Eliza Campion had just visited her solicitor and was angry with the outcome. Sidney had cancelled the marriage contract and due to discovering her various liaisons he wasn't required to pay back the full amount she had given him. Eliza had grown suspicious of Sidney's affection and suspected it had something to do with Charlotte Heywood. She had to keep up all her social appearances making sure that nothing was wrong and meet up with her friends for shopping. Eliza observed Charlotte Heywood and Georgina Lamb walking together down the street and decided to follow them into the teashop.
Charlotte and Georgina had found a nice tea shop and sat down to talk about their final dress fittings for the ball. Charlotte joking with Georgina "I wonder what Lord Thomas will think of your dress?". Georgiana blushes, Charlotte smiles and was happy that a good man was interested in Georgiana. In fact, Thomas had confessed his affection for Georgina yesterday and she hadn't stop teasing him about it.
Georgina and Charlotte were so busy talking they didn't notice Eliza and her friends entering. "Good morning, Miss Heywood, Georgiana" Eliza looking down her nose at them. "The girls in unison wishing her good morning to her. "Georgina, you didn't tell me that you have been spending time with Miss Hayward while you were in London "quizzes Eliza and ignoring that Charlotte was present. Georgina instantly became defensive and said "I'm very happy to see my friend". "I guess this is a great adventure for you Miss Heywood seeing this city, with the grand houses and people before going back to your village?" sneers Eliza. Charlotte replies honestly "it is a beautiful place with memorable features, but I would say that humans are the same and it doesn't matter what class they come from." Eliza laughs loudly and repeats this to her friends. "My dear, Miss Hayward you are funny and naive at the same time. It is only when you spend time with high society that you learn to know the difference and I guess that you will not get that chance in the future" comments Eliza.
Charlotte squeezes Georgina's hand to prevent any conflict in the tearoom. Eliza continues by saying "the arrangements for our wedding is coming together and it will be perfect. Sidney will look very noble and has made a wise choice don't you think Miss Hayward?" "I don't think it is my place to comment on these intimate matters" replies Charlotte "I warn you Miss Heywood to stay away from Mr Parker. He belongs to me and I will destroy your reputation if you cause problems for me. You, Miss Heywood are a farmer's daughter who have no prospects. I recommend you go home or become a court courtesan because that is the only reason Lady Susan is keeping you" Eliza had spoken in a low voice that frightened the girls. Charlotte looking uncomfortable turns to Georgiana "We need to go to our next appointment" and they bid good day to Eliza.
Eliza sits down with her friends and smiles to herself. She really enjoyed making Charlotte feel unworthy and would make her life worse if she discovers Sidney had been visiting Charlotte. Georgina was comforting Charlotte for once after their confrontation with Eliza. Georgina was angry with the way Charlotte was treated. Charlotte was worried about Sidney and the Parker Family. Georgina and Charlotte leave the tearoom entering Thomas's carriage and head back home. Charlotte was missing Sidney and couldn't wait to see him at the ball.
Sidney had had success at the solicitor and he had just visited the jeweller. He was spotted by Eliza who quickly approaches him "You are a fool Sidney Parker and your family will suffer. I look forward to seeing your name in the bankruptcy court and jail." laughs Eliza "I am no longer obliged to you Mrs Campion" cooly replies Sidney. " I will take great pleasure in your downfall. You are an unreliable and dangerous man who is everything his reputation advertises. I have just warned Miss Heywood if she has anything to do with this that I will destroy her as well. She is nothing but a poor farmer's daughter with no prospects." threatens Eliza. Sidney stopping her in mid-sentence "That is enough Mrs Campion, and now that I don't have any business with you I wish you a good day"
He was truly trying to control his temper and be a better man for his Charlotte. Tonight, was a ball and he was going to show everyone whom he wanted to spend his life with. He decided that he would not meet her at the ball but Susan's house. Charlotte was his world and he needed to ensure that she knew that. He hurried to his club and dressed quickly so he could be at the house before the group left for the ball.
Once she had gotten home Eliza screwed up the letter she had just received from Sidney Parker's solicitor. Sidney had legally dissolved the contract and other evidence submitted minimised the money he had to pay. She had been so careful with her affairs and couldn't believe he had the proof that prevented her from taking him to court. In fact he was the one who could take her to court. There had been talk circulating today that Sidney Parker had been seen leaving the home of Lady Susan's and that Miss Charlotte Heywood was still living with her. She was partly thankful that this business was over as she had found him moody and difficult to manage. She had received various marriage proposal before and now decided to accept Mr Smith Baite. He had been pursuing her even when he knew she was engaged. He was wealthy, only child and no children. Since the wedding date was in the summer she wouldn't have to change it. She still was going to cause trouble for Sidney and Charlotte and started plotting her revenge.
