Sidney was thankful to get away from Charlotte's brothers and noticed that he saw Arthur and Diana socialising in the main tent. He shook his head as he felt so many things had changed, and he couldn't work out how it had happened.

He moved towards the other tent and sees a man signing a document before lady Susan, Charlotte and Lord Thomas. Charlotte certainly had a triumphant look on her face and looks up and sees Sidney. Speaking quietly to Susan who nods, and she takes Sidney away from the tent. "Charlotte what is going on? Who is that man?" he demands. She takes him to a quiet place and they sit down. "Mary told me that Tom's debts have been bought by various people and one of those was that man in the tent. He has been sending threatening letters to Mary and she told me about it the other day. Thomas discovered that this man is a great gambler himself and we made a bet with him in return for the debt. We made a wager with him that a woman could win such a race, but he made it difficult for me as I required a partner. That is why we had to win."

"Charlotte… what if we had lost?" an astounded Sidney breathed out

"The man wanted an introduction to the prince regent and was prepared to lose $20 000 pounds".

He looks deeply into her eyes… "Charlotte… but breaths out in frustration when he realises they were no longer alone. "Mr Cross, I guess you played and lost" smilies a smug Charlotte. Mr Cross giving both of them a nod and was escorted off the property. Thomas coming up behind them congratulates them both. "I am hungry… let's celebrate." They sat down, and Thomas giving her the paperwork holding the $20 000 debt and she spent some time gazing at it.

"Mr Parker, I need to tell you Mr Cross was planning to take your sister-in-law to court." Thomas informed Sidney. Sidney frowns but Charlotte stops him… "don't get angry with Tom… we know that he was getting desperate and was not thinking straight. We were able to act quickly so the children won't have to see their mother go to prison."

Sidney didn't know what to say... he was in shock. Even after he had sacrificed himself his brother continued to borrow money.

"My lady, as you were able to obtain this, you can decide what you want to do with this debt" declare Thomas. She puts her hand out at Sidney who gives her his lighter and she sets it on fire.

Charlotte turns to Thomas who nods, and she focuses her attention on Sidney "Sidney, we need to give you the full picture of your brother's problems." Sidney started to speak and was annoyed that the Earl knew about his family problems, but Charlotte gave him a stern look as if she was reading his thoughts. "Tom told you he owes $80 000 pounds but that is a small estimate of it. From what we have discovered it is more like $200 000 pounds and he has borrowed money from some shady people in London to keep his Sanditon dream alive." she quietly informs him.

"The $40 000 pounds from your marriage will not save your brother… it will only hold the debtors at bay a little longer. You still may have to be prepared to see him go to prison." Thomas stated plainly.

Charlotte could see Sidney's distress "We know you are under a lot of pressure and haven't been in the position, but we need your help now. Thomas has been using his contacts to determine all debts that have been made in Mary or the children's names." Charlotte looked at him compassionately. "I am sorry to say we have just received word that he has taken out a loan in the name of Henry Parker for $10 000 pounds." Tears formed in her eyes as she pictures little Henry's innocent face. Sidney's jaw twitched and he clenched his hands into fists. "We have had to come up with some creative ways in paying off these debts such as today. James and John's prize winnings have already been used to pay off the debt taken out in Little Henry's name, but I am afraid your brother must bear some of this burden." "He has gotten used to being bailed out and is very good at manipulating people, especially his little brother who is going to marry a woman he doesn't love" Thomas looking at Sidney.

Thomas continued "Mr Parker, we have reached a critical point and now must ask you to do something? We need you to watch you brother and make sure he doesn't make any more loan arrangements especially since he know you have paid off $40 000 pounds of his debts. He will notice that the demands for the debts disappear and then think he can borrow more money. We know your future wife's reputation and know you will be restricted in how you can help in the future. We had to tell Mary about the situation and promised her that she and children will be taken care of if Tom ends up in debtors' prison. She is going to stand by your brother but has made a difficult request to Charlotte who has agreed. If your brother continues to take out more loans in his children's names Mary will hand over guardianship of the children to Charlotte so that no more debts can be legally amassed in their names. The arrangement has been formally written and signed by both Mary and Charlotte in the presence of my solicitors. Either lady can activate the arrangement if the children are placed under further danger by your brother" Thomas speaking plainly.

"We hope that it will never come to this but, you need to understand for me to have that authority I must marry." spoke Charlotte truthfully. He looks at her with pain and didn't know what to say. A servant arrived giving a message to Tomas who hands it to Charlotte who reads it… "hmm" giving Sidney the note... his brother had just taken out a $5 000 loan in Emma Parker's name.

"We need to keep our heads Mr Parker so that those we love are looked after. James and John have a number of rounds left so I think we should be able to pay this off. My father is needing them back at the farm by understands that they are doing something for me. Sidney just stared at her and was amazed at her grace and willingness to help his poor family.

