I wish I was at a different dinner

Esther was not happy with her husband!

Charles out of compassion for his friend Sidney Parker had agreed they attend a dinner. Charles had accepted the invitation without informing her. She was disappointed on missing the event at the Eastbourne home.

Without a doubt Lord Castle was going to make his intentions known to Victoria and she was going to hear about it second hand!

"Charles... He is going to propose to her and we will miss out on seeing it" she frowned in his direction as she was being dressed.

Esther had even thought about pretending to be sick but knew their attendance at the Eastbourne's would be reported by the ton. It was the current piece of gossip and many anticipated a courtship or engagement before the wedding of Alison Heywood. The transformation of Lord Castle had been widely reported and Victoria Heywood had been credited for it... he was an eligible bachelor who had evaded marriage with determination and there was much jealousy aimed at poor Victoria.

"I want to be with my real friends NOT those who just want to improve their social position... if they get engaged tonight... I will be upset!" cooly spoke Esther. Charles heard her tone and he knew he was going to have to make it up to her.

"My love... please forgive me... you know I have trouble saying no to my old friends" Charles pleaded with his wife. Esther knowing she couldn't be too angry with him... she loved his compassionate heart... it was what first made her accept him.

She went to him and he held her in his arms... he gave her a slow burning kiss and promised to make it up to her.

"Yes... you will ... Lord Babbingdon"

Charles and Esther expected seeing the other members of the Parker family. Esther reminding her husband that Mary was telling the Parkers about her decision. He hoped Mary would write to Tom Parker soon and bring the situation to light. At least such personal information could not be aired in an open forum... but Sidney Parker was very good at reading him. He drank a glass of port to help calm his nerves and strengthen his resolve not to give away information about Mary.

They arrived at the home of Eliza and Sidney Parker... all members of the Parker family present. Esther giving her husband a warning stare and quietly suggested he only speak about the projects at Sanditon.

"Well met... Lord and Lady Babbington" cried a happy Arthur... he had received good news from one of his many doctors.

"Good evening Tom... Arthur" warmly spoke Charles

"Babbington... I have been meaning to speak to you about the project we are requiring future funding for... it has been many months since we have last spoken" Tom gushed

After spending time with Mary and seeing her pain Esther was finding Tom a difficult person to be around.

"How is your wife... Mr Parker" she couldn't help herself

"I expect she is well... she is in Sanditon and I have been so busy with the development of Sanditon I have left her letters unopened. " he commented

So Mary had written ... Esther now seeing why Mary had decided she needed time away from him. Tom Parker was a 'fool' and she would do her best to protect her friend.

"I would suggest sir, you should open them and see how she is?" she firmly commented and decided it was the only thing she would say about the matter.

Esther indicating she wanted to speak with someone else... pulling her husband away before he invested more money or gave away information about Mary.

Sidney Parker finally arrived... from all observations he was not pleased even though he was the host. He did look relieved when he saw Charles and headed over to speak with them.

"I am glad you are here... it has been a while since we have attended the same event..." Sidney commented

"How have you been old man?" Charles asked... realising his friendship circle had changed... he needed to make some time for Sidney

"As well as expected" Sidney keeping his comments to a minimum.

"How is Crowe?" Charles knowing Sidney was not just asking about Crowe.

"They are well... the Crowes and Heywood's will be going back to Willingdon soon for Alison's wedding. Esther has been helping with the wedding preparation" he selected his words carefully. At that moment Eliza arrived. She had heard the last comments about the Heywood wedding.

"I imagine a simple country wedding..." exclaimed Eliza

"Yes... but as your know Mrs Parker weddings are about family and the time spent in preparation for them" cooly commented Esther

"I hear that another Heywood has attracted a wealthy gentleman!" Eliza commented with surprise... it still astounded her about the luck this family had.

"Yes.. the Marquess of Eastbourne... Lord Castle will be a fortunate man to secure her hand" pointed out Esther.

Thankfully the dinner bell rang and they were separated from Eliza and Sidney.

Charles could feel the displeasure of his wife as they heard strangers talk about their friends... particularly Victoria and Stanley. There were a number of women present who were jealous of this lady from the country who had turned the Marquess head. They had been trying for years and it has only taken the girl less than a month. They also commented about Crowe and Charlotte's expectant state and laughed when a comment was made that country women were good breeders.

Esther nolonger able to hold her tongue spoke to the woman who made that last comment...

"I would be careful madam what you say about the Viscount and Viscountess Crowe-Eastings... they have close connections with the Crown and Lady Susan treats the Viscountess like a daughter. I don't think you would like Lady Susan to know of your disrespect?" threatened Esther.

A number of the women who had made the previous comments looked worried. They had seen how the Countess Eastings and Lady Worchester destroyed the social position of Lady South who had spread similar rumours. Fear gripped a few as they realised the Babbington's were closely associated with these ladies. For the rest of the evening the women spent time trying to please Esther... only adding to Esther's agitation.

Even though she looked calm Charles could see she was annoyed.

Both Charles and Esther hoping the evening would end swiftly!