Mary Parker decides

Mary Parker was starting to feel her normal self...she had been given time to think about her situation.

After being surrounded by people who showed compassion and genuine friendship... she didn't want to go back home. She had reached a point... a cross roads in her life... she loved Tom but needed time away from his manic obsession. It had been gradually happening and Mary no longer wanted to subject her children to it. Since staying at York her children laughed and relaxed... she was able to focus her attention on them alone.

"But where could I and my children go?" She thought herself

She had no control over her money and she was at the will of her husband... even though he was out of his mind. The danger of leaving him was he could legally take her children. She couldn't bear them being raised in that unhealthy environment of the Parkers.

Charlotte and Susan had noticed Mary's deep mood and sought her out. They knew she was worried about facing the Parkers and the pressure she would be placed under by Tom. Over the course of her stay Mary shared the troubles in her marriage and the fears she had for her children.

"We can at least offer shelter while she works out her future" suggested Charlotte... and Susan agreed

"I could ask Mary to stay with us due to my expectant condition? ... Charlotte suggested. Henry had agreed ... he had a soft heart towards anyone who had suffered from abuse in the home.

"Since Tom is so obsessed with us investing more money ... he will agree...everything for his Sanditon!" sadly laughed Charlotte.

"While you are still in London they can stay with us ... I will also be able to speak with the Prince Regent who has personal experience with this type of marriage matter" a thoughtful Susan commented.

The two women found Mary seated in the private garden. She was pouring over her household books and they could tell she had a worried look on her face.

"Mary... we know you are worried about going home... what can we do for you?" Charlotte asked

Mary who had been holding in her emotions couldn't any longer... she started weeping and was comforted by her friends.

"I love Tom... but I can't go back... not yet... but I have nowhere to go? It would be a disgrace if I returned to my own family" cried Mary

Charlotte and Susan sharing their plan to Mary looked at them with gratitude on her face.

"Do you mean it?" Mary asked... not believing the lifeline she was receiving.

"Of course Mary... you will always have a place to stay..." cried Charlotte

"Now... your luggage... we noticed it was a large amount than what is normally expected" commented Susan who had lived in a difficult marriage

"When you invited me... all I wanted to do was escape and I packed everything... our housekeeper knowing what we live under ... helped me. I just need time away from Sanditon... but I fear the Parkers will seek us out!" shared an anxious Mary.

"I suggest you appoint a representative that can act on your behalf while you concentrate on getting well" firmly spoke Susan. Mary agreeing and was relieved that she was not going to be doing this alone.

There was going to be more discussions later but there were activities planned for the day and the women wanted to put a smile back on Mary's face.