Sunday morning dawned with a bright sun adorning the day. Sidney woke up from a restful sleep. He could not remember the last time that he had slept so well. His sleepy brain conjured the memory of yesterday's events, and they came to life in his mind as if he was watching the events in slow motion. A large wide grin graced his lips that threatened to take over his whole face.
He jumped out of bed in anticipation of the day's events. He called for the maid to draw him a bath. His anticipation of having breakfast with his darling fiancée took precedence over anything else. He looked at his clothes undecided on what to wear and secretly making fun of himself. When did he turn into such as dandy? Goodness! He did not recognise himself! Yet, the thought of Charlotte approving of his attire for the day gave him butterflies in his stomach. Thus, he opted for his best coral blue waistcoat in the hopes that she would like him wearing it.
His bath was ready in no time at all. He steeped his body in the steaming hot bath water allowing it to relax his stiff muscles. He was now at liberty to let his thoughts roam free and plan his day. His practical sense ventured forth. His appointment with Mr Stringer was due today in the afternoon as the workers were to get paid. He really looked forward to seeing the new designs. Should he ask Lady Susan and Dr Levinson go with him? Yes, thought he to himself. That would be wise. They could discuss their plans with Mr Stringer and then get the ball rolling on the building of their apartments.
What else did he need to do today? First and foremost was to spend time with Charlotte and talk about wedding plans. Then, speak to Dr Levinson about Diana? He would speak with the gentleman and get him to visit the Parker brothers at Trafalgar House. Clever idea, Sidney!
Now, what else was there? He could kick himself for forgetting. Charlotte wedding dress fabric! It was still in his room. He had to make sure to get it delivered to her parents' hotel room. He dearly hoped that she would like it. He was no expert in fabrics, but it was truly lovely even for his taste. He was certain that seeing it on her made up as a dress for their wedding day would be exquisite! He was certain that it would complement her creamy tanned skin perfectly. He then grinned on the anticipated delight to peel it off her on their wedding night!
He counted the items that he had already thought of with his fingers. That was it! Tea at Trafalgar House at 15.00 to meet Tom's childhood friend. He was very curious what he would be like. In all his days of knowing his eldest brother, he had never known him to admit to the existence of any friends at all. All would be revealed soon enough. He need not fret. He would bring Charlotte with him to meet the newcomers. He was more than certain that she would make them feel welcome if his brother decided to commit any social faux pas as was his norm!
He felt the water going cold and his fingers going all soggy. He got up, dried himself and got dressed. When he was presentable enough, he rang for the footman asking him to take Charlotte's fabrics to the Heywoods' room. He eventually made his way down to the breakfast room whistling a happy tune under his breath which made the lady at the hotel reception smile a secret smile on how falling in love had changed one of their grumpiest guests to a lovesick pup.
It did not take him long to get there. Within a few minutes he stood in at the entrance of the said room. He stood still to admire the scene in front of him. The room was full of the whole Heywood clan, Georgiana, Mr Wentworth, Miss Elliott, Mr Stringer, Dr Levinson, Mr Thompson his siblings and nephews as well as a gentleman whom he did not know. He could not for the life of him understand how his future mother-in-law managed to get everyone under one roof in such short notice. Well, if she managed this small miracle, what would she manage once the real wedding preparations began! One is supposed to dislike their in-laws, but Sidney had the sneaky suspicion that he would get on with them like a house on fire.
There were four different tables with assigned seats for everybody that took over the whole room. He thought how thoroughly the whole hotel has been invaded by this delightful future family of his. Just the thought that he would enjoy many such happy gatherings for years to come made him want to skip around like a jubilant five-year-old boy. He naturally refrained from doing that lest the rest of the party thought that he had lost his marbles altogether! The thought though did put him in an even better mood if at all possible.
Nobody noticed him for a couple of minutes until Charlotte felt his presence in the room. She excused herself from the conversation she was having with her sister Mary and went to join him. Her eyes danced with mischief when she exclaimed in a low voice when she reached him: 'Why, Sidney my love, are you surveying your domain? Won't you join us for breakfast?'
He could only grin widely at her and offer his arm to escort her to the table unaware of the occupants' happy expressions on seeing them both so incredibly happy. Even Mr Nash guessed this was the elusive and most consequential Parker sibling he was yet to meet.