"I keep underestimating you Miss Heywood… you must have felt limited at Sanditon." Sidney staring intently into Charlotte's eyes

"It was just a different experience and taught me that I need to work harder to get what I want in life". Charlotte also directly looking at him.

"I am happy that you now know what we are doing and we will inform you of our progress" a relieved Charlotte shared with Sidney. She really wanted to do this with him and felt she had been keeping a secret from him.

"Thomas let us total what we have been able to raise to pay off the debts for Mary and the children?". Thomas getting out his diary and Charlotte find hers.

1. James and John have contributed $10 000 pounds from their prize winnings

2. We have also made $10 000 from the various strategic bets we have made.

3. The boys have two more tournaments and we are predicting they could generate another $10 000"

4. Sidney and Charlotte were able to gain the $20 000 debt today and we earned $10 000 from bets.

5. Sophia and Charlotte had been successful in a number of card games earning $10 000 from a number of games played with the prince regent"

6. Shares in a company were now worth $10 000"

"Well done we have generated $80 000… not too bad" Charlotte who laughs when observing the look of shock on Sidney's face.

Thomas informed Sidney that they believed that they had found all outstanding debts in Mary, Emma, Jenny, Little Henry Parker's and baby Thomas's names. They were of course all shady characters, but we were able to buy back them at a discounted rate as they wanted payments.

"How much did my brother borrow Lord Thomas?" Sidney was trying hard not to get angry….

"Thankfully he had only started doing this last year and the amount is about $50 000 pounds…

"I tell you if he was not my brother I would kill him" swear Sidney but stops himself when he sees Charlotte's alarm.

"I know how you feel but we need to keep our heads clear and calm" gently says Charlotte. "Thomas is a very clever negotiator and he was able to purchase these debts for $25 000 due to his close connections with the court system. These shady characters didn't want their businesses raided and met his demands." Thomas bringing out the various documentation which showed the various amounts.

Sidney just looks at her with pain in his eyes and lowers his head. Charlotte just wanted to comfort him but they had business to complete.

Charlotte continues...

"Mr Parker your brother has been gambling with his children's lives and I was shocked at the extent of his deception. Even though we have generated the money to pay for these we are still going to call in these debts in exchange for various properties in Sanditon. They will be placed in trust for the four Parker children. This hopefully will scare him enough, so he will live within his means and put his family first. It important that when your brother contacts you to convince him that it is the only way to save his project. You are going to have to watch him, so he doesn't try to borrow more money. Are you ok if we use some guilt by using his children's names to move this along?" Sidney nods

"I think I should be there so that it goes smoothly". Thomas agrees with him

"I will arrange to visit Mary just before so the children will see nothing" Charlotte decides

"I am going to get our Mr Grace to conduct the meeting as I have been mentoring Tom so once he is out of debt he will not make the same mistakes" decides Thomas.

"I don't understand why?" Why, are you helping us? Sidney honestly asks Thomas

"I had an Aunt who was in the same position as Mary. She was lucky because my father helped her. You have met one of her sons the "The Earl of Brisbane" who has also been assisting us in our investigation. No child should suffer because of their parent's actions. Charlotte loves your family and she came to us for help. We are always happy to help her". Sidney tenderly looks at her and this forces Charlotte to look away as she was overcome with emotion.

They discussed when would be the best time to deal with Tom. Charlotte asking Sidney his thoughts. He paused and suggested they go now as it appeared Tom was taking out new debts. Charlotte agreed and turned to Thomas who sent a message for Mr Grace who to meet them at the Parker home. Sidney offered to take them both and was surprised when his invitation was accepted. Charlotte only asked if they could stop at Susan's home so she could change. This certainly created pleasant images for Sidney.

Charlotte and Thomas were quick and ready within 20mins. Zeus and Hercules were also coming as they would provide a distraction for the children. Once they arrived Thomas told them he would speak with Mr Grace and he asked if Sidney could organise for Charlotte to be taken home.

As Sidney approached the front door he was getting angry and was afraid he would not be able hold his temper. Charlotte looked at him and without him saying anything. "Mr Parker, you are the only one who can force you brother to see his faults and accept his consequences, you are a successful man who can now be of assistance to your brother who clearly has some problems. Just think of me, I am going to have to play with the children and try not cry as I remember the money that was loaned in their names." Tears formed in her eyes and Sidney gave her his handkerchief, both giving each other a final look for the task ahead. Zeus and Hercules could sense tension and would not leave Charlotte or Sidney…

"Hey chaps… I was the one who saved you!" complained Thomas but the dogs were focused on the other two. Thomas bidding them good day and left them to complete this difficult task.

Mary was surprised to see Sidney and Charlotte but looking at their faces knew something was wrong.

Sidney speaking first..."Mary, is Tom here? there is a person coming to see him about an urgent matter and I thought it would be best if I was present during this meeting. Mary come over and gives Sidney an embrace and thanks him for his compassion for the family.

