The next morning he had arrived at the park to meet up with Mary, Charlotte and the children. He purposely arrived early so he was able to enjoy watching Charlotte. Even though Charlotte was never alone he was able to speak with her. Today as he walked in the garden he saw Charlotte sitting by yourself reading a book. He knew the dogs would be around and call them and they came bounding towards him.

" Good morning, Miss Hayward". She looks up and smiles.

" I see you are reading today" he comments

"Yes, it is a new book recommended by Thomas and I need to provide him an account of it this afternoon."

Sidney paused and let that comment pass and he sat down next to her. He had read this book and they had a brief conversation about the story. He was relaxed but searching for something to say.

Charlotte sees his discomfort started speaking "Mary and the children are not coming today Henry is not feeling well and she sent a message, but I still decided to come to the park. To be honest, she had come in the hope of meeting Sidney. "I am wanting to go and see them, but I have to wait until the carriage is free." she shared

"Would you like me to take you?" Sidney asks

"Yes", cries Charlotte

"I would like to go and see Henry but I think it would be wise if Miss Lamb comes with me". They got up and he walks her back to Susan's house and he leaves her at the door to organise his carriage to pick up the ladies.

Charlotte had entered the house and found that Susan had arrived back from her morning engagement, Georgina has gone with her. Charlotte explained the message she had received from Mary and expressed her need to visit the family. She paused "I still went to the park and happened to meet Mr Sidney Parker. He offered to take me but I only agreed if Georgina would go with me? "She looks at Georgina who gives her an annoyed look but agrees to go for charlotte's sake.

"When Mr Parker arrives, I will speak with him and let him know that I approve of this arrangement" comments Susan.

Sidney had completely forgot that he had a standing meeting with Eliza but his thoughts were too occupied with taking care of Georgina and Charlotte. At the club he refreshed and put on one of his new suits that have just arrived from his tailor. He felt a little nervous as the carriage took him towards lady Susan's house. He was allowed to enter and was surprised to be asked to sit down with Lady Susan.

"Mr Parker, she said it's so good to see you again. I'm thankful for you coming and taking the ladies to visit the Parker house. It was a miracle that you just happened to meet Miss Heywood in the park". As she said that she looked at him to analyse his reaction Sydney was not quick enough and his eyes displayed his feelings.

"And how is Mrs Campion?" Susan asked while lifting her teacup to her lips.

Thankfully for Sidney Charlotte and Georgina entered the room. Sidney rises and greets both women. Charlotte seems to be pleased to see him her cheeks turned a slight blush colour that was not missed by Susan. Georgina on the other nodded and sat down. She had promised Charlotte not to cause any distress for Sidney and it was going take all her effort to keep the peace.

While they made their way to the Parker house Sidney was thinking about the time they had last been together in London. Charlotte couldn't help but think back to her time with Sidney. She turned towards him and felt his gaze on her. Her cheeks turned red and quickly averted her eyes and looked out of the window. Georgina couldn't help herself and asks Sidney "how is Mrs Compton, Sidney? I saw her today at the ladies' event and she was busy telling everyone possible about the wedding arrangements. I think she is feeling it is going to be the event of the season" she stares at him. Sidney replies, "I do not like your tone" Charlotte turns and looks at Georgina squeezing her hand to remind Georgina of her promise.

Charlotte cared for both but she couldn't stand to seeing Sidney being put on the spot and made to feel uncomfortable. Georgina apologies and turns to look out the window. Charlotte starts talking about the latest business news to change the topic quickly. Charlotte had been reading a lot of reports due to the investment group meeting and Sidney was surprised by the conversation.

They arrived at the Parker house and Sidney was relieved to hear that Tom was out for the day. "Thomas mentioned this over breakfast as they were going together". Sidney quietly asking her why the Earl and my brother developed such a close business relationship?. Before she could answer the little girls rushed towards Charlotte. "We miss seeing you today, could you please take us to the park?" they asked eagerly as they not been out of the house. They had books in their hands and excitedly told Charlotte about the story. She moved them over to the chair and closely listened and they reminded her of her younger siblings. Her appeal to Sidney heightened and he couldn't help but smile looking at them. Mary coughed and he turned away quickly "could you please take the girls out please I'm happy to stay with Henry?" the little girls looked at Charlotte "you are coming as well?" she looked at their expectant faces and said "of course why don't you go and get ready. Georgina who didn't really want to spend more time with Sidney and comments "I'll stay with you Mary".