He could tell by the way Miss Charlotte was looking at this Parker brother that they were head over heels in love with each other. It was as if a glow of happiness and contentment surrounded them like a halo as they approached the table transferring feelings of warmth and contentment to everyone's breasts. He himself had not felt that content for a long while and that made him very happy indeed.
Mr Nash got his wish for an introduction to the gentleman as soon as Charlotte approached the table. Mr Nash was thoroughly impressed by this young man. He seemed down-to-earth and sensible unlike his other siblings. The great architect thought that this would be a remarkably interesting breakfast, indeed!
Lady Susan and Mrs Heywood exchanged a happy conspiratorial grin thinking of the fun that they had had planning this seating plan together and flurry of activity that took place hours before the anyone else had woken up. Mrs Heywood got up three hours before anyone else and went to Susan's room to wake her up. She relayed everything that had taken place the day before. Then they started planning for real! They sent servants to Mr Springer and the rest of the Parker family, Mr Thompson, Mr Nash, and Dr Levinson to attend the breakfast without fail.
They did make sure to ask Mr Springer to bring all the architectural plans for Sanditon with him. Might as well kill two birds with one stone and hold the meeting at the hotel. This way Mr Nash could take part and both Susan and Dr Levinson could discuss their ideas with the upcoming gentleman. Why not? Susan was sure that the change of location would not matter to Sidney in the slightest since he could have Charlotte with him during the meeting. Mr Stringer would want to impress Alison with his skills, would he not? It would be like killing two birds with one stone.
Both ladies wanted Sidney to speak to Frederick more and Mr Nash to Mr Springer who incidentally had Alison seated on his other side. Everybody was seated in strategic places. The ladies were keen to encourage Arthur and Emily's, Mr Stringer and Alison's as well as Diana and Dr Levinson's matches. What would another three weddings matter when two were already underway? Oh, the excitement of planning Charlotte's wedding! The two of them were in raptures about that! The plans they would make, the trousseau they would need to buy for her and so on. Never-ending delicious tasks that would lead to two happy souls being joined at last after all that sorrow!
The two matrons also wanted to check upon Mary and Tom Parker in case they needed to intervene. They were happily surprised when those two adults arrived at the hotel, and it seemed that they were more than happy to be in each other's presence. Therefore, seating them at the same table did not seem to such a bad idea after all.
They did take the precaution to sit Alicja and Georgiana next to Mary Parker to avoid any mishaps though. The adults would not dare start any trouble in front of her, indeed! Or at least so the two ladies hoped. They also noticed how much Alicja wanted to learn how to be an adult and how she tried to take part in conversations that were sometimes beyond her years. Thus, sitting her on the grownups table would also boost Alicja self-esteem which was no bad thing at all on top of everything else!
The rest of the children were not left to fret either. The two clever ladies sat them next to the child that they got on with the best. This way the adults were sure to enjoy a peaceful breakfast whilst the children would be perfectly entertained throughout the meal.
The planning was indeed meticulous. Lady Susan planned for the breakfast to last for at least two hours, then the discussion with Mr Stringer for another two which left plenty of time for the workers to get paid at 12.00 in the afternoon. They would need to find a way of keeping Tom Parker away from that meeting.
All the players of the drama were finally in place on the two matrons' chess board. Mr Heywood asked everyone to sit down on their assigned seats. The affianced couples, Frederick, and Anne as well as Sidney and Charlotte grinned happily at each other when they saw they could sit next to each other. Sidney and Frederick also understood judging from their fiancée's hopeful looks at them that they would have to get to know each other as per their ladies wishes. Each gentleman took it in good humour, and they nodded to each other in agreement which caused each lady to grin widely at both men and then at each other. If only they could please them so easily every time!
The unacknowledged couples were also delighted with the seating plans. Arthur was more than content to have been seated opposite Emily. He grinned happily at her which caused the lady to give him a shy smile and unintentionally show off a set of beautifully flashed red cheeks. Emily's parents certainly did not miss their daughter's reaction. They now knew that they may be gaining another son-in-law soon.
Another couple was equally thrilled to be seated next to each other. Mr Springer and Alison noticed the seating plan and exchanged a smile. Mr Springer, ever the gentleman, helped Alison to her chair and then sat himself down next to her.
The other courting couple, Diana and Dr Levinson were equally happy to be seated so close. Dr Levinson had decided long ago that any opportunity to be spend time with Miss Parker was a godsend and he would view it as such. Diana, from her end, was happy to spend more time with the gentleman whom she genuinely wanted to get to know better.
