Relationships

Mary was in her private sitting room enjoying a moment of peace from her husband Tom. She had received some letters from various family members and wanted to enjoy reading them without interruptions. She had in fact locked the door and told the servants she was indisposed. Tom had already left the house as he took his daily tour of the town and surrounding area. He would stop at every shop and discuss the progress of Sanditon with anyone who was interested.

Her daughters had asked her many times to visit but Mary found it difficult to travel. She always worried Tom would take on a new investor or borrowing more money. Sidney's permanent settlement in the town had kept Tom in control but whenever he was away in London or travelling Tom would behave erratically.

'Dear Mama

I hope that you are well and was concerned when you commented in your last letter of being lonely. You must come and visit us. Charlotte particularly has been asking about you and has written her own letter which I enclose….'

Mary smiling as she thought about her grandchildren and held the letter Charlotte had written to her grandmama. Mary had been surprised when Jenny had named her first child Charlotte. Jenny confessing, she had named her daughter after Charlotte Heywood.

That name conjuring up bittersweet memories. It was the name of the young woman who had visited their family many years ago. Charlotte had become her friend and helped their family during the summer she stayed. The children had loved her and for years they would ask if Charlotte could visit them again. Mary had grieved the loss of Charlotte's friendship and often hoped to receive a letter. All the letters she had written to Charlotte's home in Willingdon had been returned unopened.

Mary was no fool and knew Sidney had formed an attachment to Charlotte. She had watched their connection grow and encouraged Charlotte to go on a walk with Sidney. She had never seen Sidney so gentle in his words when he shyly asked Charlotte if he could do anything for her. By the look of the pair hours later she suspected something had occurred and gave advice to Charlotte before they went to the midsummer ball.

BUT

It was not meant to be, and Sidney married Eliza. Tom never understanding the cost Sidney's married had been for everyone. She had been secretly satisfied when Sidney had punched Tom in the face when he wouldn't stop talking about Eliza. Eliza had been a difficult family member and Mary was thankful they had rarely saw each other. When Eliza had died suddenly all Mary could think about was Charlotte.

Mary wished their life had been different, but they now lived the consequences of their choices. She went back to reading Jenny's letter and resolved to finally visit them. Mary suddenly smiling as she recognised her youngest child's handwriting. Henry rarely wrote but James had kept in touch with her. In her mind travelling with him and pictured the places he visited.

She suddenly beamed as she read the sentence informing her, he was coming home… James was coming home!

Mary looked at the date on the letter wondering if he had already arrived in England. She was sad Henry was not coming but at least she would see James. He had promised to visit Sanditon and Mary would ask him to travel with her to visit the girls. With an energy she had not had for many years she called the servants. She needed to have James room cleaned and prepared for his visit. Her son was returning, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

"Mary! Mary! Where are you? I need you now!" cried an agitated Tom. Mary sighing and was forced to leave her sanctuary.

"Yes Tom"

"I received a letter from a Mr Steward Montrose today. He is interested in visiting our town and he might want to invest. It had been so long and finally we will be able to build the second terrace buildings I planned all those years ago that Sidney refused to fund" Tom's eyes blazing with fire. He spent hours gazing on his model, dreaming about the town. This Steward Montrose could be Tom's saviour and see his dreams come true.

Mary watching felt her heart sink. It meant she would have to host and put on a happy face. She was growing tired and there was no one to support her. She had promised when marrying Tom, she would remain by his side, but it was becoming more difficult.

"James has written and will be returning to England" Mary spoke deciding she needed to change the topic.

"Henry? I need him for the work of Sanditon" was Tom's only thought. Like his father Tom placed all importance on his oldest child.

"No! your oldest son is staying in America. Your other son has chosen to come home" Mary raising her voice. James had been her youngest and loved him dearly. It had broken her heart when he had taken off when he had only finished his schooling.

"Henry is the one I need as he will inherit everything. James will pull his weight by providing funding" confidently spoke Tom. He was surprised when Mary walked out of the room and refused to speak to him for the rest of the day.

While the home of the Parker's in Sanditon was silent it was a different case on the Montrose Estate.

It was the day before the wedding of Elizabeth and the Montrose family started the day of celebrations with a shooting competition. Everyone participated with the women being the most competitive. It was Charlotte and her two daughters, competing for the final prize. Everyone else had settled themselves in the various tents and watched the three women shoot.

James had settled himself with his Uncle as they watched the final round. The Montrose family proving their superior shooting skills. Sidney was unable to shoot as he was still recovering and instead watched his wife with open admiration.

"Besotted!" observed James with a smile.

"Yes, I am… completely under her power" Sidney speaking from the heart while watching Charlotte complete the round without any errors. James understanding since his Uncle had told him his history with Charlotte. Sidney telling him everything except the fact Sidney M was his son.

"I am sorry Uncle" reflected James

"I have Anne and found Charlotte again" Sidney speaking while his eyes wondered to where his son was seated with Babbington and Joy.

"I am no fool Uncle! Even with a beard I can see Sidney Montrose is your son" James spoke.

"James…" Sidney slowly spoke with a look of concern appearing on his face.

"Papa really knows how to destroy lives" reflected James as he smoked his cigarette. James had been saved by his close connection with his Uncle. Sidney had always listened to his ideas and supported him in his endeavours. James knew it must have cost his Uncle much to save the Parker family. He owed his life to his Uncle and now his Aunt Charlotte. Both sacrificing their love for the Parker family.

