Sidney leaned back in his chair. "I am eager to hear any good news today. I feel lucky."
"I had a conversation with old Lady Denham."
"Oh lord." Sidney took a drink.
"She promised not to call the debt and agreed to restructure it as an investment - permanently. So if Sanditon fails, she fails but Tom will not have to pay her back. "They are partners, essentially."
"Tom will love that."
"He will love staying out of the poor house."
"Yes, yes … of course you are correct. How did you do it, my man?"
"The Lady was forced to own that she did not … did not do all that she could to ensure the success of the venture and will remedy that in the future. She will continue to be the main investor."
"Does Tom need to give up little Henry to her?"
"Nothing so dramatic. Her percentage in the profits from the project will increase proportionally."
"And what else?"
"She will need a few buildings named after her, the main street, the regatta and some other sundry accolades in her honor."
"And what else?"
"She will select someone to over see the overseer." He sighed. "Someone to manage Tom – his spending, the debt and the choices he makes."
Sidney shook his head and laughed. "How did you manage that?"
"I simply reminded her that should Sanditon fail, that there would be no Denham legacy."
"That is all?"
"Never underestimate the desire for a lonely old woman to be needed and remembered." Babington had the information that Lady Denham planned to leave all her money to Sanditon in her will, it was not a far leap to get her to understand that giving it while she still lived would reap so many more rewards. With Clara and Edward disowned and Ester very well taken care of, there was no one who needed her money, nor did they need her. She would be completely alone until she died – with the exception of Sanditon.
"A miracle worker." Sidney clapped him on the back again. "I don't know how I will ever be able to repay you."
"I am still in your debt my friend for dragging me to a sleepy little town devoid of any amusement and forcing me to stay." Babington grinned. "How else would I have ever met my Lady Babington?"