Hope you all enjoyed the previous chapter!

As previously stated all of the characters belong to Jane Austen EXCEPT the ones I've made up :)

After much conversation and careful planning, Sidney and Charles both set out to find investors and raise hope and interest for Sanditon. Sidney paid a visit to the estate of another old friend, Nicholas Mason.

"Sidney, long time no see! How are things?"

"Well, in truth, not well which is why I want to ask a favor of you. My family and I are in a bit of a limbo. I hope it isn't too much to ask of you for aid?"

"Nonsense! After you helped me so much all those years ago it is only fair I return the favor. Tell me what you need and I am at your behest."

After repeating everything he told Charles the day before, Sidney was relieved when Nicholas also agreed to invest.

Upon returning to Bedford Place, Jenkins informed Sidney that he had mail waiting for him. He thanked him and retreated to the study. The first piece of mail was a letter from Charlotte. He couldn't help but smile as he read her words and how she spoke of waiting for him to return and continuing their conversation from the Midsummer Ball.

The second piece of mail was a short note that read: "To Mr. Sidney Parker, Lady Susan Worcester requests your presence at her estate as soon as possible."

Sidney was shocked and somewhat confused by this note. He had not been able to speak much with Lady Susan whilst she was in Sanditon for the regatta. He certainly had wondered what Charlotte and Lady Susan were discussing during the masked ball in London when he found Charlotte to ask her for a dance, but he never thought to ask Charlotte about it. Maybe he would do so when he returned to Sanditon. Therefore, he concluded that it was likely Charlotte who orchestrated this.

After a short rest from the busy morning, he prepared for his visit to see Lady Susan. He knew that she had a more important connection to the Prince Regent than Lord Babington did. Could the Prince Regent be convinced to come to Sanditon even when the town is in shambles? Sidney sure hoped so. He decided that he would write to Tom after returning from his meeting with Lady Susan and hopefully Tom will at least be temporarily put at ease.

Upon arriving he was directed to the sitting area to wait for Lady Susan. He stood and bowed when she finally entered the room.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Parker."

"The pleasure is all mine, my lady."

"Please call me Susan. I think we are past such formality."

"Very well, Susan."

"I gather you've figured out why I have summoned you this afternoon."

"Yes. May I say that your friendship with Charlotte is beneficial not only to Charlotte herself but to me and my family as well. I hope my brother gave proper thanks to you after the regatta."

"He did. I can see how much Sanditon means to him and we all have a chance to right our wrongs and for that, and after receiving Charlotte's letter, I will be glad to help you and your family."

"On behalf of my family, I thank you."

Lady Susan smiled and nodded.

"How exactly can I be of service?"

"Well, I have been reconnecting with old friends here in London who have agreed to invest in the repair and rebuilding of the terrace and I know that you advertised Sanditon to the beau monde so I was hoping somehow we can continue to get more people interested in Sanditon. It did prove to be difficult whilst myself, my brother, Charlotte and my friends attended the masked ball."

"Yes, I know the people here have little to no interest in the happenings outside of London. However, I think I might have a solution or two. Firstly, I spoke to almost everyone who attended the Sanditon regatta and some seemed interested in returning in the future so it's possible I can keep mentioning it. I would say to keep doing events like the regatta. Certain amenities around the town may need to be upgraded such as the bathing machines and also in the future if the regatta becomes an annual event, it would be a good idea to have other activities to coincide with it leading up to the Midsummer Ball."

Sidney nodded as he listened intently.

"Secondly, I told your brother that I know a particular person that may be interested in visiting Sanditon. I have since spoken to this person and while I've explained the unfortunate situation he is still interested in visiting. Let us go into my study so you can meet this person and we can discuss this more privately."

Sidney's curiosity was instantly piqued as he stood up and followed Lady Susan. Could it be who he was thinking?

As soon Sidney stepped into the room he came face to face with none other than the Prince Regent. He composed himself after the initial shock and bowed politely.

"Your Highness."

"Mr. Parker, it is a pleasure."

"The pleasure is all mine."

The Prince Regent nodded and smiled slightly.

"Well, I believe there are important things we must discuss. Please take a seat and we can get down to business."

Sidney spent the next hour or so with the Prince Regent and Lady Susan discussing the situation in Sanditon. The Prince Regent seemed especially impressed by what Sidney and Lady Susan told him of Miss Charlotte Heywood. To conclude the conversation, the Prince Regent had one specific request.

"I will be arriving in Sanditon in about two or three weeks time which will hopefully give your investors enough time to lay the groundwork for the rebuilding process and get started. My only request upon my arrival is that I would like you and Miss Heywood to be my hosts. I believe your brother's dream has good intentions but I am confident you and Miss Heywood will be best suited to introduce me to the town and the plans for its future."

Sidney nodded. He knew that Tom would not like being cast out of his own project but he needed to accept that he had made a mess of things. Sidney was not going to let Tom be sent off to the debtors prison nor have Mary and the children subject to the poor house. And the only way to achieve that is to have another take the reins of Sanditon. So Sidney knew he had to think very carefully about how he would approach Tom when he returned to Sanditon.

After graciously thanking Lady Susan, Sidney prepared to return to Bedford Place.

"When do you expect to return to Sanditon?" Sidney asked Lady Susan.

"Ideally I'll arrive with the Prince Regent, but I would much like to arrive earlier so I can speak with Charlotte in private before you both entertain the Prince Regent."

Sidney smiled. "May I ask why you've taken such an interest in Charlotte?"

"I suppose I saw myself in her when I was her age. She is headstrong but kind. Not like the ladies of the beau monde. Like Mrs. Campion, for example."

She smirked slightly while speaking that last part. Sidney couldn't help but chuckle.

"I am certainly aware of that. Mrs. Campion has little regard to the feelings of others."

