Opening ball of the season

It was the first ball of the season and everyone who was someone was present. Sidney was not enjoying his time and found everyone very annoying and boring. Eliza of course was focusing on herself and working hard to push them forward in society. He had been feeling unsettled since seeing Charlotte and anticipated he would see her again at tonight's ball. If only things had turned out differently he would have been attending it with Charlotte as his wife. Observing Eliza was occupied he slipped into the card room away from the noise and merriment. Taking solace in the dime room he played cards. After a time not really satisfied he leaves the tables and goes back to the ballroom. Quickly casting his eyes over the room and spots Eliza and he starting working out how to make an early exit.

Mary and Tom were fortunate to been invited to attend the opening ball of the season. With help from Charlotte Mary was able to remake one of her gowns and it had only cost a small amount of money. Charlotte herself using some of her £100 to help her friend. Mary was unaware that Charlotte had visited the dressmaker herself to make payments. Charlotte 's generosity and love for her friend showed her true heart. Susan asked Charlotte to include Mary in their group when she arrived at the ball.

Mary was hoping to see Charlotte but was fearful Tom was going to use it as an opportunity to sell Sanditon and already saw people moving quickly away. Mary felt out of place amongst these highly ranked people whom she didn't know. She notices Eliza made no attempt to speak with her. Tom disappeared leaving Mary sitting by self and she was increasingly becoming uncomfortable. She felt that people were judging her but as she was deciding to leave Lady Susan's party arrives. They were an elegant and stylish party making a statement when they entered the ballroom. Mary recognised Charlotte who was wearing a beautiful satin gown in a colour which perfectly matched her complexion. Charlotte saw Mary sitting by herself and asked Susan if she could join their party. Lady Susan stops, and Charlotte introduces Mary to Susan who invites her to join them. Mary felt like she had been saved and her smile was bright as she held onto charlotte's arm. Mary sharing with her what had happened and Charlotte firmly saying "I promise you Mary, you will never have to feel that way again" Mary giving her friend a hug and tears formed in her eyes.

Even though Sidney was keeping a distance from his brother he couldn't cope seeing his sister-in-law sitting by yourself and Eliza clearly not helping her. He stops and watches Charlotte... never growing tired of her beauty or poise. She had a regal look and elegance he had not seen before. He observes the party stop and Charlotte introducing Mary to Lady Susan. Charlotte taking charge of Mary for the entire evening. Mary was smiling, and he was relieved to see that she was cared for. Charlotte was looking after Mary as if she was her own sister... this just amplifying his longing for Charlotte.

After dancing with Charlotte Thomas had gone in search of Tom Parker. He had noticed Mary's discomfort and felt he could help the gentleman. Thomas introducing Tom to a number of his friends and they sat down for a game of cards. He had told Charlotte where he was going and if she needed any help he would be there. Sidney had returned to the card room as his heart couldn't cope with watching Charlotte dancing with other men. He noticed his brother Tom playing cards with the Earl of Mayfield and was taken by the way the Earl was helping his brother. Arthur was playing on the same table and clearly looked very conformable with the group of men. He joined another table and tried to concentrate on the game but his mind was full of Charlotte. As if he could feel her presence he turns and notices that Charlotte is standing at the entrance of the card room. To his disappoint she was not looking for him but was heading towards Thomas's table.

Charlotte 's attention was focused on Thomas and she didn't notice Sidney. His heart fluttered as she approached his table and brushed past him. With Charlotte's perfume still lingered in the air his eyes followed her. Thomas smiled, and Charlotte was relieved to have found him. From the use of her fan he knew that his assistance was needed. All the men at the table acknowledged Charlotte. She speaks quietly to Thomas and Sidney noticed a worried look on her face. The whole table of men had stopped playing and listened to the conversation. Leaving the unplayed cards they all got up and headed out towards the ballroom. The relief on Charlottes face was evident as she left the card room.

Charlotte have been spoilt throughout her life in regard to being acquainted with outstanding gentlemen. The majority being much older than herself who had their own children. Her own experience of young men and been limited due to her country upbringing. Sidney had been her first experience of meeting other young men outside her normal social circle. A young woman in bloom entering London society if not protected was easy prey for reckless men. Virtues of young women were easily lost bringing disgrace to their families. Charlotte thankfully have been blessed with good sense and the protection of Susan. Susan had been a good mentor and guiding her through the process of judging the motives of men. There were a number of men she had met whom she didn't like and had been warned not to be left alone whenever they were present. One such man was Lord Campbell. He had a bad reputation and preyed on young women for fun. His behaviour was tolerated due to his father being a Duke. He drank too much and was familiar with the ladies. Charlotte had witnessed this and had successfully been able to avoid his advances. He had taken an interest in Charlotte and it was starting to become a problem for her. Lady Susan and Mary were both occupied, and she saw him coming towards their group. There were a number of ladies who were concerned because they were not engaged for the next dance. Charlotte taking the decision to find Thomas and any available men for help. Thomas outranked Lord Campbell and could help in this situation. She was so intent on her task that she didn't see Sidney but was relieved she found Thomas. Thomas was concerned because he didn't want Lord Campbell to dance with Miss Lamb.

