Charlotte was continuing to implement her plan to save Sidney. To save Sanditon it will take further thought but she could start making money to help the Parker's. She was motivated to help Mary but in reality, she was doing it for Sidney. She wanted to go and tell him of her plans, especially as she saw his battered body after the one boxing match, but he was engaged and was getting married to Eliza. Over the course of following days, the investment company was able to purchase 30% of the debts owed by Tom. The debt repayments would be used to finance further investments in short and long-term projects. Within a week they noticed that their investment choices were good and that they were seeing a rise in their capital, any profits would be funnelled into other projects. A number of people were approached to join the investment group and Miss Lamb was also interested. Charlotte was working out how to set aside money so Mary could become an investor. The connections of the investors combined were presenting new business opportunities which excited Thomas and Charlotte. This venture was showing Charlottes business skills and it was challenging her intellect.
She was not going to be a helpless bystander but build a life for herself where she could make a difference!
As predicted her brothers were successful in the boxing ring and were enjoying their time meeting old friends. Mary kept Charlotte informed about Sidney's recovery and told her he had returned to his club. Charlotte was relieved as she had been worried for him but unable to visit him. Brandon has returned from his visit from her parents and had proposed a horse and flag riding competition. All were experienced riders and wanted to do something outside for a change. They were finding the indoor events trying and needed some exercise. Brandon organised the horses and James were given permission to use the Prince Regents personal park. It was closed to the public and it allowed the ladies to ride like the men. This competition needed speed and riding side saddle disadvantaged the women. The course was set up over the park with barriers and various challenges to be faced by the riders. Each rider had to collect flags and complete the course at a fastest time. Charlotte was excited and couldn't wait to get back on a horse. She wanted to feel the wind in her hair and the power of a horse while riding. Brandon had selected a horse called Victoria for her and she had ridden her a number of times. Charlotte knew that she could complete the course the fastest. It looked like there were a good number of riders and Charlotte surveyed the competition. She thought through what her father and riding instructor had taught her in regard to balance and speed. She wore a light dress with riding pants underneath, leather coat and riding boots. She didn't bother with a hat but just tied her hair with a leather strap. Sophie had done exactly the same and they laugh at each other. Both were so happy to see each other again and it was bringing back happy memories as young girls. The horses needed warming up and it was decided to use the horse track.
Charlotte had a huge smile on her face and could feel her horse was going to be fast today. She and Sophia were riding in the middle of the men, so no one would notice they were not riding side saddle. There were a lot of challenges being made and everyone could tell the day was going to be enjoyable. She and Sophie challenged each other but they really wanted to beat the men. They arrived at the track and everyone started putting the horses through their paces. Sophia and Charlotte were at an advantage as they were smaller, and they could push their horses faster. A number of flags were set up and everyone practised the required technique.
Once every rider was happy they headed over to the competition course.
Sidney was heading to a meeting for business when he noticed a group of people on horseback heading to the race track. He was feeling better, but his ego had been bruised by his loss to Charlotte's brother. He had always thought he was a powerful man, but he had met his match with her brothers. There were no races scheduled today and he wondered what was happening. He loved riding and had felt confined in London. His carriage got closer and he notices that there were two ladies amongst the riders and he spots Charlotte. She was not riding side saddle and by the dress of everyone in the group they were going to be racing their horses. His heart stopped and was worried for her… he shouldn't' as she was a very capable women but the overwhelming need to protect her took over.
Sidney asked his driver to find out what was happening. He waited outside the race track and was told that there was going to be a riding competition at the Prince Regent's private park. Sidney normally would be interested but all he could think about was the dangers of racing. Charlotte could get hurt or be killed. He gets out of his carriage and sees Thomas and approaches him. The others had already started on ahead and Thomas was going to follow them. He stops when he sees Sidney Parker. By the look on Sidney's face Thomas assumed he had seen Charlotte on her horse and knew she was going to be racing.
Without any proper acknowledgement Sidney speaks with a threatening tone "I don't think it is a good idea that you allow the ladies to participate. They could be injured or killed. I will call you to account if she is injured. I am certain Mr Heywood would be shocked at his daughter being placed in such danger".
