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After spending the morning with Charles and Samuel discussing the rebuilding plans and when they would arrive in Sanditon, Sidney prepared for one final task before leaving London for Willingden the next day. He couldn't deny that he was extremely nervous. Looking back, he realized just how young he was when he proposed to Eliza. He was but a mere boy who thought he had found the love of his life and was ready for matrimony. So naïve that he did not expect Eliza to pass him over for a wealthier and older man.
His behavior in the years following was no doubt reckless. Illegal fighting and houses of ill repute were his biggest vices. When he had to look for Georgiana in a boarding house he previously frequented he was embarrassed to no end when Charlotte had followed him inside. He should have expected that when he told her to stay in the carriage that she was not going to listen. But he had to admit that one of the things he loved most about her was that she was headstrong and was not intimidated by him. As much as he tried to push her away, she always pushed back. She challenged him like nobody else ever had. The truth was that she had captivated him from the moment he first laid on her eyes on the cliff tops walking with Mary. Only his first instinct was to put his guard up. He was not going to let any woman entrap him as Eliza had so.
Sidney would never forget the night of the first ball of the season. After Georgiana's grand entrance and subtle expression of disdain towards him for bringing her to Sanditon, he made his way to the seclusion of the balcony overlooking the grand spectacle of the ball. A short time later Charlotte had also come to the secluded spot. Charlotte expressed feeling overwhelmed by the atmosphere and people. Sidney baited her into telling him her opinion of him. She had called him the sensible one amongst his brothers while describing Arthur as over energetic and Tom as not only over enthusiastic but also as someone who neglected his own happiness and his own family for his devotion to Sanditon. In his mind he wanted to tell Charlotte how right she was but in order to push her away he berated her for having no significant life experiences to back up her opinions of people she had just met.
When she attempted to apologize he once again dismissed her saying he did not care what she thought or how she felt. She then accused him of troubling himself with being offensive and hurtful. As time went by he did learn to accept that no matter how hard he tried not to, he did listen to what she had to say. She had once pointed out that he seemed reluctant to help Tom and now given the current situation he hoped that she realized that he was truly listening. The one thing he was certain of, however, was that he would do everything to help his family without hurting Charlotte and sacrificing himself and his happiness. He came to London with the idea that potentially having to seek out Mrs. Campion was his absolute last resort and he was grateful that it didn't come to that. He was not only grateful to have reconnected with old friends but he was also grateful that once again Charlotte had proved herself to be invaluable to Sanditon and to him and his family when she asked Lady Susan to seek him out.
He remembered how Lady Denham had asked Charlotte if she had come to Sanditon to find a rich husband to which Charlotte replied that her wish to marry would be based on mutual love and affection towards the other person, not wealth. She had also replied something similar to Mrs. Campion when she had pointed out that Charlotte was of marrying age. Charlotte had said that marriage would not be on her mind until she found someone she wished to marry and when Mrs. Campion had asked her if there was a boy in her village that she was interested in, Lady Susan had stepped in wondering why Charlotte should be just limited to her village to find a suitor. Sidney was grateful for that because as difficult as it was, he was forced to put up a façade in front of Mrs. Campion, and those within earshot of their conversation, pretending to be interested in the spectacle of London society. He foolishly, however, did not realize that him mentioning Charlotte reading Heraclitus would be perceived by her as him insulting her. Moments later when she asked him what she wanted from him he wished that he could have said that he just wanted her just as she was, but he couldn't. He had quoted Heraclitus for a reason that he wasn't sure she had completely grasped but soon he would be able to tell her why he did so. He knew that he had two options: stay in the past or look forward to his future. There was no doubt in his mind that Charlotte was his present and future. He, likely as much as Charlotte, did not wish to have a grand wedding. All he wanted was to marry the love of his life surrounded by the ones who loved them.
Which led him to his task today. He left Bedford Place and ventured to the nearest jewelry shop. He wanted to find the perfect ring to present to Charlotte at their wedding, simple and beautiful just like her. After speaking to the owner of the shop he eventually found the perfect ring. It was not his intention to parade Charlotte around amongst the beau monde. All Sidney wished was to live comfortably within his means.
Upon returning to Bedford Place he began making sure he had everything he needed to return to Sanditon after first stopping in Willingden, of course. He didn't realize until then that at times while naturally being courteous, his nerves still got the best of him and he would end up asking Charlotte about her family on several occasions to steer a conversation from ending up with him professing his feelings but now that he had, he did not need to worry any longer. With Charlotte coming from a large family, he hoped to make a good impression.
Suddenly he was pulled out of his reverie by the bell ringing. Who could it be? He walked to the foyer and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Eliza Campion practically glide through the door.
"Mrs. Campion. What brings you here? How did you know I was in London?"
"Hello, Sidney. I happened to hear whispers that your brother and his beloved town are near ruin and that you were here to find investors. Therefore I thought I'd come to offer my help."
