Over the next couple of days Sydney health had improved which brought much relief to everyone. Charlotte watch the regular breathing of Sidney and could see he longer had a pained look on his face. Charlotte observed he was looking younger and the worries of the previous month seem to have disappeared. Charlotte smile to herself and let out a contented sigh and went back to reading her book. The dogs had divided their guarding duties with Zeus watching Sidney and Hercules Charlotte.
She was interrupted from her reading of her book by Sidney taking hold of her hand
"Hello my love, how are you today?" smiles charlotte. "I'm much better now that you are next to me Charlotte" he replies. While Sidney was recovering Charlotte took upon herself to organise his correspondence and business matters. When Sidney was awake and feeling active she assisted in his trade and business deals providing valuable advice. She was able to point out some gaps in his investment strategy and suggested a course of action. For Sidney this was the first time in his life that he shared his business interests with a woman. He reflected "I am a changed man and you have made me better. He was amazed at her intellect and business sense, he was confident and excited about the future possibilities.
Now that Sidney was on the road to recovery the thought of propriety for Charlotte became important. Mary and Susan making sure she was never left alone with Sidney. The children being one of the greatest distractions, he couldn't be too cross with them because he loved them. He also could see that Charlotte loved them and especially little Henry who always seemed to be on her lap. He tried hard not to be jealous of a child who could be so close to his intended but they made a pretty picture as Charlotte cradled him while she read her book. She was going to be a wonderful mother thought Sidney as he stared at her.
Charlotte was good at judging his energy levels and made time so that he was able to rest. He loved it when she fixed her eyes on him and they talked about many matters. They also had the two dogs which never let anyone disturb them. Sidney often thinking back to what James Stringer had told to him about Charlotte and knew that he was the luckiest man in the world.
After another three days Sidney was up and able to move more freely. He discovered that he was staying at Lady Susan's house and he wanted to thank Lady Susan who was allowing his family to visit him. He hoped that they hadn't embarrassed themselves as he knew their noisy natures. He wanted to get up and a servant helped him into some fresh clothes. Downstairs he finds Charlotte and Susan having morning tea together. Charlotte instantly seeing him gets up rapidly and prepares a chair for him. She looks sternly at Susan "The one time I decide to step out of the room for 15 minutes he decides to put himself in danger. You have to be careful, Sidney". Lady Susan was a little kinder to him and pours him a cup of tea. "I was feeling better and wanted some fresh air "he argued but felt he was going to have to make it up to Charlotte. "We noticed in the papers that Mrs Eliza Campion has gotten engaged to a Mr Smith Baite and claims that he is a wealthy man with superb connections". Susan laughs as she reads the announcement.
"Well, young man all have turned out well, you have proved your worth and have won the prize of Charlotte's hand in marriage. While you have been recovering Charlotte's father sent his approval and given me permission to oversee the marriage contract. I am not in favour of long engagements and urge you to marriage as soon as possible. You both have been waiting for each other long enough. Sidney nods and a huge smile spreads across his face. Lady Susan had never seen this before and liked this new Sidney Parker.
A butler enters the room with a calling card. Susan looks at it and comments to the young couple that she must accept the visitor. "You are welcome to go somewhere else as you will find them a little trying" Charlotte smiles because Susan had given permission for Charlotte and Sidney to spend time alone together. Taking his hand offered to her they walked to the conservatory. They find a lounge chair and once seated Sydney places his good arm around her shoulder. They sit in silence and he leans down and kisses the top of her head. It was pure bliss just being with her. "How is your shoulder?" questions Charlotte with a worried look and tone in her voice. "Is it painful but I'm glad it was not you" he holds her tighter and all the stress in the last couple of months disappeared. They spoke about their dreams and what their lives would look like but they did talk about the his family the Parkers.
"I will not let their problems control our future" A cranky Sidney commented. Charlotte snuggling into his shoulders agrees and they placed a timeframe for help. Zeus sensing Sidney's tension gets up and places his head on his lap. Charlotte laughs as she herself had Hercules doing the same for her. Both being rewarded with stokes on their heads and bodies. The only thing that would always be priority was the guardianship of the children if need. Sidney like Charlotte didn't want that to happen but the children's lives were more important than his brother.
"Mighty Warrior?" hmm… I know you will make a good father" She was rewarded with a kiss and eternal promises of love.
The happy couple went back into the house and finds Susan alone. "Charlotte please forgive your father and mother as they wanted their family to have a normal life away from the traps of royal society. Sidney you need to know that the king is her great uncle and therefore a close family member. I am depending on you to love and protect her in our society. You have proved that you can, and I cannot ask for anyone better. I have to warn you that their family is the 2nd richest family in England and I would expect a large sum of money to be settled on your marriage. The Duke and Duchess of Eastwood wanted their children to find worthy spouses who would love them and not their money. You, young man passed the Duke's test" and she hands Sidney a letter from Charlotte's father. The letter was short but gave Sidney the details of the solicitor who would arrange the marriage contract. All Sidney could do was thank Susan and waited for Charlotte to serve him some tea.
Life for Mr Sidney Parker was taking on a different direction, but he wasn't concerned as it meant he was going to be doing it with Charlotte.
Susan took this opportunity to confess to the couples that she knew of Charlotte's true origins and if she had acted sooner it would have saved both of them a lot of pain. "Charlotte I only was thinking of you and wanted to protect you. Sidney, I judged you harshly because of my love and preference for Charlotte. I was deeply disappointed when I heard about your engagement but I understand the choice you made. You've have shown true courage and character by breaking the engagement with Eliza and choosing Charlotte. I think things have turned out better for you."
