Here's the next chapter…
Tom was getting more frustrated by the minute. Sidney had been gone for several days and had not even sent one letter of how his trip to London was going. Mary and Charlotte did their best to calm him and keep him occupied elsewhere.
Charlotte, of course, continued to enjoy walking along the beach and the clifftops whether alone or with Mary and the children. While nervous, she was at the same time very hopeful about her future with Sidney. She hoped Lady Susan had already received her letter. The week seemed to pass by slowly but Charlotte just knew it would be worth it.
After returning to Trafalgar House from a walk, Charlotte joined the Parkers at the dining table. Charlotte very much enjoyed being around the Parker children. They brought joy to an otherwise stressful situation. Their innocence calmed her in a way. Despite being a young adult woman, Charlotte knew she was naïve in life experiences but there was a different kind of innocence in the children. One of her favorite memories with them will always be playing with their boats on the river. She and Sidney had been getting along around that time but Charlotte can admit to herself that she caused a setback shortly after that would last until she found herself in London with Sidney to find Georgiana. The guilt still ate at her from time to time. She never thought to apologize for mocking him. She realized then that they likely had much more to discuss than she initially thought. She wanted to know more about the man she was in love with and wanted him to also know more about her.
As they sat at the table eating and talking they heard footsteps approaching. Charlotte, Tom and Mary looked up to see Hodges enter with something in his hand.
"There are letters for Mrs. Parker and Miss Heywood." He said as he handed Mary and Charlotte each a letter.
"None for me, Hodges?" Tom asked.
"No, sir" Hodges replied then bowed and stepped out of the room.
Charlotte had a feeling the letter was from Sidney and felt like she should read the letter in private. She wondered if the letter for Mary was also from Sidney. If he did not write directly to Tom then it seemed likely that he'd write to Mary. This must mean that Tom may not like whatever news Sidney has to share. She hoped it was not bad news.
As she slowly removed the letter from its envelope she stole a glance at Mary who was already reading hers. Charlotte paused her hands and watched as Mary's face lit up with a smile then suddenly got serious. Mary sighed quietly before standing up from the table.
Before anyone could say anything, Mary spoke.
"Come along, children. Let's go to the playroom." (A/N: I'm guessing this isn't historically accurate but for the sake of this scene I'm making it up as if it is)
"I need to speak with you privately, dear." Mary said to Tom before turning to Charlotte.
"Charlotte, feel free to stay here and read your letter without any interruption. Once you are done, can you check on the children? I will join you all shortly."
Charlotte nodded and watched as Mary ushered the children out of the dining room with Tom following behind.
She opened the letter and began reading. She quickly understood why Sidney sent a letter to Mary and not Tom. Reading Sidney's words that the Prince Regent was coming to Sanditon with Lady Susan put a smile on her face. When she read where Sidney said they both will host him and that Tom will be cast aside, she felt nervous. However, reading Sidney's following words saying that he had faith in her once again brought a big smile to her face.
If Sidney believed in her that was all the strength and confidence she needed.
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Tom followed Mary into his study anxious to hear what she had to say.
"What is it, Mary? Who is the letter from?"
"The letter is from Sidney, my dear."
"And what did he say? Why did he not write to me directly? He would know that I have been waiting for days to hear from him! Is it bad news?"
"No Tom. According to Sidney, all is well. He was able to find investors and get the money to pay off the workers' wages, but…."
"But what, Mary? What is happening?"
"Sidney said in the letter that Lady Susan Worcester called on him after Charlotte wrote her a letter about our situation. He had a meeting with her and she introduced him to the Prince Regent. The Prince Regent plans to accompany Lady Susan here in a few weeks. However, he wants Sidney and Charlotte to host him."
Tom's frown was deep. "This is MY project, Mary! Sidney has never cared for it! Now all of a sudden he does! I will not stand for this!"
"You must, Tom." Mary replied, her voice rising. "I will not allow you to ruin yourself, me or our children. I told you that I would stand by you, but you have made a mess of things and if this is what the Prince Regent requests, you would do well to respect that decision. It's a wonder that he's even coming so soon when the rebuilding process will have barely started. Therefore, it is time that you give up the reins for now. I cannot say what will happen after but for right now this is what's best for everyone. Even if the fire hadn't happened, Sidney has changed and now has a reason to stay in Sanditon. Knowing Charlotte, when she and Sidney marry she will likely not wish to reside in London. Sidney may not love Sanditon as you do but he found his happiness here. He does not belong in London amongst the beau monde and he certainly doesn't belong anywhere near Mrs. Campion."
Tom didn't speak as he processed Mary's words. After a minute or two he nodded his head and sighed.
"Very well. I will step aside. But Sidney will not take the reins of my project permanently."
"If you can prove that something like this will never happen again then once the rebuilding is finished you will likely be able to make the decisions again regarding this grand town of yours. Sometimes I think Sanditon is your first love, not me."
Tom sighed again. "Come now, Mary. You know that is not true. I ask for your forgiveness if I have ever made you feel that way. I promise I will learn from this dreadful mistake I have made."
"I love you, Tom. And I believe you."
A/N: I finished this chapter AFTER the bittersweet news that while Sanditon will return for two more seasons, Theo James will not return as Sidney Parker. I'm not going to say that I'm not disappointed but in hindsight I am not entirely surprised by this news. Obviously I don't know what his contract contained but if it was for multiple seasons, clearly everything changed when Sanditon was initially canceled. In the aftermath of the cancellation, Theo said that he was satisfied with how Sidney's journey ended and he basically said the same thing in his statement now about the series continuing - although I was disappointed with how he worded his statement. Historically I'd assume that an engagement/marriage like Sidney and Eliza's was not uncommon. It's a business arrangement not a true marriage and I doubt divorce would be easy to obtain. Sidney was Charlotte's first love but ultimately wasn't meant to be her last. Charlotte's journey isn't over yet. So while I don't know yet if I will continue to watch, I will finish this story. That's really all we have left of Sidlotte are these fanfics. I may be slow to update but I promise I will finish.