Henry the chosen one
Since seeing Crowe ... Charles had been sitting in his study thinking about Sidney. He knew the man was in constant distress and from all accounts his marriage was a business arrangement. Even though it had been over 2 years Sidney still struggled with the choice he made for his family. It was a constant topic when he got drunk and all Charles could do was listen to his friend grieve.
He thoughts turned back to his other friend and his transformation. He had never seen Henry Crowe so healthy and happy with his life. He knew that the friendship between the three men was going to end. He took a drink and grieved this loss… everything was going to be different… he hoped he didn't have to take sides. He knew already Esther wanted to spend more time with Charlotte. He also had to admit he enjoyed Crowe's company and up beat personality.
They were heading into stormy waters and he prayed that everyone would come out of it!
As Charles and Crowe thought about breaking the news Sidney Parker discovered it out himself...
It was the morning of the Friday dinner ... Charlotte and her sisters were walking along a road in London heading towards a park for the little ones to play. They had planned to meet Henry with Alex after they had completed their errands. The women had been to the dress maker to make the final arrangements for the clothing. The bulk of the clothes and wedding items were being delivered directly to Lady Susan's house and then by wagons to Willingdon. Crowe had been to the jeweller to pick up custom designed pieces as a wedding gift. He had already presented Charlotte with his grandmother's engagement ring and enjoyed watching her touch the ring and move it on her finger.
Alison and Charlotte were walking towards the park when they were spotted by Sidney whose coach happened to be passing them. The women had witnessed the carriage suddenly stop and they gathered the little ones to keep them safe.
To Charlotte's surprise Sidney Parker got out of the carriage. He walked up to them... slowing his pace as he noticed the startled look of the women and children. Charlotte taking a breath and gathered her courage to convey her wedding news.
"Good morning… Mr Parker" Charlotte giving him a pleasant smile. It was not how she wanted to tell him but she had to make the best of the situation.
"Good morning, Miss Heywood" Sidney bowing to the group. He seemed to be on edge and there was suddenly tension in the air.
"Let me introduce you to my sisters … Alison, Lydia and Johanna Heywood… this is Mr Sidney Parker… he is a friend of Henry Crowe." The girls faces brightened at hearing their future big brother's name.
Sidney's eyebrows had moved into a slight frown as he was perplexed by their reaction to Crowe's name. "How would these children know Crowe?"
"Yes, Crowe and I went to school together so I guess we are very old friends" he replied
"We call him Henry" Lydia speaking proudly to this dark stranger. This adding to the confusion and as Sidney always struggled with small talk looked uncomfortable.
Alison deciding to join the conversation asking "How is Mrs Parker?" while giving him a pointed look. He shifted uncomfortably….
"My wife is ok… we are here for the season before returning to Sanditon." he replied. His chest getting tight as he referred to Eliza by that term when he only wanted to use it for Charlotte.
" Oh… that must be nice for you and your wife" Alison sweetly commented. She couldn't help herself but stopped as her sister squeezed her arm. Charlotte didn't want to get him upset.
"Are you spending the season in town?" He asked hopefully as he looked at Charlotte intently…. 'those eyes…. I could drown in them'…. His thoughts were interrupted by Charlotte answering his question.
"No, we are only staying for two weeks and returning home to Willingdon."
" Ah I see"…. struggling to think of something else to say.
"Are you staying with family?" he asks while looking longingly at Charlotte
"No we are staying with our close friend Lady Worcester" replied Charlotte.
Their conversation was interrupted by the manager from the dress maker running to give them a forgotten package. Before leaving the lady graciously commented "We are so pleased you decided to have your wedding clothes made by us Miss Heywood… if you need anything could you please let us know in the future."
The tension that was present increased instantly as Sidney's body become rigid and his face taking on a pained look.
Sidney had frozen on the spot after hearing wedding clothes…. "Are you getting married Miss Heywood?" he struggled to breath out the words. His heart rate increasing as he waited for his worst fears to be confirmed.
"Yes, Mr Parker". Alison making the point of moving her hand so that Sidney would notice her Sister's engagement ring. Sidney's eyes couldn't move away from the elegant ring that graced her finger. It spoke of wealth and connection….
In a quiet ... tense voice he asked "Would I know your future husband?"
"Yes sir, you would... Mr Henry Crowe!" Charlotte smiling but was fully aware of the tense man before her.
"WHAT! Crowe!" his tone taking on a dangerous edge. Sidney fisted his hands together and moved closer to them. The girls suddenly pressing themselves against their sisters as they had been startled.
To Charlotte's relief she spotted Henry with Alex on his shoulders heading in their direction. The girls recognising him instantly sprinted towards him as they needed his comfort and protection. In fact they threw themselves at him and he quickened his pace. He picked up the girls and Alex held on tight as he had seen their frightened faces. Sidney's back was to him but he could see the concerned looks on both Charlotte and Alison's faces.
"Hello, Parker... It has been a while since we have seen one another" Henry keeping his voice light and cheerful
Sidney had gone into a trance as he looked at Crowe... taking in his changes. Crowe sticking out his hand in greeting forcing Sidney to accept the handshake. Sidney tried to put a bit of force into it but found it was returned with stronger pressure. Sidney was sizing him up and Henry noticed Sidney's eyes had gone dangerously dark.
"Charlotte, I believe we have an appointment and it looks like these little ones need a rest. It will be good to catch up sometime Parker... Good day" Crowe taking his group towards the carriage leaving behind a very angry man...