Sidney scoffed quietly and almost rolled his eyes. "I appreciate your offer but all is in hand, Mrs. Campion. I have found enough investors to cover my brother's debt."
"Sidney, please call me Eliza. I believe our history dictates that we are past such formality."
"I prefer to address you as Mrs. Campion all the same."
Now it was Mrs. Campion's turn to roll her eyes.
"Surely you do not still hold my marriage to Matthew against me, Sidney?"
"Indeed I do. My life was nearly ruined by your abandonment."
"And what saved you then, Sidney?"
"Truthfully, it was Miss Heywood."
"Miss Heywood? That village girl? How could she have possibly saved your life when you've known her only a matter of months?"
"My brother may have paid off my debts a decade ago but Miss Heywood softened my heart. It was because of you that I could not even look at another woman until I met Miss Heywood. Whenever I was rude to her, she never backed down. She made me see that I am a man worthy of love."
"What a sweet little thing she is then. Although I cannot see how you think she belongs in our world, Sidney."
"Our world? You and I do not belong to the same world, Mrs. Campion. This city and the beau monde are your world, not mine. My world is my family, Sanditon and now Miss Heywood."
"I am rather shocked by your words, Sidney. When we spoke after the regatta I wasn't sure if you were serious."
"I was and I am serious. The fact of the matter is that maybe we were truly never compatible. Who is supposed to know what love is at that age? We did not have the capacity nor the maturity to know then. I heard once that a relationship or a marriage should be based on mutual love and affection. I will once again insist that the man standing before you is not the same from a decade ago but a much improved man. If I could not give you what you sought then, I will still not be able to give it to you now."
"I guess this is goodbye then?"
"I believe it is. I truly wish you every happiness."
Mrs. Campion did not reply as she turned and walked out the door.
Sidney felt a weight lifted off of his shoulders. His past was finally behind him. He was ready to be his best and truest self with Charlotte.
This might not be the last time Mrs. Campion is mentioned or appears in my story….
PAGE BREAK
(I wrote the AN below before I finished the chapter so since it's a long one I decided to add more to the chapter.)
The following morning Sidney found himself in the carriage as it made its way to Willingden. All the while he couldn't stop thinking about what was about to happen. Would Charlotte's family give their approval for her to marry him? Would they accept him? Had Charlotte told them about what was currently transpiring in Sanditon?
Sidney had instructed the carriage driver to arrive at the town's inn and he would either walk or ride horseback to the Heywood residence.
He had no idea how much time had passed as he had been lost in thought about what was to come until he noticed the carriage began to slow down. The door was opened for him and he stepped out and immediately was calmed by the atmosphere of the town and walked through the entrance of the inn.
He politely asked the innkeeper for a room and informed him that he only expected to stay one night but if for any reason that would change he would inform him. After settling in his room he returned to the innkeeper's desk.
"I was wondering if you might be able to direct me to the Heywood residence."
"Ah yes! It's not far from here. It's practically right up the road that way." The innkeeper replied, pointing his finger in a certain direction.
Sidney nodded and thanked him before exiting the inn. He decided that if it really wasn't too far, he would just walk. He walked until he saw a worn out plaque with the name Heywood barely visible. He looked up to see a young woman in the front garden. Looking closer, he could see a resemblance to Charlotte in this young woman's features. Likely sensing his presence she looked up as he closed the distance between them. He concluded that this had to be Charlotte's sister, Allison. Charlotte had mentioned her in passing many times.
"Excuse me, miss? Are you Allison Heywood."
"Yes, sir". She bowed politely as she replied. "May I help you with something?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sidney Parker. Your family met my brother, Tom, and my sister in law, Mary, several months ago."
"Yes! I remember! Lottie has mentioned you in her letters. In fact, I just received a letter from her. She wrote about the fire in Sanditon and your brother's debt. She said you had gone to London. Why are you here now? Has something else happened?"
"No. I have finished my task in London. Sanditon is saved. In truth, I am here with the hope of speaking to your father."
Allison looked suspicious for a moment then grinned. That grin was all Sidney needed to know that Allison knew what he was about to do.
"Come with me, Mr. Parker. Papa is just inside."
Sidney followed Allison through the door.
"Mama, Papa! We have a visitor!"
Mr. and Mrs. Heywood walked to the front entrance to greet their unknown guest.
"Who is this young man, Allison?"
"Mama, Papa, this is Mr. Sidney Parker, Mr. Tom Parker's brother."
Sidney bowed and extended his hand. Both Mr. and Mrs. Heywood shook it warmly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Heywood. Charlotte has spoken a lot about you."
"It is a pleasure to receive you in our home, Mr. Parker." Mrs. Heywood said.
Sidney smiled and nodded. "It is a pleasure to be here."
"Lottie has mostly written to Allison but we know that she is having a pleasant time with your family. We are, however, sorry to hear about the fire." Mr. Heywood said.