Mr Tom Parker was in unusually good spirits as well. Not only was he seated near his wife and daughter Alicja, but the hosts put Mr Thompson next to him. He so wanted to speak to the gentleman that this seating arrangement fitted his plans perfectly.
Georgiana was happy to have been invited. Yet, she was a bit disgruntled that she could not sit near Charlotte and Alison. However, she understood the reasoning behind the seating plan and put her disappointment aside. She liked Mary Parker and Alicja. She would have to be content in spending some time with them instead.
The children took no time at all to sit next to their favourite person. An excited but subdued chatter for great plans for their day pervaded the room. On the one hand, the nursery nurse from the Parker house reigned supreme at the first table helping their children with their breakfast and helping each child's conversations along when she deemed it necessary. Not that she needed to do that much. The children paid her no mind- so absorbed were they in their discussions. On the other hand, the nursery nurse from the Heywood household was seated the four remaining Heywood children.
Mr Nash surveyed the seating plan and whispered in awe in Lady Susan's ear. 'My lady, your talents are wasted on civilian life. You could work for the military department in our government with your excellent planning skills.'
The lady merely smirked at him and gave him a slight smile, but she did not respond to his comment no matter how much she secretly agreed with him knowing full well that those men's left hand did not know what their right hand was doing.
When the Heywood parents saw that everyone had made themselves comfortable with their seating partner, Mrs Heywood nodded at her husband. At this cue, he got up, tinkled the knife on the crystal glass which made everyone's attention focus on him.
He then smiled widely and declared, 'Friends and family, thank you for joining us for breakfast on this beautiful Sunday morning. It was so good of you to attend despite the short notice. Mrs Heywood and I have an announcement to make. We have the pleasure to announce the engagement of our daughter Charlotte to Mr Sidney Parker. Welcome to the family, Sidney!'
Neither Charlotte nor Sidney expected this public announcement of their betrothal. Charlotte smiled shyly and rolled her eyes at her mother, who gave her daughter a bright smile and a wink. Thus, their cheeks were bright red, and they did not know where to look.
The reaction in the room was explosive! There was a constant stream of congratulations. The adults on their table wished them happy, Georgiana jumped from her seat and hugged both her guardian and her friend as tightly as she could in her excitement of this piece of news. Alison repeated that right after Georgiana's outpouring. The rest of Charlotte's siblings virtually ejected themselves from their seats to congratulate the couple.
The Parker family, despite knowing of the engagement, also wished the couple happy. Mary had to wipe a tear from her eye seeing her brother-in-law finally find happiness with the woman he adored. Dr Levinson and Mr Thompson passed on their wishes. Both gentlemen, but especially Mr Thompson, could not be happier for Sidney Parker's wedding prospects. He fervently hoped that this bout of happy news would bring more happy news on the way of the Parker family. He thought that their parents would have been proud of the sons and daughter had they been alive.
Throughout the commotion, Charlotte slipped away and went to hug her parents. She was too touched by their gesture to say much, but her glazed eyes told them enough.
Everyone eventually went back to their seats to enjoy their breakfast. Frederick and Sidney had their chance to pick up on that long-overdue conversation whilst Anne spoke to Mrs Heywood and Charlotte to Lady Susan and Mr Nash.
Sidney faltered only for a moment before saying, 'Mr Wentworth, I owe you a most sincere apology. I have not welcomed you as I should have done in Sanditon.'
Frederick gazed at his future cousin and smiled widely, 'No apology is needed, Mr Parker. No offence was taken. We simply have not had the chance to get acquainted, have we? But, sir, why do not you call me Frederick. We are to be cousins after all.'
Sidney smiled widely and offered, 'Only if you call me Sidney.' For said comment he felt Charlotte small soft hand squeeze his for a moment. He felt her approval of his words just by the touch of her hand. He naturally squeezed hers back and intertwined his fingers with hers.
The two gentlemen then proceeded in exchanging views about travel and Antigua. They discovered so many places they had both travelled to that the whole table was thoroughly entertained with sea adventures and tales from strange lands. Anne and Charlotte exchanged triumphant looks feeling chaffed to bits with their success. They knew that there would be no further awkward moments in the future. Neither lady alerted their respective fiancés about this, though. Some things should remain between women, and they should not be shared with men. This little triumph was indeed theirs and theirs alone.