"It was the mid ball of the season and the crème of society were expected to attend. Susan was satisfied with the ladies of the house after approving their gowns and jewellery pieces. Early that day Susan had gone to Charlotte's room and asked her to wear a delicate jewellery set which included a Tiara, necklace, bracelet and earrings. The set was made from gold and adorned with small diamonds. It was a set she wore as a young woman and wanted Charlotte to wear it tonight. It would set off the gown beautifully and highlight the importance of Charlotte to London society. It was Susan's desire to give this set to Charlotte once she married Sidney.
"When is your Mr Sidney Parker going to speak to me about this engagement?" questions Susan "He has written to papa and we are waiting for his reply. Can Sidney join our group tonight?" Charlotte looking hopefully at Susan. Susan nodded and would allow it but told her that it was an event that many people attended. "Please Susan, be kind to him and make him feel comfortable… it will take him time to get used to our banter." Susan tried to look hurt but understood Charlotte. She had observed Sidney and knew what Charlotte meant. He had spent so much time being someone he was not that he would find it hard to laugh at himself. Susan promised one night's grace but after that Mr Sidney Parker was going to have to fight his own battles with her. Time will tell and she knew that the true Sidney Parker will slowly reveal himself. Charlotte going over and giving her a kiss and got an affectionate slap from Susan's fan.
Sidney had arrived at the house and was waiting for Charlotte to come down. He was happy to see Mary and Tom with Lady Susan's group. He didn't care what they thought while he waited at the staircase for Charlotte. When Charlotte started descending the stairs he had to tell himself to breath... she was mesmerising, and he basked in her beauty. Her faced beamed when she saw him... waiting for her at the bottom and tucking her arm in his. Thomas had been kind to tell him the colour of Charlotte's dress, so he could match with her. "You are looking very handsome, Mighty Warrior!" Sidney smiles and he responds in kind by telling her how beautiful she was and as her warrior he would do anything for her.
Thomas walks into the room and the gentleman greet one another and he acknowledges all ladies present. Thomas spent a little more time complementing Georgina who was affected by his attentions. This interchange was lost on Sidney who was focused on helping Charlotte put on her coat. Once he had been successful she takes his arm and they walk out to the carriages. Susan allowing Charlotte to go in the Parker carriage. It was in the carriage ride that Sidney informed them his marriage to Eliza was cancelled and that Charlotte had agreed to marry him.
"Sidney… but what about the money?" Sidney's face turned stern as all his brother could think about was the money. Charlotte sensing his mood took hold of his hand and opened her fan to speak with him "Don't let your brother make you feel guilty… you have always done you best and will continue to… let's enjoy this evening." She puts her arm through his and he takes a deep breath. "Tom, everything will be okay but I want to finally enjoy a ball with the woman I love." Charlotte was proud of him as his tone was firm but compassionate. She tightened her hold on his arm and gave his one of her most beautiful smiles. Tom wanted to continue with the conversation, but Mary stopped him as she could see how Sidney was with Charlotte.
The group waited at the entrance to be introduced and Susan informed the master of ceremonies their names. Susan had been visiting a number of key people and passed on the information that the engagement of Eliza and Sidney had ended and that he had chosen to become engage to her second cousin Lady Charlotte of Eastwood. Charlotte taking hold of the arm he offered and they walked into the ballroom together. It was now public that Sidney was engaged be married to a member of the royal family. Susan informing Sidney that those of importance have no interest in Eliza Campion and royal blood was always preferred.
Sidney asking Charlotte to dance and never took his eyes from her face. She fitted perfectly in his arms and he enjoyed dancing with her, whispering in her ear "This is what it is suppose to feel like when you're in love" holding her closer and enjoyed being in her presence. They danced the second set of dances and this publicly signalled their courtship. He was keeping an eye out for Lord Campbell and his cronies. "HRM Prince Michael?" Charlotte hearing his tone increased her hold on him "It is rumoured he is showing close attention to another lady who is receiving them warmly. I think you would enjoy his company." "You are more than equal to any man in this room but if the Prince Regent asks I might have to say he is".