"I promise to keep this secret and will protect Sidney M as he is my family" James spoke and smiled when his Uncle placed his hand on his shoulder.

James's recounting his time away and the lessons he had learned. Sidney approving of his nephew's business ventures. Sidney in fact offering James a share in his trading company as he would be moving to Scotland. James agreeing instantly as he always wanted to work with his Uncle. The men agreeing on a financial settlement and shook hands to seal the deal.

James was watching little Cassie play with the Montrose twins. There was something familiar about the girl and wondered why she had become her Uncle's ward. His Uncle had sworn he would never take on another ward after his failure with Miss Lamb. Georgina Lamb still lived in Sanditon and was an extremely unhappy woman. It seemed she took great pleasure in tormenting his Uncle even though she had been financially independent for decades. Sidney informing James that Cassie was Henry's daughter.

No wonder the little girl looked familiar to James!

"It was the maid 'Bessie' I once heard him promise he would marry her, but it was a ploy to get her into bed" James confirming the information Sidney had gathered from the London housekeeper. Charlotte had suggested Cassie live with them on a permanent basis. The family had met Cassie and had instantly fallen in love with the little girl. Cassie squealing with delight after being told she would be staying with them.

"We need to go and get my doll" was the only request she made. Cassie happily saying goodbye to her carers before snuggling against Charlotte while they travelled back to the Montrose Estate.

Cassie had been playing with Flora Montrose and suddenly pulled the girl towards her Great Uncle Sidney. Cassie had been curious about this new man who was sitting with her Great Uncle and brought her friend Flora to give her courage. James giving her a cheeky grin and Cassie boldly moved forward.

"Hello, my name is Cassie McLouth" she held out her hand and smiled when he took it.

"My name is James Parker. It is a pleasure meeting you"

"This is my friend Flora Montrose" Cassie speaking on behalf of Flora who blushed as James took her hand.

"Miss Montrose and I have already met but it is a pleasure to meet you again Miss Montrose" James giving Cassie a wink that made the little girl giggle. Cassie looking at him closely and then looked at her Great Uncle. Everyone could see she was comparing the two and before she could ask.

"James is my nephew and is your father's brother. He is your Uncle James" Sidney who had never lied to the little girl watched as Cassie threw herself on James who engulfed her into an embrace. He leaned down and kissed the little girl on her forehead and held her until she wanted to be let go. Cassie in fact installed herself on his knee and placed her head on his shoulder. It didn't take long before she was sound asleep. Flora looking on in admiration at the way James had gently handled the little girl. She excused herself and went to sit with her sister Claire.

Sidney M arriving carrying his own nephew settled himself with his father and cousin James. Matthew loved his Uncle Sidney and while his parents had been shooting, he had been entertained by Sidney M. Sidney placing his hand on the head of Matthew and then his own son's shoulder. The men had forgiven each other for their earlier argument and promised each other they would work on their communication. Both not wanting to upset Charlotte or Joy again.

Sidney M and James recounting the events of the night and what they had learned about the movements of Steward Montrose. There had been a burnt letter in the fire grill and the only word they had seen was 'Sanditon'. Sidney's blood pressure increasing as he brother Tom was easily fooled especially if someone was interested in investing in Sanditon.

James had been thinking about this problem and now more so since he now knew Sidney M was his cousin. He suggested he travel to Sanditon after Elizabeth's wedding and keep an eye on his father. Sidney M had already sent down some men to Sanditon this morning and hoped they would arrive before the end of the day. They would keep an eye out for Steward and watch his movements. James's help was accepted, and everyone was not surprised when Angus asked to go with James. Anne was to travel with the Babbington's who were leaving the day after the wedding.

Sidney later that day took Angus aside and had a conversation he had not prepared himself for. Charlotte had spoken to him earlier and he knew the conversation had to be held before Elizabeth's wedding. They went to the study and each man poured themselves a drink.

Sidney waiting to hear what Angus had to say.

"Sir, I would like to ask Anne to be my wife but ask for your permission" Angus speaking plainly. Sidney taking a long drink while observing the man before him. Angus had proven great loyalty to his son and was a man of his words.

"Could I ask what your financial position is?" Sidney asked. Angus who had expected such a question had written everything down for Sidney to read. Angus not only had a large annual living but owned a number of estates and ownership of some highly successful businesses. Angus was much wealthier than Sidney and would comfortably support Anne without her dowery. He was now curious to know what the value of his own son's worth.

Sidney looking up and spoke…

"I am pleased to see you will be able to care for my daughter, but I want to know if you love her. Will you care for her and ensure that she is happy?"

"I love her and would do anything to keep her safe" Angus spoke with passion and Sidney could tell the man meant every word. Sidney accepting this and the men shook hands. Sidney watching Angus leave the room and knew he was going to find Anne.

Charlotte entering the room and Sidney placed his arms around her. He informed her that there would be another wedding and wouldn't be surprised if Anne would want to be married in Sanditon around the same time as their son. Charlotte reminding him they had connections to apply for a special licence.

"At least all our children will be married, and they found love!" seriously spoke Charlotte while resting her head on his chest.

"Yes, they found love and I finally got the same thing" Sidney leaning down to kiss his bride who made his world better.