In the meantime, Lady Susan and Mr Nash marvelled at how the two ladies managed to get Sidney and Frederick get so comfortable in each other's presence so fast. She was excessively proud of both young ladies and Mr Nash wondered yet again how those two gems had escaped the ton. The famous architect could only admire from afar.
Throughout all this silent commotion Alison and Mr Stringer were conversing quietly with each other under the direct supervision of Mrs Heywood. Mr Stringer felt awkward at first as he knew that he had to put his best leg forward in front of Alison's mother. They talked about how they spent their days and Alison expressed her interest on how he was getting on with the Sanditon sketches. Mr Stringer was elated to exclaim that they were complete and that he brought them with him to show to Mr Sidney Parker as he had requested.
This discussion about architectural plans was certainly picked up by Mr Nash as Lady Susan secretly hoped it would have done. The said architect waited until Mr Springer finished what he was saying to Alison and then asked Mr Stringer whether he would mind if, Mr Nash, were present at the unveiling of the architectural plans. The young man was really over the moon at the famous architect's request and politely said that it would very much depend upon Mr Sidney Parker and his wishes on this matter.
Mr Nash was on fire to see those plans. Therefore, when he saw a break in the conversation between Sidney and Frederick virtually pleaded with Sidney to be present at the meeting. Sidney looked befuddled at that request. However, he took the precaution to look at Lady Susan who winked at him and nodded smilingly. He nodded his assent to Mr Nash's complete satisfaction and Mr Stringer's ultimate delight. All this play of pretence made an already flushed Alison even more attractive to him than normal.
Her mother picked up on her daughter's red cheeks and wondered to herself how long it would take for her young man to come to the point. She knew that it would not be long at all providing Mr Nash liked what he saw of Mr Springer's work. He gave her husband a look of triumph that made him scowl at first and shrug his shoulders in a defeated manner at her. She only grinned wider at him at that!
Mr Heywood had other worries from his end of the table. He kept a close eye at their daughter Emily and Mr Arthur Parker. He could see Emily reciprocating the gentleman's attentions and the gentleman himself was certainly showering them on her with no hesitation. Both young people had a common love of good food, so they conversed fluently about the Heywood farm and their favourite foodstuff. All topics were within the right propriety levels. Yet, Mr Heywood could feel that he would lose two other daughters to the charms of Sanditon's gentlemen soon.
The conversation was a bit more subdued at the second table where the other adults and Alicja were sitting. Diana and Dr Levinson were completely absorbed in their discussion about the benefits of exercise and what he planned for his patients to do in Sanditon once his surgery had been opened. Mary noticed their intense conversation and dutifully kept Georgiana and Alicja entertained. She also knew that Tom needed to speak to Mr Thompson and wanted to give her husband the space to do that.
Tom was nervous. Yet, he found the courage to address their family lawyer asking whether he would consent to meeting with him sometime today about his allowance and some other questions that Tom needed answers for. Mr Thompson look at the eldest Parker brother critically for a long moment before tentatively accepting his request. The family lawyer did not trust this Parker sibling one inch. However, he accepted if only to satisfy his very keen curiosity on the matter. Tom heaved a sigh of relief and thank him profusely.
Ther breakfast went on for two hours until the maids started drifting in to collect the empty dishes to prepare the breakfast room for the remaining hotel guests. Lady Susan invited Mr Nash, Sidney, Charlotte, Mr Springer, Alison and Dr Levinson to join her at her private sitting room. Before she made the request, she made sure to inform Mrs Parker to keep her husband busy for the next three hours at all costs. Mary understood perfectly and drifted off to her husband to achieve her mission.
Mrs Heywood was fulfilling the second part of her bargain as previously arranged with Lady Susan. She knew that the children needed to burn off their excess energy before their afternoon nap otherwise the adults would have no peace this evening. She suggested that Frederick, Anne, Diana, Mary, Tom, Alison, Mr Thompson and Arthur as well as herself and her husband to accompany the children to the beach for an impromptu picnic. This suggestion was met with glee by the younger Heywoods and Parkers who were rushed to the nursery by the nursery nurses. Thus, amazingly in only 20 mins the whole Heywood and Parker brood of children were merrily being accompanied to the beach and another beach adventure with the adults keeping them busy with activities and tasty snacks when it was deemed necessary.
