Willingdon - home and refuge
Everyone was relieved to have returned from London. Even though it had been exciting... there had been some heart breaking interactions. The little children cried at first but were satisfied that Susan would be following them as she was attending the wedding. Henry and Charlotte had been upset with Susan for putting Sidney in that situation. It was one reason they were thankful to be heading home away from the games played by the London ton. It had broken Henry who had witnessed his friend's pain and condition as a result of the evening. They had stayed an extra day so Henry could go and sit with his friend who had been sedated.
As the carriage brought them closer to Willingdon the tension of the visit decreased...everyone was pleased to return to their home and place of refuge. Henry was surprised how he had found London noisy and missed the quiet life of the country. He was looking forward to developing their estate with Charlotte and just be able to focus on his family. He shared this with Charlotte who smiled... thinking about the man whom she had met in Sanditon… that was a fake version and she now had the privilege of experiencing his true self.
The couple couldn't wait for their wedding day. They just had to make it through the week of wedding preparations. They were able to grab small moments alone but it wasn't enough. Henry had moved to their estate to prepare for her arrival and he was thankful for the help of John Heywood. John Heywood was found over there often... claiming he was staying away to keep out of the ladies way but everyone saw through his excuses. He enjoyed Henry's company and had been a little lost when the couple had been in London.
He did tell Henry what he told his wife about getting a gun out if any London gentleman turned up but Henry had changed his mind. John Heywood was still concerned but felt happier now Henry could help assess any gentleman who turned up.
"Does that mean I can use the gun if they are not acceptable?" teased Henry
"Of course, that warning still stands... I confess I still struggle with the Parkers" shares John Heywood.
Henry did wonder how Sidney was going. He understood that Sidney was alone and it would be difficult seeing his friends happy ... particularly him. There were a few times Charlotte found him sitting under her tree... reflecting on it. He and Charlotte hid nothing from each other and he told her what had occurred that night. The couple knew they were in a difficult position... but... they were allowed to be happy... Thankfully they had heard he was recovering and was back in him home. From accounts his wife had been concerned for his health and had canceled some social engagements. Charlotte prayed Sidney would keep safe while he healed. Their thoughts were broken by Johanna and Lydia... their chief chaperones placing their arms around them to give comfort.
The couple spent time with her parents to express their concern for Sidney Parker and his need to be forgiven over what happened in Sanditon.
"Papa, Mama... you need to forgive him... he is in pain and we saw how it was impacting him" pleaded the couple
Her father and mother looking at each other... the process had taken time... it had helped that their daughter had found her true match and would be settled in their community.
In the course of two years Charlotte had grown... sharing with her father the evening before her marriage.
"Father... I thought... I needed adventure away from Willingdon but I now know that this is the place I feel my truest self. She had found happiness in her choice and that her future husband shared the same dream.
Her father with tears in his eyes wished his beautiful daughter a happy life... full of love and happiness...