Let the Battle Begin
Sidney had spent the rest of the day locked in his study surrounded by urgent business matters and a full liquor cabinet. The consumption of alcohol had helped in a small way of dulling his pain but he knew it would not stop a broken heart. His mind going back to the clifftop and he now wished he had been strong enough to say to her 'I love you and I need you to marry me' but he had not been thinking straight…. Instead letting her go … It was done, and he couldn't change it but seeing Charlotte after 2 years... he wished fate had intervene and he would have been free to marry her.
He was brought back to reality when reading an urgent letter from Tom requesting more financial support as he had ordered material for the new theatre. Sanditon had become a prison for poor Sidney... he would never be free from it.
"Tom, you bloody fool… you have always been the greatest hinderance in my life…he finishes his drink and focused on the task at hand of finding money for his brother once again.
He had to keep reminding himself he married Eliza for the Parker family…. 'Parker Family first' was the mantra he used when Eliza threw the fact her money saved his family. He truly hated that woman and her endless need for social position. She had only just told him that they were attending another event tonight and he was unable to find an excuse to decline.
He made a hasty toilet and entered the carriage at the agreed time. He commented that they were arriving before usual dinner parties. Eliza laughing at him and told him that they had been invited before the main guests… which means their social position was improving… "we will be there when everyone else arrives!". Sidney had stopped listening to her as she was talking about things he had no interest in. He just hoped the liquor would be good quality and he could minimise his socialising.
"Who is hosting the dinner? he asks trying his best to be civil
"Lady Susan Worcester… she holds the key to the upper circle and her inviting us is a sign we are finally being accepted!" cries an excited Eliza
Sidney suddenly feeling faint and felt the need to place his head between his legs.
Charlotte was staying with Lady Susan…. he was going to have to be on his best behaviour. He shouldn't have drunk so much and he remembered his actions earlier had frightened her siblings. Then his hands went into fists when he thought about his traitor friend Crowe who had stolen Charlotte. He prayed he would be able to make it through the night without breaking something.
When Sidney and Eliza entered the drawing room they were met with the happy scene of everyone reading books. Eliza was surprised but for Sidney it gave him an insight to what his life should have been like. His eyes searching the room and his breath hitched as he took in her beautiful form... yet his eyes narrowed as he observed Crowe's closeness to her and his freedom to openly adore her.
"Oh, I am sorry that we are reading… Mrs Parker ... I remember you telling us once that reading is not a helpful pursuit… I am a strong advocate of reading and their parents encourage this activity from a young age. I have to say Mr Heywood was very upset when he heard his daughter was humiliated for being known as a reader. I assured him that this person was ill breed. The times I have visited the Heywood I have always enjoyed their generous library" wickedly smilies Susan ... alluding to the time when Eliza had humiliated Charlotte at the Sanditon Regatta.
Bang…. Lady Susan fired her first shot at Eliza!
Once all the introductions were completed the couple were invited to sit down on the spare lounge. Sidney electing to stand and was quick to take advantage of the drink cabinet. Henry noticing his friend was already under the influence of alcohol suggested the children not stay too long. He leaned closer to Charlotte who nodded in agreement. Henry wanted to make sure his friend didn't embarrass himself but also the children had had limited contact with heavy drinkers.
"Mrs Parker, what do you think of the dresses these girls are wearing" asks Susan as she watched Johanna and Lydia twirling in the centre of the room.
"They are pretty my lady, I don't have much to do with children but they are certainly made of the finest material" Eliza trying to earn some grace with Lady Susan
"Henry, bought these dresses for us and they are very pretty" happily informs Johanna while giving her largest smile to her future big brother.
"Henry bought my suit, we went together to be measured up…" Alex not wanting to be left out. Henry was so proud as this was the first time the little boy had spoken up in public with people he didn't know. "Yes, it was little man... and I imagine we will be doing more of this now I am going to be your big brother" scoring himself a hero smile from Alex. Sidney trying not to look jealous concentrated on his drink.
Henry was glad to see the children had not recognised Sidney and they were relaxed.