Thomas laughs and then quickly apologises when he sees the rage appear on Sidney's face. "Mr Parker, there are many things you don't know about Charlotte. She is an expert horsewoman who was personally trained by her father and Sir Edwards who was one of our greatest riders. In our social set we encourage our ladies to challenge themselves and we don't force them to just serve tea. I am not concerned but if you are worried about her safety why don't you come"
Sidney who had to summon up all his will power not to punch Thomas in the face agrees to come. On the way Sidney trying to control his anger and wanted to appear calm when he saw Charlotte.
The Prince Regent had decided to attend the competition. He had invited numerous family members as this was a favourite sport of the royal family. When the riding group arrived, a large tent had been erected and people were sitting around tables filled with food and drink. Charlotte just shook her head and focused her mind on the race ahead. They had ridden the course and she knew the challenges that lay ahead.
Sidney had decided to ride one of the horses from his carriages as he wanted to be able to follow the race closely. Also, if there was an accident he could quickly help Charlotte. He was very annoyed with Thomas and the other men for letting the women participate in this type of competition. He had only witnessed one race before and someone had fallen to their death. It required expert riding skills and a good understanding of balance to collect the flags which were positioned at various heights. He had been reckless in his youth but had never attempted anything like this. He truly was frightened for Charlotte and wanted to try and convince her not to compete.
He was looking around and he couldn't see her but was stopped in his tracks. Sophia, Susan and Charlotte were strutting towards the group and were commanding the attention of anyone they passed. They had determined looks on their faces and Sidney had never been so attracted to Charlotte as she looked so powerful and capable.
They arrived, Sophia and Charlotte were assisted on their horses. He notices that John and James were not getting on horses. He edged his horse over to the group of riders to catch Charlotte attention. She nodes and asks him how he was? "I am well, Miss Heywood, thank you for caring for me that night". He looked at her intently and she blushed but regained her composure and asked him if he was competing. He shook his head and asked if she thought it was a good idea for her to complete. She became very angry " I can do what I want, Mr Parker, my brothers think I can do so why don't you?" He decided not to look at brothers who were taking on a protective look and he was acutely aware of their presence. He looked at her intensely and his fear for her safety was evident on his face. It stunned her, and she started feeling guilty that she going to compete in a dangerous race. She had to concentrate and not let emotions get in the way. "I know what I am doing Mr Parker, I have competed in these events many times. You are welcome to follow me from a distance".
But then someone suggested they race in pairs and Charlotte could see she was going to be paired with Lord Campbell and she knew Sidney was a good rider. "Mr Parker, I need you to be my racing partner, is your horse warmed up?" He could see there was something worrying her, and he suspected it has something to do with Lord Campbell who had been leering at her. "I am happy to be your partner Miss Heywood but I must confess this will be my first time".
She smiles at him brightly "Oh, Mr Parker once you have done it you will want to do it again." She goes over to the referee and they were going last, so she could prepare him.
"This is more than a horse race, we are required to collect flags that are placed in various locations and before she could continue John handed her a rifle which she checks, loads and passes it onto Sidney. James giving her another rifle which he had checked and loaded himself. "We also have to shoot at various targets along the course. "I suggest you carry the rifle like this" and she demonstrated the position and how it could quickly be turned to shoot. "Show me you can do it, we cannot go until you can show my brother's you can handle the gun." He mirrors her action and she nodes with encouragement. John giving him some helpful pointers and reminded him to make sure he didn't shoot his sister accidentally… Sidney couldn't work out if he was joking or being serious.
"Mr Parker, ignore my brothers… I need you to concentrate as we don't have long until we need to start our race. Also, we need to have speed and I know you horse can fly but to increase its speed we are going to have to minimise the time we sit on the saddle" and she demonstrates the position. "I don't mean to be rude by Mr Parker but how much have you smoked today? Please I need to know whether you have clear lungs for one of the tasks" Sidney look at her brothers who had crossed their arms and were waiting to hear his reply. Charlotte had told him of their clean living and he was feeling ashamed of his bad habits. He had cut back on his smoking and truthfully told her he only had one early this morning and she nodded satisfactorily and gave her brother's warning stares. "Good that will give us an advantage. I think it is best you don't know what is coming ahead but I need you to trust me and just do what I tell you."
