Choices... there are always consequences
Sidney was up early the next day as he was going riding with his son. He had woken numerous times during the night falling frustrated back into bed when it was still dark. So much had changed in a short period of time. His son was a credit to Charlotte and in his own right was a powerful man. The Montrose family were generous, and he was thankful for the warm welcome they had received.
"The Montrose ladies are lovely … I must confess I like Lady Montrose the best" Anne sharing with her father as they spoke about their time during their carriage ride home.
"I agree!" Sidney speaking honestly with his daughter. He watched as she looked at him intently and nodded her head.
"Good… I think you should think about marriage Papa… Mama has been dead for 5 years and I know you didn't love her. You always looked like you had indigestion in her presence. You looked happy being with Lady Montrose." Anne loved her father and often worried about his own happiness.
"Anne…Lady Montrose may not be allowed to marry? " Sidney had pondered this question and was fearful to find out the answer.
"I asked Elizabeth and she is free to remarry. Now! we need to find out if we are related to the Scots to tip the scales in your favour" Sidney chuckling as he listened to his daughter plot for him to marry Charlotte.
Anne having an early breakfast with him and commented getting to know Lord Montrose was an excellent strategy in his quest to marry Lady Montrose. Giving him a kiss on the cheek before informing him she was spending the day with Harriet and Elizabeth. Sidney deciding, she was reading too many romance novels and hoped she didn't suggest anything embarrassing to Charlotte's daughters.
Sidney arriving at the private estate owned by the Montrose's and was greeted by his son. Sidney admiring the condition of the horses and found his mount suited him nicely. Sidney M taking his father on a tour of the estate grounds and pointed out the various features. The men not saying much to each other but riding together. It was not until they stopped to view an artificial lake Sidney M initiated the conversation.
"If you had known my mother was pregnant, would you have married her?" a question that Sidney M always wanted answered. He stared directly into the older man's eyes and waited.
"I would have broken the engagement instantly" spoke Sidney… his voice shaking with emotion.
"Why didn't you break the engagement once you had your encounter with my mother? Any man knows there is always a risk, and you left her unprotected." Sidney M clearly pointing this out. Sidney hanging his head acknowledging his mistake and confessed had would carry that burden for the rest of his life.
"My family debts were overwhelming, and I felt I had no choice" Sidney trying to defend himself stopped speaking… an uncomfortable silence hung between the two men. Sidney M knew the past could not be rewritten and they had to start creating a future.
"I understand the burden of having to support the family. I am currently being pushed by my Uncles to marry and ensure the line of succession" Sidney M sharing. Sidney listened as his son explained the complex relationships between the clans and that strategic marriages kept them united. Hector marrying Charlotte had stirred up the elders and in the beginning it had been difficult for his mother.
"Who do they want you to marry?"
"HRH Princess Victoria"
"Who? Only a prince can marry a member of the royal family" breathed out Sidney and looked at his son who suddenly appeared regal.
"As Chief of the Chieftains I am considered a 'Scottish Prince' and thus meet the Royal Marriage Act. The Scottish people yearn for freedom and I may help their cause by marrying the next Queen of England"
Sidney personally understanding the conflict his son was facing.
"Do I marry for the people of Scotland or do I follow my own heart?" reflected Sidney M as the face of Joy Babbington appeared before him. He turned to his father and waited to hear his thoughts.
"Tell me… if you were speaking with your father Hector… what do you think he would say? You told me that you valued his wisdom?" Even though it hurt Sidney to say this he knew he had to honour the man who had raised his son.
"Thank you for showing respect to Hector, he claimed me as his own while I was still in my mother's womb and never wavered in his love. I spent a number of hours alone with him when he was dying. He told me to marry for love and that there were other ways to bring more freedom to the Scottish people" Sidney M reflecting on those hours with Hector.
Sidney now understanding why his son was years beyond his maturity and was a credit to the Montrose family and nation.
"I lost the woman I loved and never saw my son grow up…. Marry for love" Sidney finally sharing but struggled with the last words as he become overcome with emotions. He found his son placing his hand on his own shoulder.
"You have given me wise advice, thank you…" the two men riding back to the house and sat down for morning tea. Sidney noticing there was another place setting. Through the doors walked Charlotte. Sidney M getting up to greet his mother and spoke softly before going into the house. Charlotte poured herself a cup of tea.
"Charlotte! Our son is truly destined to be one of the greatest leaders in England and Scotland" Sidney taking hold of Charlotte's hands and watched as she cried. She knew Sidney had lost seeing his son grow and reach his various milestones.
"He has your smile" Charlotte speaking softly. Sidney wanting to know more.
"What was he like as a child?"
"He was curious, avid reader and serious. I fear he inherited your broody nature!" Sidney giving her a sly smile as he remembered the times Charlotte had called him on his dark moods.
"Favourite food, sport?"
"Well, he loves veal, excellent hunter…. cricketer… boxer and favourite among the children" smiled Charlotte as she thought of her son cradling his nephew, Matthew.
Charlotte had come to speak about private matters that was directly related to Sidney. She shared her journey from Sanditon and her life with Hector. Sidney never taking his eyes from her face even though it was difficult to hear. He hoped that in the future he would be given a second chance with her.
"You are one of the bravest women I know and that I am blessed you have come back into my life." his final words before their son reappeared.