"Yes, I always enjoy spoiling these little ones and now we are family they are going to be spoilt even more". Alex putting his arm around Henry and the little girls rushed over for their own cuddle. Charlotte's face shone as she saw the way Henry treated her brother and sisters. When she looked up though she saw the dark look on Sidney's face and unconsciously taped Henry on the arm. Henry had been watching Sidney and hadn't missed the darkening of his mood. The unspoken communication between them was clear and demonstrated a deep understanding between each other.
"My, these children out spoken…. also very affectionate... I am of the opinion children are to be seen and not heard. Don't they have a nursery which would be better suited to their needs?" laughs Eliza
The three children no liking the face of the cold lady… Lydia leaning towards Susan and speaks loudly "She is a mean lady and you are prettier than her". The adults once again stifling their responses.
Susan changing the topic and spoke about activities the three children had been doing and telling the couple about the afternoon tea.
"Do you mean these children hosted an afternoon tea in their nursery?" Eliza commented with a critical tone. She was thinking it was an adult one and laughed when she discovered it was the girls who hosted the event.
"It was one of the best events I have attended and it was hosted superbly by my little princesses" Henry added to make the girls feel special. He was not going to let them be put down by this woman.
"Prinny came and he liked it" Lydia exclaimed defiantly
"Prinny… do they mean the Prince Regent?" questioned a shocked Eliza
"Yes, he is quite fond of those two… if you need a social connection you will need to be kind to these two. One his favourite activities when he visits Willingdon was fishing with the family" Susan couldn't help herself
At this point Alison, deciding it was time for the children to go back to the nursery but before going they went gave a hug and kiss for Charlotte, Henry and Susan BUT when they passed Eliza they poked their tongues at her.
Bang… Lady Susan fired her second shot at Eliza
Thankfully the Babbington's arrived which was a great relief to Sidney. He needed to friend to survive the night. He needed help as he was consumed with jealousy as he watched Crowe and Charlotte. He was getting angry looks from Eliza who felt under attack but all he could do was remain silent. He struggled to be civil when Charles came to speak with him. He wanted to ask more about Crowe but didn't have the capacity tonight.
Sidney spent his time silently watching the people before him … but he couldn't help it…. His eyes followed Charlotte and her beauty outshone all the ladies.
Charles coming next to him… "Old Friend… you are married to Eliza and Crowe is marrying Charlotte… you have to accept this"
The majority of the guests for the dinner were the elite of the ton and they all were happy to meet Crowe and Charlotte. Henry Crowe's disappearance had fuelled months of gossip and they had many questions. Henry was happy to answer them and told many entertaining stories about his life in Willindgon. Sidney's gut clenched when Crowe spoke about his close relationship with John Heywood and that he had bought the estate next door to be near her family.
Charlotte had been complimented on an investment suggestion that had many people on the table wealthy. Susan leaning closer too Sidney "it was such a pity you didn't ask Charlotte for help as the prince regent had money spare to invest" Susan couldn't help reminding his.
When the gentleman had gone into the saloon someone asked Crowe if he missed drinking. He happily shook his head and informed the group that it had been his best decision. The gentleman couldn't get over the fact this man who used to lived on alcohol ... no longer drank.
Sidney was sitting in the corner himself and was no longer speaking to anyone. Crowe attempted to speak with Sidney but was warned away by Sidney's deadly stare. He had consumed more alcohol and his friends could see he was losing control "Old friend, I think you need to go home… you know you will regret your actions… we are here for you" Charles encouraged Sidney.
As Sidney passed Crowe he grabbed his cravat...
"If I see you ever again I will kill you… do you understand… kill you" with a low growl ... Charles quickly helping Sidney out of the house and into the carriage. Eliza being informed but chose to be taken home by another guest. Eliza Parker had great hope for the evening but never received a future invitation from the elite of London society.
After everyone had left... Charlotte asked Henry about Sidney. She had watched his slow decline over the evening. Henry choosing not telling her about the death threat.
"Charles and I are going to have to go and check if he made it home. I am afraid he might go fighting tonight!" Henry told her with a worried voice. He loved his friend and didn't want something bad to happened to him while he was drunk.
Charlotte loved Henry's compassion for his friend and trusted he would be ok.
After saying goodnight to their ladies Charles and Henry went out to find Sidney...