I saw Mary in London

Sidney had been spending time in his study pouring over his accounts and various investments. His brother was wanting another building and Sidney had no ideas where they would get the money. He had travelled back to Sanditon to assess the feasibility and Lady Denham had also requested a meeting.

It had been a week and he had only just arrived back in time for the dinner. The conversation was ghastly and he didn't want to remember the things said about Charlotte and her family.

He now had to focus on finding Mary!

Eliza arriving home after all her social visits and was surprised to see her husband home. She had been concerned about the comments made by Esther at the dinner. She had breathed a sigh of relief that the ton was quiet. She was the one who made the comment country women were breeders. She walked into the study and noticed the empty bottle on the desk... she needed him to be alert as they were attending a dinner tonight. Sidney was not a happy drunk and tended to become aggressive. She was trying but found him very difficult to understand.

"We are going to Lord and Lady Wests home tonight...I need you to be on your best behaviour... it is another opportunity to improve our social position" commented Eliza

"I don't think I am able to attend... I am not feeling well" he replied

"Just have some coffee and you will cope... remember your promise when we married" she reminded him

"Ok, Eliza... I will be ready at the agreed time" he sighed

She left the room and he pulled out another bottle and opened it. Quickly putting the bottle away as he heard Eliza coming back into his study.

"I saw Mary last week!" informed Eliza

"Where?" Sidney standing up... startling Eliza by his abrupt movement

"In regent's Park and I must say she was looking very well... her time home must have helped her"

"Did she tell you she came from Sanditon?" he asked urgently

"Ahh.. no... I just assumed as she didn't disagreed with me... she was with Lady Worcester, Lady Crowe and the various Heywood clan. Did you know Crowe is a Viscount? How is Mary gaining all these high connections?" Eliza frowning as she spoke

"Were the children with her?" pushed Sidney

"Let me think... there were children playing around them but I was so focused on speaking with them.. I tried visiting her during the week but she was always out?" Eliza leaving the study and headed towards her bedroom... leaving Sidney with a deep frown on his face.

He sat back down picked up the second bottle and brooded over the information.

'Where was Mary staying?' ... He slammed his fist on the table as he stewed over the situation.

The next day the mail arrived and he recognised the handwriting of Mary. He quickly closed the study door and opened the letter.

Dear Sidney

After many years of being placed last in your brother's life and seeing my children being neglected. I have decided we need time away from the Parker family. Tom's obsession with Sanditon and the tragic events of the recent years has contributed greatly to my own illness. The children and I are being well cared for and ask that you don't attempt to contact us. If you wish to contact me please correspond with my solicitor.

Mary

Sidney had to read the letter a number of times to comprehend its meaning.

He sat back and placed his hands though his hair... how did he miss it?. He knew how... he had been so wrapped up in his own unhappiness he had failed to protect the innocent members of the Parker family.

Shock turned to anger... how could she?... after everything he did for her... he gave up Charlotte... his happiness... for what?... for her to walk out on his brother!

'Who was providing shelter and keeping his family away from the children?' he thought

His mind turned to Lady Worcester, Charlotte and Henry Crowe. They must be helping her... no one else... Without any thought he left the house and headed to Lady Worcester home...

Mary knew her brother-in-law would be arriving after receiving her letter. She had asked that everyone not be present for the day. Mary was going to be supported by Susan, Grace and John who had stayed behind while everyone else had gone to the gallery and other parts of London.

Mary had calculated when she expected Sidney to arrive and he didn't disappoint her. Sidney bashed on the front door and demanded to be received.

Mary taking a deep breath... nodding to the butler who let in a very angry Mr Sidney Parker!