The gentlemen in Lady Susan's party were stunned at the efficiency of all the proceedings and watched Mrs Heywood in awe. Mr Nash voiced all the men's thoughts to Charlotte, 'Miss Heywood, you have the most incredible mother'. Charlotte smiled knowingly at the gentleman and only said, 'I know, Mr Nash. We are very lucky, indeed.'
Lady Susan led them to her private sitting room and ordered some refreshments to be served there on the way to the room. Sidney took the chance to sneak a cheeky kiss onto Charlotte's cheek before entering. She gave him a huge grin in return.
Once in the sitting room, Lady Susan invited them all to make themselves comfortable whilst they were waiting for the refreshments to reach them. At that moment the maid knocked on the door, deposited the refreshments on the coffee table, bobbed a curtsey and left the room as unobtrusively as she had come in.
Lady Susan served them all tea and asked Mr Springer to set his designs on the large table at the edge of the room. Alison could see that he was nervous. She gave him an encouraging smile who made Mr Springer jump up and head towards the table. Alison felt like giggling like a schoolgirl. Her love interest looked like a scared rabbit, indeed!
Mr Springer was in his element once he got over his nervousness. He became the centre of attention in the room whilst he was explaining each part of his plan. His face flushed red in pure exhilaration in being given the chance to realise this long-standing dream to build something of his own. None of his small audience failed to notice that and they hang from his every word. They even moved nearer the table with the drawings to command a better view of them.
The aspiring architect's speech ended, and he could not help looking earnestly at the response from his audience. He found them earnestly surveying the plans. Mr Nash was the first one to speak out. 'Mr Springer, those plans are simply stupendous! Where have you trained?'
The young man's face crumpled slightly, 'I have not, sir. They are my own drawings.'
Mr Nash could not believe his ears. His own drawings? That was just too marvellous. The great architect asked again incredulously, 'Your own? Truly?'
Mr Springer was confused and indignant. He had a high opinion of this great man, but he could not tolerate to have his word doubted. 'Of course, they are sir. Why would they not be?'
Lady Susan sensed the danger knowing how Mr Nash got when he got excited about a new prospect in his architectural work. Mr Springer did not know that, and she desperately wanted to avoid Mr Springer angering this specific architect. She decided to intervene by explaining 'Mr Springer, Mr Nash merely meant or at least wanted to say that he admired your drawings.'
Mr Springer nodded and said nothing more not knowing whether to believe people from higher ranks than him. Mr Nash snapped out of his reverie and supported Lady Susan's declaration, 'Mr Springer, do accept my most sincere apologies. My surprise on how wonderful your drawings were, was not because I doubted your abilities. I simply marvel on how good you are at what you do, sir. You have not been trained and yet these are drawings that I would expect to see from a fully-fledged architect. Imagine what you could do if you were fully trained! It is a compliment to you. So much so that I would like to offer you the position of my assistant straight away. I initially thought to offer you an apprenticeship to help you learn, but after seeing your work first-hand, nothing but the assistant's position would do. What do you say? Full pay of £60 per year and a house in London? Starting say in the New Year? Would you like to join me in London and train under my guidance?'
The whole room went eerily quiet waiting for Mr Springer's answer. The young aspiring architect felt that all his Christmases came up in one go and all the eyes were directed at him. This was a once-a-life opportunity. He so wanted to take it. He could offer for Alison if she would have him. They could live in London together. Oh, the opportunities that might come his way! To train with Mr Nash of all people! The architect of the Regent himself!
He finally managed to stammer, 'I...would be … delighted to ...accept … your kind offer, Mr Nash'. Mr Nash puffed up like a peacock in full bloom. He shook the young man's hand vigorously and sealed the deal.
'Marvellous, my boy! I am vastly pleased! I will get Mr Thompson to draft an agreement for you to sign. In the meantime, I see no reason why your training cannot start in Sanditon whilst we repair the damage in the buildings here. I will stay for the rest of the summer to help you as well seeing that I have no other plans in town at present. What do you say?'
Mr Springer was delighted with this offer and grinned widely, 'Mr Nash that would be so good of you. I could do with the extra help.' He could not help himself. The moment he uttered those words he looked straight at Alison. Her eyes were brimming with emotion and pride for him. His next thought before the congratulations started streaming in from the rest of the group was that he would ask her father to court her or even marry her before the day was out.
Alison was so proud of her love. He had done it! She was feeling emotional and unsure of herself. What now? Would he leave and not offer for her? Would he leave her be now that his wishes have become a reality? She sat down heavily on her chair and sipped at her cold tea.