"Yes, it is an unfortunate situation my brother has gotten himself into. The fire caused one death and the almost complete destruction of one of the housing developments, but I have just been in London and have secured investors to help cover the repairs. Hopefully soon Sanditon will be restored to its former glory."
"That is good to hear. So tell us more about yourself. What is your occupation, Mr. Parker?"
"Sidney, please sir."
"Very well, then it is John and Scarlett to you. No Mr. and Mrs."
Sidney smiled and nodded. "To answer your question, I am in the business of importing and exporting. My business affairs are mostly in London but I have traveled to Antigua and to the Americas in the past. For the foreseeable future I will be dividing my time between London and Sanditon overseeing the rebuilding in the aftermath of the fire."
"Your travels sound intriguing, indeed. Is your brother your only family?"
"No, I have another brother and a sister. Tom and Mary have four children so I have two nephews and two nieces. My parents passed many years ago. My brother Arthur was still very young when it happened but we managed to make it through that unfortunate time."
"Sorry to hear that but it sounds like you and your siblings have done well for yourselves. Do your other brother and your sister reside in Sanditon as well?"
"No. They have apartments in London. We do have a family home in London and one in Sanditon. My brother Tom has his own home in Sanditon."
"Wow. That many homes?"
"I know it seems like a lot but I've personally never cared for money and possessions. It is likely I will occupy the other home in Sanditon during the rebuilding process. Since there's never been any room in my brother's home I would stay at the hotel each time I visited. Usually I wouldn't be in Sanditon for long so staying at the hotel was convenient. I will now have to make sure the home is ready since it's been unoccupied for some time, of course."
"Are you thinking of settling down any time soon? Marriage? Children?"
Sidney saw this question as the perfect opportunity to make his intentions towards Charlotte known."
"It is something that I've been thinking about recently. I was engaged once about a decade ago but it did not work out. Since then I have immersed myself in my work and traveling. Only this summer did I finally agree to return to Sanditon. In a strange twist of fate I was briefly reunited with my ex fiancée just weeks ago but I am no longer interested in rekindling that relationship. The truth is I have become quite taken with your daughter."
He paused to gauge their reaction. John and Scarlett stared at him in surprise. He decided to continue speaking.
"I know we have not known each other long and have not courted properly but the reason I am here is to ask for her hand in marriage. I had intended it to make a proposal to her the night of the fire but was unable to. I realized that since I had the opportunity, I wished to come speak with you about my intentions. I know how important family is to Charlotte. At times I have been selfish when it comes to my own family but Charlotte has made me realize that I would do anything for them and that doesn't just include my siblings, nieces and nephews but also my future wife and children. I have made mistakes and I haven't always been the kindest person to her but I believe wholeheartedly that Charlotte is my match."
"I was skeptical when Charlotte expressed interest in accepting your brother's invitation to Sanditon." John said. "She had never been anywhere outside of Willingden before. She had also never been in love before but your visit has proved to me that you are serious about your intentions. It is time that Scarlett and I allow her the freedom to make her own decisions. From her letters she seems quite taken with you as well, Sidney. Therefore, you have our blessing."
"Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me. I promise that I will take care of your daughter for the rest of my life."
"We believe you will."
"Would you like to stay for dinner, Sidney? And if you would like you can join us for breakfast tomorrow as well. Will you be heading back to Sanditon tomorrow?"
"Yes, I have no doubt my brother is eager to speak with me in person so it's time I get back but I will gladly accept your invitation for dinner and breakfast tomorrow. Thank you."
Sidney could not help but smile about everything that happened today. Soon he would be able to make Charlotte a proposal of marriage.
A/N: I had the idea that I wanted Sidney to purchase a ring for Charlotte in London and not Sanditon. I think regardless of where he'd purchase it, the price wouldn't matter as we saw in S1E4 with Tom purchasing the necklace for Mary instead of paying the workers. But for the sake of my story I'd want to imagine it being priced on the low end but still elegant and fit for Charlotte (I don't really have an actual visual though). In doing research, engagement rings were historically rare in that era (around the time of Jane Austen's death when she left Sanditon unfinished) so I decided to make Sidney purchase it then with the intention of saving it for the wedding.
After reading new chapters from Sanditon/Sidlotte fanfics I'm following on AO3 since the announcements were made about seasons two and three as well as the announcement about Theo James not returning, I decided that I don't want the rest of this story to be filled with too much drama and angst. As heartbroken and conflicted as I am still about everything, which obviously includes the S1 cliffhanger, I don't want that to reflect in my story. So I hope that despite the extra fluff that I can eventually end this story on a high note. Therefore given the timeline in relation to S1E8, I will still include Babington and Esther's wedding in my story as it technically hasn't happened yet. The differences will obviously be no Eliza and I will change the one sided conversation Lady Denham had with Charlotte about finding a suitor. I do want to keep writing Sidlotte fanfics and it's likely those will also be similar in fluff content. So I hope that's okay and thanks once again for reading and reviewing :)