Half an hour later the small group headed to the park Sidney and Charlotte watching the girls play. Charlotte energy and genuine joy being with the girls was a stark difference from Eliza stiff and artificial interactions. The smallest of the two looked up at Charlotte and then asks her Uncle "when are you going to marry Charlotte? so she can always live with us?" Charlotte blushes and gives the little girl a cuddle and says to her "your uncle is going to marry Eliza, you remember her?" Lucy scrunches up her face while thinking "you mean that serious, elegant lady who never says hello to us.. but you are so much better".

Charlotte quickly takes the little girl in her arms, so Sidney couldn't hear but he had. Charlotte looks at Lucy "I promise Lucy that you and I will always be friends. I will always be there for you, your brothers and sister. You can come and visit me any time, okay?" Lucy giving Charlotte a tight hug and is not really convinced. Tears had come in Charlotte's eyes as she had been moved by the little girl's words. Charlotte needed to do something that would brightened the atmosphere and make the girls smile. She looked at Sidney and said "it might be embarrassing so if you need to leave you are welcome to" Sidney stood still and waited.

She drew up her shoulders and put on her exaggerated English accent. "I am very happy that you have invited me to your afternoon tea party, I was speaking with Lady Susan and she was very jealous of my coming. I am counting on seeing Lord Teddy Bear and Lady Baby Jemima" stated Charlotte. Lucy answers " Yes, Lord Ted was the first to accept". "I hope I am not being difficult, but could you ask your cook to serve those delicious cucumber sandwiches" commands Charlotte. The little girls started giggles and were smiling by the time they arrived at the house. When they got to main steps Charlotte return to her normal voice and promised that they would have a tea party later. Each girl giving her a hug, ran happily into the house. Charlotte turns towards Sidney… "they are beautiful girls and it is always a pleasure being with them.

Sidney retreated to the study to read the paper and conducted some business. When he came out he discovered that Charlotte had kept her promise to the girls and he found them, seated around the table with teddy bears filling the empty spaces. The girls were wearing their dinner gowns and Charlotte had compromised by having the girls place a wreath of flowers in her hair. It was clear the girls were having a wonderful time and was a pretty picture which made Sidney smile. His eyes focusing on Charlotte's face and was caught out when Charlotte looked up. She gives him a serious stare and then he notices a mischievous look suddenly appearing on her face. "My Ladies, I believe a gentleman has come to join us for afternoon tea!" Lucy giggles and directs her Uncle to an empty chair, He was forced to wrap his large frame into a child's chair and participate in the tea party but by the end couldn't stop smiling. Sidney's heart was much lighter than it had been for years.

In his relaxed state he was able to be more gentle towards Georgina and found she responded to his suggestions. "Do you think you could have dinner with us?" Mary asks hopefully. She knew the girls were popular and attended many engagements. "We would be happy to stay for dinner, lady Susan is attending an event herself and didn't want us to be home by ourselves. I think she'll be grateful that we are with you tonight. Mary turning to Sidney... are you free this evening?" "yes, Mary". In fact, he was engaged for dinner with Eliza but it had simply slipped his mind.

The dinner was relaxed, and all participants were comfortable. Sidney had not felt this happy for a long time and felt the tension in his shoulders ease. He missed his family but what made the evening special was sitting next to Charlotte. Charlotte's willpower and determination not to be a temptation for Sidney was being seriously tested. Their interactions were not helping, and she was going to have to be very careful.

After dinner the topic of the ball was brought up. The girls were excited, and Sidney gave permission for Georgina to go with Charlotte. Mary was asking Charlotte about the new dances that have been introduced for the season. Georgina who hadn't learnt them asked if she could teach them. Mary got up and found the music and played it for everyone. Charlotte got Georgina and the little girls up, demonstrating the steps. Everyone followed her lead with Charlotte praising the little girls as they tried to follow. She looked over at Sidney "Could you help with the male part?" Sidney and Charlotte demonstrate the steps first and then become partners for each little girl. Lord Thomas arriving and joining in by dancing with Georgina. The little girls grew tired and Sidney started dancing with Charlotte again.

Sidney was happy being close to Charlotte and didn't want the night to end. Both gentlemen were enjoying their closeness with their partners. Mary was the only one who observed this and was happy but concerned at the same time. She stopped playing and each couple were reluctant to move away from each other. Charlotte being the first to come to her senses asks Thomas how he knew that they were here? "Lady Susan informed me, I thought I would come and take you home. Charlotte was glad that he had arrived and needed to distance herself from Sidney. Sidney was jealous because he had lost the opportunity to spend more time with Charlotte. The group left, and Sidney remained with Mary.

"Your love for Charlotte is showing too much" warns Mary.. What are you going to do?"

"I can't marry Eliza" and he walks out of the house leaving Mary wondering what was going to happen to the Parker family.