Sidney breaks out into a chuckle as he often found she broke tension so well. "I have to warn you Sidney you are going to have to get use to our joking ways". You have been so tightly wound these years it is going to take time to see you relax. So let's get started…. "Great Warrior of the single man's jungle… now that you have been captured do you think you are going to be able to live in captivity?" Charlotte was trying so hard not to laugh but couldn't hold it in. She reminded him that he was going to be the protector of their forest and everyone within it. He chuckled as she suggested activities that would keep him in fighting form.
The dance finished, and they happily went to play some cards. They joined the table with Sophia and her husband and engaged in an intense game. Sophia and Charlotte were a tough team to play against. Sidney understood why they had been successful in their winnings. James comments in frustration "I thought I was making headways with Sophia but now she is back in partnership with Charlotte I have no chance. I suggest we never make any bets when they play together" Sophia looking innocently reminded her husband that in fact he did make a bet with her… Oh… that is right. "I have to go with Sophia to visit her Aunt in Kent who doesn't like me… I tell you watch out for these women ... they are clever". Sophia giving her husband a light tap with her fan.
Charlotte bursting into a series of giggles and tells Sidney how she really knew James and Sophia. "They spent their holidays with us a Willingdon.. I think our family was used as a holiday farm for these high and mighty people." teases Charlotte and receives a stern look by Sophia. "How did you learn to play so well at cards?" asks Sidney "Well, Sophia has always had a crush on James and one summer he was hanging out with the boys and had no time for us. He was learning to play cards… so Papa felt sorry for her and taught us how to play. You see he has a standing game with a group of gentleman and their wives who are serious card players. My mother also played and we sat with them and they taught us." Sophia… reflecting… "that was the best lessons I ever had and because we were young they taught us the tricks to ensure we could increase our chances when playing" giving her husband a mischievous grin. "Sally Upcroff was the one of our neighbours wives who taught us how to read peoples playing styles and how they hide their weaknesses" Charlotte telling Sidney. "You are lying…" James exclaims.. "John and James would have told me." "Really… have you ever been able to beat them?" How do you think they learned to play?" Sophia quizzed him.
While this was happening, Charlotte had taken hold of Sidney's hand under the table. "When we visit my parents, we will be invited to join their playing club so be ready" she quietly tells Sidney who was already nervous about meeting her parents. James and Sophia started telling stories about their times together and many centred on her parents. Charlotte kept holding his hand as she knew he was worried about her parents reaction to him wanting to marry their daughter. "Thankfully I can testify to your future father-in-law that you can at least ride and shoot so that is something" James starts laughing and got another slap from his wife. He faked being hurt and suggested he make it up to her by taking her for a dance. Sidney watches this couple leave "Sophia is my first cousin on my father's side, James is a second cousin… Mighty Warrior how did you cope with their banter?" "I will have to get used to it…." Practise my love, practise…. Don't be afraid of my papa you are very similar to him… hmmm … interesting". Sidney asks if she would like to dance and she agrees. He sees Thomas and wanted to speak with him. Charlotte told him she would be waiting in the family seating area.
He made his way to the seating area and couldn't see Charlotte. "Mary, have you seen Charlotte? And she pointed to a door way that lead to the powder room. He walks over and hears a scream ... increasing his stride and hears a female voice calling for help. It was Charlotte voice and he had to get to her. He finds Lord Campbell and two other men holding her down. They were too strong, and they were placing a cloth over her mouth. She was so scared that she couldn't make a noise her eyes looking for someone to save her...
"I warned you leave this woman alone" Charlotte recognised Sidney's voice and the men let go of her. She was no longer being held and edged her way to the door Sidney facing the three men "leave now". She spots Thomas and explains what was happening and that Sidney dealing with the young men. Thomas calls his servants and heads towards the room. Charlotte follows and they find Sidney propped up against the wall. Charlotte rushes over and notices a large amount of blood on his shirt. " I knew I could defeat them but hadn't count on one having a knife." He gaps as the pain was intense and he was losing consciousness. No longer able to keep himself up he slid to the floor and Charlotte cradled him in her arms
"We need to get him home and a doctor needs to be found... now." she commands with fear in her voice. Before losing consciousness, he looks at Charlotte "I love you Charlotte, you are a wonderful woman and I don't deserve you when you could have been a princess, but I can't live without you"
He was fighting to stay awake but fell unconscious in Charlotte's arms...