"Since we are going to need to quickly communicate with each other I suggest we use our first names? Agree" "He nodded without even thinking about it, to use her first name was like drinking water in a dry desert.
"We are going to be barking orders at each other and I have no doubt we will not find that hard to do" she had a mischievous look on her face. He laughs, and she laughs back. Her face turns seriously, "it is important we win as someone has bet a woman cannot win and I want to prove them wrong. Now, one more thing 'Sidney' you need to shed excess clothing"…. He raised his eyebrows at her while giving his coats to a servant until she was satisfied. He had also noticed she had shed her excess clothing and he was appreciating her feminine form. He had to cool his look as her brothers were standing next to her, arms crossed looking at him threatening. It felt they were telepathically telling him "We are watching you Mr Sidney Parker… you broke our sister's heart and now getting married to another lady… if we catch you doing anything with our sister you know what we can do". He gulped and chose to focus on his horse.
Let the competition begin...
Charlotte edged her horse to the start line and directed Sidney's to be near hers. The last things she told him "Remember we must win, so play hard!". They turn their eyes to the flags ahead which would direct their path and the bell rang.
"Haahh!" their horses springing into action and their speeds increased as they headed down the hill.
"Sidney, a flag is coming up and I need you to grab it and I will take the shot at a target" Her hair was flying around her face and he had to concentrated. He focused his attention on the flag and grabbed it with little effort turning to see her standing up while edging her horse forwards while shooting with pinpoint accuracy.
"Let's pick up speed this is where the other riders lost time. You are going to have to shoot the next target and I will grab the next flag, are you ready?".
Sidney had to remember how to pull the gun while controlling his horse and was in awe of her riding skills. The flag was low and he watched in amazement when she wrapped her legs around the saddle and lowered herself to grab the flag… "Sidney….. target! take the shot". He steadied himself and thankfully hit the middle of the target.
"We need to pick up our speed again and she lowered herself even more to minimise wind drag. He followed her and could feel the difference as they sped to the next target area. "Sidney, look ahead… do you see a barrier ahead, he nodes…. "We are going to have to jump it… are you ready? " he gulps and concentrates as they neared the jump and he noticed that there were already people sitting at this point to watch the accidents. "Come closer to me so we are side by side and I will count … 1, 2, 3 jump" and when his horse left the ground he could feel his heart in his throat "Grab the flag! her voice shouted and all he could do what put his hand up and thankfully caught the flag. She had her gun out and fired a succession of rounds that hit the middle of 5 targets perfectly without her losing any speed.
"Pick up the pace, no one has been able to grab the flag from the next round so we could win this. Get the gun out and focus on the target as it is coming up quickly." she commands him. He didn't have time to think but glanced to his side and noticed in horror as she stood on top of the saddle and was heading towards a flag which was high in the air, she urged her horse forward and before his very eyes she had grabbed the flag. "Sidney, target, shoot!" He took the shot and thankfully hit the middle of the target. He didn't dare think what would have happened if he had missed.
"Charlotte you are crazy" She smiles back and urged her horse and they thundered towards the finish line. They were meet by a huge group of people and they were declared the winners. Charlotte letting out a huge cheer and without thinking grabs his hand and gives it a huge squeeze.
"You don't realise what this will mean for Tom and Mary, thank you".
He frowns but didn't get a change to ask as she had gone straight away to speak with Thomas who helped her off her horse and headed towards a tent. James and John Heywood came up and congratulated Sidney on his shooting and horsemanship. He was happy that he was able to show some skills compared to his boxing failure. "Our father would have been impressed by your skills and we were impressed you were able to keep up with our sister. She is the best shooter in our family and no one compares to her skill. We hope that she will find a husband that will match her skill and wit." John was purposely looking at Sidney who felt he was melting under his gaze. He didn't know what to say and made an excuse to find out what was happening in the tent.
Sidney couldn't get over what he had just participated in..
Charlotte... what a woman!