Her change of attitude was noticed. Mr Stringer worried about it, but he could not be rude to his benefactor. He had no choice but to turn his attention to Mr Nash discussing the plans and any further changed that could be made. He could not even be honest with her as it would be a huge breach of propriety at this stage.
However, the rest of the room did not have that problem. Lady Susan, Sidney and Charlotte exchanged a look when a plan of action formed with no words. They nodded at each other and the operation 'Alison' began. Dr Levinson was still a bit at a loss. Yet, he caught up once Lady Susan looked between Mr Stringer and Alison. He understood then, as well. Mr Nash was of course oblivious to this silent decision making. He was a very happy man. He could pass on his knowledge to a worthy man at last!
Charlotte went to her sister, took her cup away from her, refilled it and gave it back to a stunned Alison. Alison looked at her eldest sister with blurry and confused eyes to which Charlotte smiled and squeezed Alison's hand in support. Alison nodded and asked for a lavender biscuit with her tea. Charlotte knew then that her sister had recovered her good mood. She smirked and offered one to her younger sister. The whole Heywood family knew that Alison was well when she asked for lavender biscuits with her tea. The two sisters chatted amicably.
In the meantime, the rest of group was divided. Lady Susan joined Mr Nash's and Mr Stringer's discussions which gave Dr Levinson to approach Sidney. Sidney asked the gentleman to sit down and looked up at him expectantly. Dr Levinson was not afraid of much, but this Parker brother made him very nervous. The good doctor knew that he had Sidney's full attention- it was a terrifying prospect!
His Adam's apple bobbed up and down, his mouth went dry. Yet, he still managed to say in a subdued voice, 'Mr Parker, I would like to ask permission to court your sister, Diana. She is an extraordinary young lady whom I would dearly like to get to know better. I have asked her and she has agreed. Yet, she felt better if I asked one of her brothers for permission.'
Sidney surprised the doctor when he gave him a wide smile and the most welcoming response, 'Yes, Dr Levinson, she did mention your offer of courtship during our family dinner yesterday. We wholeheartedly approve of it. All in all, I could not say no. You saved my Charlotte. I owe you more than you could ever know.'
Dr Levinson demurred at the praise, 'Thank you sir. I will treat your sister well. As for Miss Charlotte's recovery, I could only do so much. I believe that you underestimate yourself. She would not have woken up for no-one but you.'
Those three interactions sealed the directions things were going to take. The atmosphere in the room became less heavy all in one go. Sidney explained his plan about the workers to Mr Stringer. Lady Susan outlined their plans for their apartments to Mr Nash and Mr Stringer. Charlotte and Alison acted out as scribes and took notes as the discussions on measurements, number of rooms and other points went on.
When those two apartments had been discussed, Mr Nash added the request for an apartment of his own which pleased Mr Stringer no end as this benefactor said that he would spend the summers in Sanditon for the foreseeable future and Sidney as well.
It was then the turn of Sidney and Charlotte who asked for hill-view house to be built by the end of September. Alison took the notes this time as Sidney and Charlotte expanded upon what they wanted in their future home. She looked at how happy her eldest sister was, and she was delighted on her behalf. She could not resist taking a peek at Mr Stringer who smiled back at her giving her butterflies in her stomach. Could it be that Charlotte was right after all? She would wait and see how he reacted.
The discussion about Sidney and Charlotte's home were concluded when the smiles between Mr Springer and Alison were noticed by the rest of group who exchanged a look of understanding. They were to give Mr Springer some relative privacy to declare himself.
Lady Susan, ever the romantic, put a plan together on the spot. She exclaimed the sudden wish to order refreshments, gave a pointed look to Mr Nash, who in return gave her a smirk, and off they both went to find the maid. Dr Levinson catching up with the plan thanked Mr Springer for his assistance concerning his home/surgery and asking to meet him later on this week for further discussions. Both gentlemen shook hands and Dr Levinson departed to search for Diana. All this talk of weddings and romance made her miss her even more.
Sidney and Charlotte asked both Alison and Mr Stringer to excuse them as they had some wedding discussions to conduct. Charlotte whispered in her sister's ear that they would be in their parent's sitting room should she need her. Alison looked nervous. Yet, she understood exactly what all their friends were doing. Mr Stringer understood all too well as well and was immensely grateful.
