Charlotte turned away from the sea view as Sidney and the Captain became distant shadows on the water. And what to do now? Patience was a tough pill to swallow. But the Captain had been right. It would have been uncaring to have left Lady Denham alone on the boat. Especially considering the slight cough she had developed over the course of the journey. She swore it was because of the shortage of donkey milk available onboard.
Whatever the reason, Charlotte decided to pay the older lady a visit. She had a hardy exterior but Charlotte was convinced that everyone just showed their need for kindness and affection in different ways. Also, spending some time with her would surely help shorten the hours spent waiting for Sidney and the Captain to return.
She knocked on Lady Denham's door, waiting for the croaking command to enter that was sure to come. Once inside, she smiled kindly at the elderly lady, already tucked up in bed.
"You young ones must have tired me out with all these late nights, Miss Heywood. I find I can hardly keep my eyes open."
Charlotte ducked her head. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I must admit I've been making the most of the opportunity to learn so much from you and the Captain."
"Yes. Well, it is nice to have someone interested in something other than my blasted wealth, I suppose. Would you care to read to me for a bit?"
"Of course. What would you like to hear?"
"Perhaps a sonnet or two, Miss Heywood."
Charlotte settled in a chair beside the bed with a collection of sonnets. Opening at random she began reading, "Let those who are in favor with their stars …"
The silence stretched in the room as the sonnet ended.
Lady Denham gave a short laugh that shortly turned into a fit of coughing. After drinking from the glass of water Charlotte offered her, she turned her teary eyes to meet Charlotte's.
"Yes, well that was a most fitting sonnet. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Heywood?"
"How do you mean, ma'am?"
"Well," she paused to pat her mouth with a handkerchief. "All I have is wealth and that is easily removed with my death. But you … You have the love of Mr. Parker and I doubt that will ever be removed."
Charlotte felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. She began her protest but was quickly interrupted.
"Oh pish posh Miss Heywood. Anyone with eyes can see the way he looks at you. I'll give you the same advice I gave Esther. Marry the man, if he asks, because he loves you and that's the best position to be in. To be loved."
Charlotte nodded slowly, trying desperately to find a response.
Luckily she was saved from replying as Lady Denham waved her hands about and continued.
"You two as a married couple would be a force for good in terms of business in Sanditon. I'd be able to rest a lot easier knowing it was in your hands than in those of Mr. Tom Parker. Now go, leave me be. I need to rest and I'm sure you have much to think on."
She did. And many hours to think on it. To worry about Georgiana and wonder about Sidney. He teased and smiled and made her heart flop about but that wasn't reason enough to go falling head over heels for him. Was it? Too many thoughts. Knowing that she'd find no rest with her mind running around the way it was, she made her way to the library instead. At least there she'd be able to distract herself with words until Sidney and the Captain returned and she could have an answer to at least one of her questions. Was Georgiana safe?
Just to be sure, she barricaded the door to the library with a chair once she was inside. She had gotten to know a few of the sailors and she believed them to be the decent sort, but after her previous experiences, she was wary. Then, she grabbed a pile of books and curled herself up in a chair, gearing up for many hours of waiting.