How can we help Mary?

Mary Parker had regained some of her health but suffered greatly from nerves. The failures of her husband and various stresses in the Parker family had resulted in her not being able to cope with pressure. It was her children that had sustained her the last couple of years and kept her fighting her illnesses. The family were back in London as she was visiting a series of had suggested they leave the children in Sanditon but she had demanded her children travel with them as she felt more relaxed having them close to her.

"I am becoming like Arthur and Diana" she laughed to herself. Mary had become very knowledgeable of the various medical specialists in Harley Street.

She suspected most of her health issues were related to her mind and her husband.

She had a peaceful day as Tom had gone visiting people... the children had been taken out by the governess. She was lying on the lounge when her tranquil time was interrupted by Eliza. Eliza was in a flap as she was full of gossip after visiting her various friends. Mary taking a deep breath and listened patiently as Eliza told her the comings and goings of the London ton.

"At least I don't have to tell Tom about this... Eliza and Tom seemed to enjoy the gossip" thought Mary

"Mary, Mary... are you listening to me?" an impatient Eliza asked

"What is it Eliza? You know I have health concerns and must rest in the afternoon" replied Mary... deciding in the future to rest in her room and that she was not to be disturbed.

"Mary... Mr and Mrs Henry Crowe are back in London... they are regular visitors to the palace and have attended the most exclusive events... since arriving!" an excited Eliza commented.

"That is nice... they are close friends with the Prince Regent and his daughter"commented Mary.

"You are her friend from Sanditon so I think we need go and call on Mrs Crowe?" a hopeful Eliza asked

Mary could see Eliza's motives... she wanted to use Charlotte as a means to getting closer to Lady Susan and other people in the higher circles. She had only just started feeling better connected with Charlotte and was not going to put that in danger.

"Eliza, I am not feeling vey well... I suggest you send a letter and see if they respond" Mary suggested

Eliza looking displeased but had other people to visit bid Mary a good day. She had planned to return and make the suggestion again with Tom present. Tom was very pushy and Mary would agree to avoid an argument.

After Eliza had left the afternoon mail arrived. Mary was happy to receive a personal invitation to an afternoon tea at Lady Susan's home. There was also a personal letter from Charlotte... Mary smiled as Charlotte wrote she was looking forward to seeing her and that the invitation was ONLY for her. Mary laughed and felt lighter... she was feeling better and decided she would take a walk in the park. Her more upbeat outlook was noticed by her children but not Tom... Tom was full of his visits and his eternal quest to make Sanditon the centre of the world. Mary had learned to block out his voice and concentrate on her children.

The next day Mary had been successful in getting out of an engagement with Eliza. The other members of the Parker's were too busy with their own affairs to notice if she went out. Charlotte in her note had told her to bring the children and Mary happily had gotten them ready. The only problem she encountered was her brother-in-law who had just arrived when they were leaving. Sidney noticed they were well dressed and Mary had cancelled attending an event with Eliza due to illness. Mary quickly pushing her children out the door and breathed a sigh of relief once they where in the carriage.

"Why were we not allowed to tell Uncle Sidney where we were going?" her oldest asked

"We are going to visit Charlotte and her friends... we were the only ones invited and I didn't want to cause any problems" replied Mary. The oldest girls knew they were wearing their best clothes and guessed they were visiting someone important. They hadn't seen their mother so animated and were happy to be spending time with her instead of sitting next to her while she was lying on a lounge.

As they got closer the children were getting excited about seeing Charlotte again... she was missed even though it had bee so long since she had stayed with them. They were helped out of the carriage and entered the large home of Lady Susan.

They were directed towards the morning room... they were met by Charlotte, Henry and the three youngest Heywood's. The Parker children were introduced and spent the afternoon being entertained by the Heywood children. Lydia and Johanna giving the girls a real afternoon tea party. Henry and Alex spent a fun afternoon playing soldiers and other activities boys loved. The youngest Parker was spoiled by the numerous toys that was placed around him. The Babbington's had also arrived... Henry and Charles taking the children out for some ice cream and games in the Park. The children were promised they would see their new friend's another time and returned home in good moods... which was noticed by the other members of the Parker family.

Mary had enjoyed herself and felt happy. She didn't have to organise anything... manage an excitable Tom or tensions between the Parker siblings. Mary found Esther was much warmer around Charlotte and it was evident the two women were very close. Mary felt welcomed and Charlotte made sure she was included in all conversations. Alison Heywood was lovely and Mary felt accepted by her. She was also happy to see her children being entertained and cared for by Henry and Charles. She felt like she was having a holiday away from her family problems. Mary left the afternoon with the promise they would see each other again.

"Mary... you are looking much brighter?" Tom observed while the Parker family were having dinner together

"Yes, the fresh air helped me today" she replied but kept her eyes on her plate as she ate. It was only Sidney who narrowed his eyes as he knew they had not gone walking.

Mary to take attention from herself asked Eliza about the gossip she had heard today... earning her a displeased look from Sidney.