Thus, in just a matter of 5 minutes, Alison and Mr Stringer were by themselves in Lady Susan's sitting room. You could cut the tension with the knife if there was one to be found! Mr Stringer could feel his heart jumping out of his chest- this was how nervous he was to declare himself. Alison cheeks went bright pink and she looked at her hands on her lap waiting for him to make a move. She gave him sly glances under her averted eyes and waited some more.
In the end, Mr Springer kneeled in front of her and articulated in a hoarse voice, 'Miss Alison, I can no longer conceal my feelings for you. I have fallen head over heels for you from the moment I saw you. Do I have any chance to gain your affection? The only things I can offer you now is my profound devotion to making you the happiest woman I know and the promise of success in my career with Mr Nash's help. Would that be enough for you to accept my hand in marriage? Will you, my darling Alison, let me love you, accept me as your equal and your husband in this life?'
Alison was speechless and her ability to speak was momentarily lost. Her heart was beating like a drum, her ears buzzed, and tears escaped her eyelids cursing slowing down her cheeks. He wiped them with his thumb, picked up one of her hands to kiss it tenderly and asked again, 'Will you, my darling?'
Alison could still not speak due to the overwhelming feeling of happiness that engulfed her. She could only nod emphatically and whisper softly, 'Yes! I love you, too. I will marry you!'
James Stringer was the happiest man on earth at her declaration and the widest smile showed on his face. He gently took her hands, hugged her to him and gave her a soft kiss on her ruby red lips. Alison sighed happily and rested her head on his wide chest whilst he kissed the top of her head whispering endearments in her ear. He asked her whether he could speak to her father to which question she consented enthusiastically and took his breath away by taking the initiative to kiss him anew. Mr Springer knew at that moment that he was for ever lost to his love and took the chance to deepen the kiss to Alison's joy.
In the meantime, Sidney and Charlotte were in her parent's sitting enjoying their own share of kisses. He had wanted to get her alone ever since he woke up and this blessed chance in leaving Alison and James Springer alone was a godsend. He lost no chance in pinning her on the closed sitting room door and claiming her lips to which attack Charlotte responded with equal passion. Each of them could not get enough of each other. Deep kisses followed consequent ones, their hands roaming on each other bodies with the need to feel each other. It was difficult to stop. Yet somehow their kisses slowed down knowing that they did not have too much time before anybody interrupted them.
Sidney rested his forehead on Charlotte's whilst they attempted to catch their breath. He could only exclaim, 'I missed you so, my Charlotte! We have to marry soon otherwise I shall go mad!'
Charlotte chuckled aloud, 'You are not the only one who was doing the missing. I missed you dreadfully as well. I agree wholeheartedly to an extremely short engagement, my prince.' He grinned at her and moved to sit down with her on his lap on the nearest chair. She cuddled him close and truly no words need to have been spoken between them. They enjoyed each other's warmth and company to the full.
Sidney was so tempted to continue kissing her, but he stopped himself as he saw her wedding trousseau box at the corner of the room. He moved her on his lap a bit and whispered in her ear, 'I have a surprise for you, my love, come!'.
He bid her to get up from his lap, took her hand and led her to the box without a word. Charlotte looked at his face scrunching her face in confusion. Sidney chuckled, kissed her forehead and simply nodded with his head towards the box again.
Charlotte knelt gingerly before it and opened the heavy lid not knowing what she anticipated to find there. However, once she did get a glimpse of the cream satin and lace fabrics, her eyes were wide in disbelief! She was sure that those were the most exquisitely-looking, soft-like-feather fabrics she had ever seen in her whole life!
She got up and looked at her betrothed in surprise. She opened her mouth to speak, closed it like a fish out of water and finally uttered in disbelief, 'Those beautiful fabrics... are they... for me?'
Sidney's only response was a deep kiss full of longing and love. She clung to him with all her might willing herself to take this action as his answer. When they had to separate to catch their breath, he said, 'Those fabrics are your wedding trousseau, my beautiful love. I asked my partners in the West Indies to send them to me for you. You will be the most beautiful bride the world has seen in three weeks' time!'
Charlotte's excitement took over and she literally jumped on him, He picked her up effortlessly and twirled her around the room that was currently filled with giggles from her and a wholesome laugh from him. He knelt with her in front of the box and showed her what was actually in it. There were yards and yards of creamy silky fabric, endless yards of beautiful, handcrafted lace, lighter materials for other frocks and a blue gold-rimmed box.
