The carriage ride back to Lady Susan's was quiet as three occupants were reflecting on what had just occurred.
The silence being broken by Sidney.
"Since the marriage contract has been signed and I am feeling better, I planning to go back to my club". "You will not!" Charlotte giving Sidney a stern look. "Susan, the doctor is still coming every day and I would feel happier if Sidney is with us. Thomas lives with us and it is only two week before we are married!." Susan laughs "Sidney, Charlotte is very protective of you! I am glad we are going to be related". Charlotte blushes but Sidney takes her hand thankful for her support. He did not want to leave Charlotte even for a short period of time. "It would be more practically as we can interview for your household without getting the attention of society" recommends Susan. Sidney thanks her and they arrived at the house.
After visiting the solicitor and then the prince regent both Charlotte and Sidney were in shock. The money to be settled on Charlotte was a large sum. Her marriage also opened up other inheritances adding more wealth to the family. They had held hands on the ride home from the Palace. Once they were inside they headed to a private garden. Sidney pulled her close and kisses her forehead. Charlotte started to cry "I don't understand it is so much, I'm just a country girl... is this a dream?" Sidney laughs and replies "no, you are definitely more than just a country girl. I am feeling a little small when I compare what you have" Charlotte look sharply at him "don't you dare, you are all I need… remember I was going to marry you with nothing poking him. It broke the tension and they started talking about the matters that had been discussed in the meeting.
Sidney and Charlotte enjoying their time alone but were interrupted by Thomas walking in the room. Sidney grunting out of frustration and Charlotte giving he quick pat on his chest.
"Sidney, the Prince Regent is recommending us for club membership at the Henry club. We need to go down and meet with the President. Your brothers are also being recommended and we are meeting him there in one hour." Charlotte smiles to herself as she could see Thomas wanted to cultivate a friendship with Sidney.
"The Henry club" Sidney raises his eyebrows at Thomas… it was a very exclusive club for the royal set and their families. "Go, it will be good for the four of you to spend time together. Mary had just sent a message saying she and the children will coming over while you join the club" comments Charlotte.
Sidney nodes and goes to freshen up. Charlotte catching up with him before he goes to his room. "It is a good opportunity for you to get to know Thomas better and re-establish your relationship with your brothers" Charlotte quietly says to Sidney while enjoying an embrace from him. "I need to let you know that Thomas and Georgina have formed an attachment and I believe he would like to marry her". "Georgina, marriage" a confused looking Sidney says. Charlotte giving him a stern talking too.. "have you been unfriendly to Thomas because you thought he loved me?" Sidney nods. "I see him as a brother and he has always had eyes for Georgina…. like I have eyes for you… now go and really get to know him… you two are very similar and I believe you will become firm friends" going onto her tippy toes she presses her lips against his and quickly moves to go back to the others.
Mary and the children arrived. Sidney taking Charlotte 's hands tells them they were planning to get married in two weeks. "How"? " we were given special permission from the palace. Mary embraces Charlotte both women started crying." Fresh tears came to her eyes as she knew what it meant to him and charlotte. Mary and Tom's children come in spotting Charlotte and raced to get their hugs. Mary gathering them and telling them that their uncle was going to marry Charlotte. " Could you be my bridesmaids" asks Charlotte. "Can I have a pink dress" Emma asks Charlotte laughs "of course fresh flowers for your heads" the little girls requesting their favourite flowers. Sidney picking up little Henry and "I'll get a new suit for you" and Henry just placed his arms around his Uncle's neck.
The only concern Charlotte had was Eliza. The announcement of their wedding had been printed in the paper, but she was thankful it read 'The Duke and Duchess of Eastwood with pleasure announces the marriage of their eldest daughter Lady Charlotte Susan Catherine of Eastwood to the Earl of Sutherland. She hadn't told Sidney about the threat Eliza had made towards her at tea shop. The cancellation of Sidney Parker and Eliza Campion marriage was public, and sources told Susan that Eliza was extremely angry. Thankfully Eliza had announced her own engagement to Mr Smith Baite. The first set of arrangements Sidney made for their future life was employing a capable security team that would ensure the safety of his family. When he explained these arrangements the relief on Charlottes face told him something was wrong. She confessed to him about the personal threat Eliza made and she expressed her fears. She was happy that there will always be someone watching over them. Charlotte acceptance of these measures told Sidney that she had been freighted.
Charlotte also told him that Georgina had received a letter from Ottis that morning. "She gave it to me and I need to give it to you. I don't want him to ruin anything for Thomas or Georgina." She had taken on a worried look as Sidney opened the letter. After reading he comments "He is back in London and is wanting to reconcile with her… but there is a madness in the way he is writing. Let us go and find them and talk about our course of action." Thomas's response to the letter was to organise help in providing aid in ensuring Georgina's safety. Charlotte watched Georgina move closer to Thomas. Her genuine attachment was evident, and Charlotte was relieved for Thomas. It just added another worry while they were preparing for their wedding.
While the men had gone to the club the women took the children to the park. While the children played she asks Charlotte questions about the marriage contract. With the help of Susan Charlotte was able to explain everything. Mary burst into tears as so happy for them both and relieved that the Parker family was saved. "The Duke and Duchess of Sutherland" Mary's eyebrows lifted. I also found out my maternal grandfather is the King of Belgium. "My" exclaims Mary…"So many surprises, how are you?" "I am in shock and worry that this could scare off Sidney" Charlotte's face took on a worried look. "Charlotte you have no worries on that account…. He lost his heart to you and can't hide his love for you " says Mary. Susan explain to Mary that she had invited the couple to live with her while their London house was refurbished. "We will be buying a house in Sanditon and will be spending our summer season there. Mary hugs charlotte and was happy to gain her as a sister.
Charlotte did warn Mary and Susan about the threats Eliza and the appearance of Ottis."Don't worry Mary, Sidney is going make sure we are safe" comments with confidence
During the two weeks before the wedding Charlotte and Sidney were required to attend numerous family events. Sidney was happy to keep away from his own brothers and sister who were becoming quite overexcited. He was thankful that he was staying with Susan and at times embarrassed as they kept visiting. He was fearful Lady Susan would begin to dislike his family but thankfully she was very compassionate.
She did create various events herself to give her time with Charlotte and Sidney. It was important Charlotte and Sidney's engagement was celebrated and Susan decided to invite their family and friends. Everything had to be correct and ensure proper protocol was followed. She had had a new gown made for Charlotte which she gave to her as a gift. The event was going to be held at Lord and Lady Melbourne's home and so everyone met in the front room.
"Mighty Warrior?" Charlotte looked up at her Sidney "are you going to be hiding in the card room or are you going to dance with me?" She raises her eyebrows at him. He looks down at her shining face "As many dances as you want….unless you decide to you want to play cards with me" he reply's.
Everyone was inspected by Lady Susan who was satisfied with their outfits and they headed to the carriages. All the announcements and introductions were satisfactory and the music for the dancing was beginning. Sidney turning to Charlotte "my love, will you come and dance with me?" and he takes her hand and leads her onto the dance floor. Eyes were drawn to this lovely couple and it was evident they were suited for each other.
It was a new experience for Sidney to attend an event with the person who loved him the way Charlotte did. He knew this because every time he spoke to her or anyone her face beamed and made him feel important. He found he enjoyed these events and it was because he was not going on his own. She was able to start conversations that he was comfortable with. As he had been socialising with different people he realised that he liked the way he was changing.
His old life didn't fit him anymore and he knew that it was changing for the better.