"I feel as though I owe you an apology, Mr. Parker. I realize I may be partly to blame for the disastrous conversation that took place before the gentlemen's boat race."

"Not to worry. My lack of answer may also have only fueled Mrs. Campion's unkind words. I wanted to remain neutral in front of her but it seems like I was trapped either way."

"Yes I understand what it's like to live up to what's expected of you given your social class."

"That's something that I've never cared for and I only hope that Charlotte knows where I stand."

"I'm positive she does. She spoke of you that night at Mrs. Maudsley's ball and while we only spoke for a few minutes I could tell that she cares little about your wealth and status but greatly values your opinions."

Sidney smiles a little.

"I must admit I was a right brute to her when she first arrived in Sanditon. Everything changed that night at that ball. I was able to admit to myself my feelings for her but then seeing Mrs. Campion again turned everything upside down."

"While I only know so much about your history with Mrs. Campion I can understand that it would take time to sort out one's feelings when faced with a predicament such as yours."

"Yes, but in my case it was at the cost of someone else's feelings. I had not expected to develop feelings of love towards another after Eliza wed Mr. Campion. I tried to avoid it for so long and suddenly it hit me like a runaway carriage. I did Ms. Heywood a great discourtesy by allowing my brother to encourage me to invite Mrs. Campion to the regatta. I may have spent more time than I should have trying to figure out my feelings."

"But you did figure them out in the end. And you both deserve a chance at happiness."

"Thank you. It will be a pleasure hosting you and The Prince Regent very soon. Although now I must find a way to tell my brother."

"I believe he will eventually come to understand. It will be a harsh lesson but hopefully he will understand that certain things take greater importance over others."

Sidney smiled. He would be forever grateful that Tom had helped him all those years and now it was time that Tom appreciated something someone else did for him.

"Thank you once again for everything, Susan. I know Charlotte will be glad to see you again. Before I return to Sanditon I will need to make a special visit to a certain village."

Susan grinned. "Then I will be expecting to hear the most joyous news upon my arrival in Sanditon. Good day, Sidney. And good luck."

As Sidney exited, he could not help but feel so many emotions at once: happiness, relief and excitement. Only a few more days and he would have Charlotte in his arms once again.

Upon arriving back to Bedford Place, Sidney retreated to the study, his mood shifting slightly with thoughts about how he would handle Tom. It didn't take Sidney long to come to the conclusion that the only person that could possibly tame Tom even just a little bit was Mary. He was amazed at how Mary always put up with Tom's antics but he knew that she loved Tom unequivocally. Sidney would also write to Charlotte thanking her for having Lady Susan get in touch with him.

Dearest Mary,

I know Tom is expecting a letter from me and you must be wondering why I have addressed this letter to you. In short, I have been successful in my trip to London acquiring insurance and enough money to pay off the workers. I have been offered help by a couple friends in covering the £80 thousand to repair the terrace. Earlier today I met with Lady Susan Worcester and she revealed that Charlotte had written to her asking her to seek me out.

During our conversation she expressed that someone was interested in visiting Sanditon. To my great surprise that person is the Prince Regent. The three of us had a very in depth conversation. He told me that he would be arriving in two or three weeks time, however, he said this with the condition that myself and Ms. Heywood hosted him. He is rightfully not interested in hearing Tom's plans for the future of Sanditon.

Naturally, I do not know how I will broach the news with Tom. I had hoped that you could speak with him about this before I return. It will be a task enough for Ms. Heywood and I to discuss our relationship and future plans with him. I will be returning to Sanditon in a few days time but first I need to make a quick trip outside of London.

Warmest regards,

Sidney

—

My dearest Charlotte,

I was overjoyed to receive your letter. My trip to London has been a success and you and my family should be expecting my return in a few days time. I have acquired the funds to pay the workers and to cover the cost of the repair of the terrace.

I cannot thank you enough for setting up a meeting between myself and Lady Susan. The meeting exceeded my expectations more than you can imagine. Lady Susan has convinced the Prince Regent to visit Sanditon. In fact, he was present at this meeting. To my surprise, he requested that you and I host him during his upcoming visit. I know that you may feel intimidated by this but please know that I have faith in you. You are a wonderful and capable woman. You will have my full support as well as Lady Susan's. I know she will also make sure you are comfortable.

You must be wondering then where that leaves Tom. Well, as you can imagine the Prince Regent was very disappointed when I told him the cause of Sanditon's troubles. I have written to Mary and hope she can tame Tom until I return to speak with him.

I cannot wait to see your smiling face in a few days.

Yours,

Sidney

As Sidney finished sealing the letters he went to find Jenkins to have them taken to the post. Just as he was walking out to the foyer he heard the bell of the door ring. Jenkins opened it to reveal Charles on the other side.

"Charles, well met! Any news?"

"Yes." Charles answers as Jenkins takes his coat and top hat. Charles follows Sidney into the study and they sit.

"I spoke to an old friend, Samuel Green, and he said that he was interested in investing. And not only that, but he said he knew some men who were looking for work. They all have experience in building construction and he said that he would be willing to pay them for their work himself since you are currently tight with finances."

"That works out perfectly. Thank you, Charles."

"It will be my greatest pleasure seeing Sanditon rise from the ashes. Well then, what are your plans now? Will you be returning to Sanditon soon?"

"Yes. I plan to return in a few days time, however, I have a stop to make on my way back."

"Well, I will be in touch and we can get everything settle in Sanditon hopefully within the next week or two."

"Excellent. I will be waiting on your arrival."

Sidney saw Charles out as he thought to himself how things were coming along favorably. All he needed to do now was make the trip to Willingden to visit the Heywood family.

A/N: So sorry this chapter took me so long to post. I had thought about making it longer but I think I found a good place to stop.