Charlotte could see that there was not going to be enough partners, so she tells Thomas that she was going to hide in a bay window while everyone was dancing. Thomas looking concerned "Don't worry about me, I was able to successfully hide from Lord Campbell last time. Hopefully he will give up and go and annoy another group" states Charlotte. Thomas nods and happily takes Georgina's arm but was going to keep an eye out for Lord Campbell "Don't drink anything offered to you, ok?". She nodes and successfully sneaks to the bay window and pulling the curtain slightly shut. Thankfully she had been successful in evading Lord Campbell and blew out a relieved breath. She relaxes and enjoyed the fresh air while viewing the enclosed garden. She hadn't counted on Sidney seeing her. He had overheard her speaking to Thomas and was worried for her safety. He had watched what bay window she had entered and went and stood on the other side of the curtain. "Miss Heywood, do you need any assistance?" She looks through the crack of the curtain and sees Sidney. "I will be ok, just as long as you don't tell anyone where I am hiding" Charlotte warns him. "You can't stay there all night" he comments. "Don't worry about me I have found a way to climb down so go back to Mrs Campion before she misses you" Charlotte firmly tells Sidney.

She really didn't want too but Sidney had forced her hand. She quickly climbed over the balcony taking a deep breath and was just about to jump when strong arms pulled her back onto the balcony. She finds herself in Sidney's arms and he was holding her tight. He had placed his forehead on the top of her head, Without thinking she places her head on his chest and enjoys his presence. "Charlotte… why do you keep putting yourself in danger!" Sidney said in a raspy voice. She comes to her senses and pushes him away. "Don't touch me… you are spoken for… what are we going to do now? we can't go out together!" she was angry for giving into her weakness. Sidney was too overwhelmed about what had happened to think straight. She belonged in his arms and he just wanted them to stay like this forever.

Charlotte could see she was going to have to come up with a solution. She looks around and finds one, but knew she was going to have to be creative. Thankfully she had been here before and knew how to get back inside without people noticing. She knew she was going to have to distract Sidney or he would stop her. "You will need to go out first and tell me when it is clear" a calm Charlotte instructs Sidney who nods and goes to look. While he is doing this she moves towards the edge of the balcony. "I will give you the signal" he tells her. When he moves out she springs onto the balcony balustrade and like a professional tight rope walker runs along the balustrade not even stopping to jump between the balcony bays. She made it to the end of the building and hears Sidney yell 'Charlotte" and she knew he was angry, but she had to get away before he caught her. The drop was about 2 metres and there was soft grass below. She heard her name again before leaping off the last balcony. If she was not trying to get away she would have be impressed with her efforts. She hoped that this would make him so angry that he will leave her alone. She checked if she had broken anything and brushed off grass from her gown. She took a deep breath and finds the open door walking through it calmly. She catches the attention of Thomas who had been looking for you. "We are leaving now… "Good" she says, and they leave the ball and headed to their next event. Thankfully it was at the palace and Sidney Parker would not be present.

Sidney had walked out from the window bay and surveyed the people. He saw Eliza over the other side and it looked like Charlottes group were preparing to leave. He spoke through the curtain "Charlotte, no one is looking you can come out". But she didn't appear, and he looks outside and his heart stops as he watches her fly along the balconies. "Charlotte, Charlotte" he yells. The height to the ground must be over 2 metres and she would hurt herself. "Charlotte" he yells again but sees her diving over the edge. He rushes back into the ballroom and struggles to move through the groups of people. He needed to get to the back of the hall as he feared she had badly injured herself. "Sidney, Eliza calls his, we need to go to the Donald's". "Not now, he told her through gritted teeth and pushed his way through more people. He finally made it to the place where she had jumped. He was relieved to find that she wasn't lying dead but where did she go?. He entered the ballroom and searched the rooms but couldn't find her. Her party had left, and he couldn't see Mary or Tom either. "What had led her to do something so dangerous?" his tormented mind was racing. He left the ball and headed out hoping that they had returned to Lady Susan's house but found no one was home.

Charlotte confessed what had just happened to Thomas and all he could do was laugh. "I wish I had seen your escape."

"I could have really hurt myself" spoke a serious Charlotte.

"Sidney is right I don't think and placed myself in danger. I was just thinking about him and didn't want to cause him any trouble." Tears had formed in her eyes as she knew he would be really upset with her.

"We will have to wait and see what he does but we have to put that from our minds as we are attending a late dinner with the Duke and Duchess of York. And to cheer you up Mary and Tom Parker are coming". Susan informs her.

Charlotte giving Susan a hug… "Thank you."

The next morning Thomas noticed Sidney walking along their street looking like he was waiting for someone. He hadn't gone home due to the state of his dress and appearance. Thomas walked across the street and the gentleman acknowledged each other. Sidney asking "Miss Heywood, is she well?" "Yes sir, she is fine. But why should it be your concern? Miss Heywood is not your family?". "She needs someone who will care for her and make sure she is safe." Sidney's voice shaking from fatigue and the fright he had last night. "Sir, Charlotte was very sorry that she caused you distress last night. She told me what happened and regrets her reckless behaviour. She didn't want you to be seen with her and cause trouble with Mrs Campion." Thomas trying to comfort the distressed man " I don't care what Mrs Campion thinks… I just need Charlotte .. Miss Heywood to be happy and safe" passionately replies Sidney.

Thomas took compassion on Sidney "Mr Parker, you are aware your ward is currently staying with us?". Sidney nodes struggling to speak." We are holding a family luncheon today. Why don't you come and check on Miss Lamb and you will get to see Miss Heywood?." Thomas suggesting to Sidney

Sidney quickly walking back to his club...