He took the box and gave it to her. He said, 'I would be honoured if you wore those on our wedding day, my Charlotte. I commissioned them in London especially for you.' She took the box from him, gave him a supremely blinding smile and opened it.
She found in there a beautiful set of coral blue necklace and earrings. She closed the box and hugged him tightly whispering in his ear that she loved his present and she would accede to his request. They stood there together hugging as if the rest of the world had melted away and they were the only ones left until they heard some commotion from some other hotel guests outside the room.
This interruption made them come back to the reality that they had left Alison and Mr Stringer by themselves long enough. Sidney put the blue jewellery set in the trousseau box and guided Charlotte downstairs. They entered Lady Susan's sitting room finding two very happy love birds.
Alison ran to her sister and started talking non-stop. A fact that Charlotte knew was a result of great excitement from her sister's part, but both men looked at her in wonder. Charlotte simply hugged her sister and smiled at the two of them making them understand that this was perfectly normal behaviour for Alison. Sidney congratulated Mr Springer who shook his former opponent's hand in genuine delight.
It was just then that the whole Heywood clan, Lady Susan, Mr Nash, the rest of the Parker family, Georgina, Dr Levinson, Mr Thompson and an unknown man with two ladies entered the room. Frederick and Anne had already retired to their own rooms to rest.
Alison spotted her mother and father giving Mr Stringer a meaningful look which he could not fail as to understand. He went straight up to his future father-in-law and asked for a private audience with him. Mr Heywood guided the young man towards Heywood sitting room where the anticipated conversation that would cost him his second-born daughter would take place.
Mrs Heywood could not follow her husband as Alison left her sister's embrace and continued her exulted raptures of excitement with her mother instead. She took her daughter to the settee on the other side of the room and let Alison tell her all about it. Alison complied willingly and talked her mother's ear out.
This division of the party gave the chance to the rest of the group to meet the newcomers. They were introduced to them by an enthusiastic Tom as Mr Smith and his mother and sister. Tom explained that Mr Smith was the childhood friend with whom he was going to be apprentice under. Sometime passed until Mr Smith and his relations made pleasant commonplace conversation with the new people they had met.
It also gave Georgina the chance to catch up with Charlotte as she had meant to do so since breakfast. Georgina was excited telling her friend about their adventures at the beach and how well it had felt to spend a day with the Heywood family. It occurred to Georgina that this was the first family day she had spent with so many people since the death of her father. It was a thought that saddened her a bit and instinctively Charlotte squeezed her friend's hand to let her know that she understood.
Lady Susan seeing that Mrs Heywood was busy with Alison took the initiative to order a small repast for everyone. The whole room was filled to the extreme. The younger Heywood children took the respective Parker ones onto one side of the room being followed by the nurses to continue their games. Emily continued her discussion with Arthur as if the change of setting never took place. Mrs Smith and her daughter settled in quite nicely in getting to know the other ladies in present whilst the rest of the men wanted to get to know Mr Smith better.
This was even more the case for Sidney, who had to stop himself from giggling every time Charlotte raised her right eyebrow mocking his attempts to pick up gossip from Tom's childhood friend. Sidney concluded that Mr Smith may be a very sensible influence upon his excitable older brother. He took some time asking Mr Smith about the apprenticeship, how it would work and so on whilst they were enjoying their snacks. He was overall fairly satisfied with the whole thing.
Not more than 10 minutes or so later, Mr Heywood entered with a smiling Mr Stringer. As if on cue, Alison and Mrs Heywood approached when Mr Heywood proudly announced Alison's and Mr Stringer's engagement. Everybody was delighted with the news and congratulations flowed towards the newly betrothed couple.
This new engagement made Arthur and Emily feel an unexpected touch of unadmitted envy as they could not announce any such situation themselves. Arthur knew it was ridiculously soon to feel any feelings that deep so soon. Yet, he wished he could announce to the world that he wanted Miss Emily to someday become his wife not knowing that Emily had the same wish to marry him as well. They kept their unexpressed feelings hidden for the time being.
In no time at all it was nap time for the children. Mary suggested she take her children back to Trafalgar house for their nap, but Mrs Heywood would have none of that. She reminded Mary ever so gently that she was now family and family would stay together. Thus, all the younger children were taken in their respective rooms and their nurses prepared them for their naps. This left the adults and only the eldest Heywood children in the sitting room to continue their visit.