Three old friends
Sidney stopped outside the front of the 'while club' and debated whether he would go in. Crowe had written to him letting him know that he and Charlotte would be town. Sidney was thankful for the warning and since last seeing each other the men had corresponded. Once Henry had arrived he had sent a message inviting Sidney to meet him and Charles at the club.
He decided to be brave finding Babinggton and Crowe already inside reading the morning papers. There was also a younger man sitting with them.
"Good morning?" he greeted them... feeling nervous
"Well met, Parker!" both men greeted him warmly
"Let me introduce you to my cousin Mr Edward South" Henry introducing Sidney to his cousin. Sidney formally greeting Edward before sitting down. It was the first time he had met any of Crowe's family.
"I believe your mother is Lady South... my wife has mentioned her a number of times" commented Sidney
"Hmmm.. yes" Edward deciding not to speak more of this topic
"I have another appointment so I bid you gentlemen a good day" Edward taking his leave... he needed to prepare for his call too Alison.
Henry watched his cousin leave and was thinking... he had told Charles as he felt Edward was going to need friends.
Sidney who had been observing Crowe knew he was unsettled but chose not to ask why.
"I would suggest you tell your wife to keep a wide berth away from Lady South" Henry wanting to warn his friend.
"Hmmmm" Sidney tried to stay out of his wife's social life
"Lady South has been marked for death... social death by Lady Susan" Henry informed Sidney
"Why?"
"She has been very abusive towards myself, Charlotte and her family... I don't want you or the the Parker's impacted" honestly shared Henry
"Ahhh, I see..." Sidney was surprised to be given this information
"I wouldn't want to be an enemy of Susan... she has ways to destroy anyone!" commented Charles.
"You seem to be on friendly terms with Lady South's son?" questioned Sidney
"That poor boy has fallen for Alison Heywood and needs Henry's support" laughs Charles who couldn't believe how responsible his friend had become.
"Yes... he is pleasant but he is going to have to prove himself... I promised her father" Henry firmly stated.
Henry no longer wanting to speak about this topic ... started talking about business matters.
Sidney settled in the corner lounge and listened to the varied business dealings of his friends. He was curious to hear about an investment they had made with the Prince Regent.
"It is doing nicely... we are currently looking into another venture that might even be more prosperous!. I am heading over to the Palace now... do you want come with me Charles ?" Henry asks
Charles seeing the question on Sidney's face... "Esther, Charlotte and her sister Alison are close friends of HRH Princess Charlotte... my carriage was used this morning for the ladies."
"Ahh.. I see" commented Sidney...
"Let me know, old man... if I can invest... the last one is proving to be a good little earner!" exclaims Charles
"Is it possible I could invest?" Sidney hesitantly asked... he was needing to grow his investments as most of Eliza's money had gone into paying off Tom's debts or fund future developments in Sanditon.
"Of course... I will let you know the outcome of our investigations" Henry was pleased to offer this to Sidney.
It was the first time Sidney had seen Crowe up close without being clouded with rage or alcohol. The man was large and from his build would be strong... Crowe was the poster child for good health compared to most gentlemen of their generation. He really was a different man than the one Sidney remembered... even his voice had lost its false tone.
Charles and Sidney ordered whisky while Henry coffee.
"No alcohol?" observed Sidney
"No"
"It seems to have benefited you"
"yes.. it has" smiled Henry
It was small ... but it was the first real conversation the two men had attempted!
The pregnancy of Charlotte was not mentioned because Henry had written to Sidney about it. Out of respect for his friend Henry had told him.
The men finished their drinks and Sidney bid each a good morning. It was a start but they were slowly finding their feet with their friendship.