Charlotte who had already forgiven her waited for Sidney as he paused. " Lady Susan during this time of my life I have learned a lot about myself. It has made me a wiser man and strengthen my love and bond to Charlotte." Taking Charlotte's hand in his "I know there is still parts of my character I have to work on, but I know I will be supported. I can honestly forgive you."
Good" relaxes lady Susan "we will be family and I want you to call me Susan. Anyway it's appropriate now your rank will be changing.
For the next couple of hours the young couple questioned Susan as she was preparing the two for the new life ahead of them. She was confident that they were going to be successful and she was looking forward to seeing them grow in their roles in English society. "Now quizzes" Charlotte with a sneaky tone "remind me what curtsies do I need to remember and can I still use my fan?" Susan burst out laughing... Sidney looked confused and Charlotte explained the other functions of fans "if I do this it means come and rescue me"... Sidney understands and smile remembered the gesture she used at number of events. Susan commenting "fans are used for many things besides keeping yourself cool". Sidney whispers in her ear " what about you need a kiss?" Charlotte blushes and replies I will tell you after the wedding.
Now Sidney was up Charlotte decided to inform him that they had a meeting with a special investor. "Thomas and I have a meeting with one of our investors today. Do you want to come?" Sidney was not letting her out of his sight "good we will need your advice and thoughts on the situation". Sidney, Thomas and Charlotte were in the carriage and Thomas congratulated them on their engagement and pleased that Sidney was recovering. He was hoping Sidney would be receptive to his hopes of marrying Georgina. Thomas looks at Sidney "we are going to a private place that only a few people ever go to. Charlotte and I have been a few times and I would suggest you wait until you are introduced." Charlotte taking his hand leans close to his ear and whispers "we are going to Buckingham Palace".
Sidney 's face goes white and he looks at Thomas " The Prince Regent is a silent investor and we update him on our decisions." They spent an hour with the Prince Regent who was pleased with his investments.
Charlotte never ceased to amaze him by her intellect and he was humbled to be included in this experience. The Prince Regent formally recognised his cousin and congratulated Mr Sidney Parker on their engagement. "You father Charlotte has finally been in touch and has informed me of all the matters. You will use the family solicitor who is currently drawing up the marriage contract. You will need to come tomorrow and we will formalise the arrangement together." "Thank you, your royal highness" Charlotte and Sidney replied in unison.
The next day the couple with Susan travelled to the Palace to meet with the family solicitor and the Prince Regent. Lady Susan was going to sign the marriage contract on behalf of her parents. They first meet with the solicitor who outlined the terms of the marriage contract. Since Lady Charlotte is a member of the royal family your marriage has been approved by the Prince Regent and he has also bestowed some gifts upon your marriage. Lady Charlotte is the oldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Eastwood and therefore has the largest dowry compared to her sisters. A sum of $200 000 pounds will be settled upon your marriage including a number of properties and various jewellery sets. The marriage contracts also stipulate that the title 'Earl of Sutherland', estate and income of $30 000 pounds will be official issued to you Mr Parker on the signing of this contract. The solicitor brought out a series of boxes. The first was a jewellery set, the tiara looked like a gallon of flowers the leaves made of gold and all of the flowers were a mix of diamonds and Rubies (Think…Princess Mary of Denmark's Tiara). This was a gift to your family from the King of Belgium. The tiara is to be warm by Lady Charlotte to signify her rank and you sir will receive these medallions and Cygnet rings for your own rank. All of the following has been approved and lodged with the relevant government departments. In future we will take care of all your legal matters and please feel free to contact us if you need our assistance. Sidney and Lady Susan sign the marriage contract and solicitor shows his respect to them as members of the royal family.
Susan gets up and takes them both to another room in the palace. The prince regent had arranged a supper and after they had eaten the Prince Regent called his servants to bring out some wooden boxes. He was known for his generosity and compassion. "I am so happy cousin that we have you back in the family. To mark you re-entry I am going to bestow upon you and your future husband a number of gifts." He opens the first box revealing a medallion that Charlotte needed to wear at all events signifying her membership within the royal family. He opens another box displaying medals for Sidney to wear to signify his marriage to a royal family member. "Both of you will be issued the title of Grand Knight and Grand Dame of the Order of the Royal Family of King George." He opens another set of boxes revealing the blue sash, respective crosses and capes. "I'm also going to gift a title to show my joy of your restoration to the family. You will not be the Earl and Countess of Sutherland but the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland with an additional income of $50 000 being settled on you from the family." He comes to the final box and removes a stunning jewellery set. This has been issued to the Sutherland family and must only be worn by the Duchess of Sutherland. The last person to have worn this tiara was 'Queen Sophia'. It was created from a group of jewels that were given to us from the royal family of Sweden. The tiara was covered in diamonds, pearls and when worn sat high on the head of the wearer (Think Princess Diana and now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge). There was also a matching set of earrings, bracelets and neckless. "You are now in the service of the crown and you have officially joined our family." Susan smiles brightly at the couple as they headed back to her home "Duke and Duchess of Sutherland … your graces You both will be very busy organising your household and estates."
Charlotte looks at Sidney… "still want to marry me?… you got a little more than what you bargained for?" He laughs and tells her that they are still the same people and we can do what her parents did and hide in the country.
She laughed and told him she was thinking the same thing. Both looked relieved and thankful they were wanting the same thing...