Charlotte had been dropped off to ask if Mary and the children if they would like to go to the park. The children had heard their voices and had rushed into the room. Each wanting an embrace from their Uncle Sidney and Charlotte. Both Sidney and Charlotte struggling to keep their faces happy as they looked at the innocent looks of Henry, Jenny and Emma. Henry was feeling tired and asked if he could stay with his Uncle Sidney, but Charlotte ended up picking him up and putting him on the back of Zeus so he could pretend to be a knight. Sidney watched as they left and caught Charlotte's attention and was thankful he was not doing this difficult task alone.

Sidney was planning to put Charlotte into a carriage but seeing her distress decided to go with her. As the carriage moved she started sobbing and couldn't stop. She kept seeing the faces of the children and Mary crying as she told her what was happening back at the house. "I am being selfish Mr Parker, you had to witness Mr Grace call in the debts.". She kept crying and had to look away to try and gain some control. Sidney had been thankful to be with his brother but couldn't forget the fear and shame his brother showed as his choices were exposed. Thankful he had agreed to the demands of Mr Grace and allowed Sidney to regularly check his accounts. Sidney could have lost his temper as he brother continued to make excuses for his actions but stopped each time when he thought of Charlotte. He was distressed to see Charlotte so upset but was thankful for her support. Each dog placing their heads on their chosen adult. Sidney was thinking about Eliza and knew she would never would had lowered herself in this way and it demonstrated the superiority of Charlotte. While thinking he was stroking Zeus's head and smiled when he heard a contended sigh from the dog.

He dropped her home and was thankful she was looking composed. He and Thomas were able to talk about the outcome with Mr Grace and the future plans. Charlotte was still effected by what had happened and while the men talked tears flowed down her face. Sidney himself was distressed because he couldn't comfort Charlotte the way he wanted. Thomas decided to act and asked if Sidney had any plans tonight as he had secured seats for a music performance. He agreed and was pleased that he would see Charlotte again. He decided not to tell Eliza and sent her a note to let her know he was busy. Georgina was also attending, and he felt justified in going. Thomas suggested he meets them at Lady Susan's and they could go together. He didn't know how many times he checked his clothing before arriving. He was nervous when he walked into the home of Lady Susan. He was thankful she was attending another event and he didn't have to face her. The boys had gone with Lady Susan and Sidney was relieved that he was not going to be watched by her brothers. He was greeted enthusiastically by Zeus and Hercules who were scolded by Thomas who never received such a welcome. The dogs wage their tails but stay with Sidney. Georgina was already ready and was a little annoyed to see him. He spoke with her briefly and had been glad she was going ok.

"Charlotte, hurray up we are going to be late" Georgina calls out in annoyance.

"I am coming now". Charlotte was wearing one of her new gowns and to release the tension decided to make a dramatic entrance.

"Thomas" she calls… "I want to make a grand entrance and practise my court manners." Thomas standing at the entrance of the room and puts on his best court manners. Introduces Charlotte who sweeps into the room and performs a magnificent deep courtesy. She takes out her fan and hides her face as she rises. Thomas moving forward and bows to takes her hand. They burst out laughing and Charlotte asks "what mark will you give me?". Thomas puts on a serious face… "very good but I didn't think you were going to be able to get up!" She takes her fan and gives him a poke and he pretends to be injured. Thomas turns to Georgina who was smiling, and Charlotte had achieved her aim.

Sidney didn't think Charlotte could keep getting more beautiful and was speechless. Thomas taking the lead and Sidney was forced to take his ward's arm as they headed out for the event. They did not go to the London music hall but Kennington Palace. It was filled with many royals and the highest of the social circle. He was introduced to many people and HRH Prince Michael of Norway. Sidney feeling a little left out but found that Charlotte never left him alone. She had a real gift of conversing with anyone and knew what to say. He also found the conversations stimulating and he was able to flex his intellect when normally he was forced to hide it in his usual social circle. It felt good to discuss matters of science and technological developments instead of ideal gossip. He also noticed that Charlotte would tell people about her time at Sanditon and recommended the place for the coming summer season.

The music program had finished, and the conductor got up and bowed to the audience. Charlotte gasps as she recognised her music teacher. She turns to Sophia and points him out and both ladies go over to congratulate him on the performance. This was another puzzling thing for Charlotte to ponder about her parents and her social position.

Sidney had been happy to be with Charlotte and was glad to see Georgina looking happy. Charlotte's knowledge of music was in depth and it was evident her education had been more than an average farmer's daughter. It took all his will power not to hold her hand but thought he felt her hold his hand tighter when he led her into the event. They arrived back at the house... Thomas inviting him in for a drink. He declined but thanked Thomas for his invitation.

Charlotte walked him out… they kept bumping into each other and Sidney has to place his arm on her to steady both of them. He thanked her for the evening and they were standing so close to each other. Thomas finding them in the hallway staring at each other.

Thomas coughs, and Sidney quickly bids them goodnight.