Sanditon
Mary and Tom Parker were having their normal luncheon and it was obvious Tom was agitated. The mysterious Steward Montrose had not arrived or made himself known. Tom had been to the hotel but instead had run into Christopher Babbington and William Crowe.
"Mary… I have heard good news!" his eyes blazing from the information.
William and Christopher had arrived a number of days ago. Christopher had not really wanted to attend the wedding of Elizabeth and felt his energies were best served in Sanditon. They have spent the previous night in the Sanditon Hotel and had been caught by Tom Parker when exiting the establishment. Tom had bailed them up and discovered Joy Babbington was engaged. Tom instantly imagining key members of the ton descending on the town of Sanditon. Tom couldn't hide his excitement and didn't want to waste this opportunity. Mary deciding to ignore him, and it didn't take long before Tom had rushed out to visit the Babbington Estate.
James, Sidney and Angus swiftly followed the cliffs which would lead them towards the township of Sanditon. They had left London in the early hours as they wanted to arrive before everyone else. They had not heard any news about Steward Montrose and didn't want to take any chances.
The Babbington's were hosting the Montrose family which would allow them privacy and protection. Sidney M had already sent ahead men who would secure the Babbington grounds. Sidney M had left his two best men to act as bodyguards for his parents. He had ignored his father's look when he reminded his mother to carry her weapon while travelling. "You are lucky you have my mother for protection… she is a good shot!" teased Sidney M before getting on his horse. Angus Campbell's men would be providing protecting for everyone else as they travelled from London.
The remaining Montrose men travelled with Sidney M and their journey was non eventful. The good weather had given them an advantage and they arrived in record time. Sidney M and Angus couldn't deny the beauty of the south part of England but preferred their homeland. Sidney M might have English blood, but he was raised a Scot and would die as one.
James's chuckling at the pair who regularly spoke about their home and particular places of beauty. James had been surprised how easily he fell back into the language and he enjoyed the company of these men. He wished he had the same love for his place of birth but there had been other factors that had darken his memories of Sanditon.
The men drawing their weapons when they spotted a group of riders approach them. They relaxed once the riders were identified as Montrose men.
"My Uncle?" Sidney M asked and was pleased there had been no evidence of him in the area.
"My Lord… all is quiet" spoke Malcom one of Sidney M's men. They had been scouting the area and outlined their activities since arriving in Sanditon. James observing his cousin's intelligence and leadership. It was something his father and brother lacked.
They stopped their horses at the highest point where they could clearly see the town of Sanditon nestled between two large headlands. "Welcome to Sanditon" James spoke. He had not seen it for over 5 years and was not sure how he felt. He wondered what his mother was doing and whether she had received his letter. He needed to see his mother and asked if they wish to come with him or head towards 'Babbington House'.
Sidney M thought about this proposition and decided it might be wise to meet Mr Tom Parker. He preferred meeting challenges head on, and Sidney M wanted to be the one in control. He would not allow his parents happiness to be disturbed and needed to observe the man without his father present.
They followed James into town and it was not long before he saw his childhood home 'Trafalgar House'. James finding his mother in the morning room reading a book.
"Mama" he smiled when she looked up in surprise. She stood and quickly walked into his open arms. He tightened his grip around his mother and when she looked up, he could see tears in her eyes.
"James… I am so glad you have arrived… your father…" Mary softly spoke and felt as if everything would be well now that James was home. She suddenly turned to find two other gentlemen waiting at the entrance of the room. James introducing Sidney M and Angus to his mother who greeted them, but her eyes were only focused on her son.
Mary taking in the changes of James and observed he was the spitting image of her father. Mary ordering tea and invited the visitors to be seated. Sidney M liking his Aunt Mary but she appeared fragile. His was used to strong women and wondered how she would fare against his Aunt Janette.
"Mama… I met these men at the 'White Club' the first morning I arrived in England. It appears we share a common connection with the Earl" James smiling as his mother took another close look at the Earl.
"My Lord, I am unaware of our connection" Mary apologised
"You once hosted my mother when she was a young woman, and it was the first time she had ever left her home in Willingdon" smiled Sidney M.
It took time before Mary spoke….
"Your mother is Charlotte Heywood?" she asked while searching the face of this man for features of her old friend.
"Tha… yes. She always told me that Sanditon was a beautiful place, and it is a pleasure to meet you." he smiled warmly at his Aunt.
"My first grandchild was named after your mother" Mary wanting to share this piece of information with the Earl. Mary watching as a smile appeared on the Earl's face and just for a moment….. thought there was something familiar about this young man.
Her musings interrupted by the entrance of her husband….
"Mary! Mary! Where are you? yelled Tom as he threw his hat and coat at the servant. He walked into the room and curiously observed the new people in his home. They looked wealthy and his eyes took on a greedy sparkle. Hector had taught the boys how to identify men who were only out for their money…. Tom Parker was such a man. They narrowed their eyes and started observing the behaviour of Tom Parker. He would be a problem if Steward Montrose started offering money to invest and they could sense this man would sell his soul for money.
"Papa… it is good to see things have not changed in Sanditon" James spoke drily. Tom finally recognising his youngest son who appeared to have doubled in size and was now a man.
"Ahh James! Yes… How is Henry? Do you know when he is returning? " Tom urgently asked and then demanded his son introduce his friends. James seeing his father had not changed… only caring about his oldest son and precious town of Sanditon.
Tom's whole demeanour changing once he knew Sidney M was an Earl. He spent his time describing the key points of the town and asked if the Earl would like a tour. Sidney M firmly declined as they needed to settle into their accommodation. They bid Mary a good afternoon and left without informing Tom where they were staying. James kissing her mother goodbye as he couldn't stand being around his father.
Mary seething with anger as Tom had pushed away James and embarrassed her in front of Charlotte's son.
Tom's only response to Mary was…..
"It is good James is back. It seems he is bringing social connections that will help our projects. We should also encourage him to marry Anne as she has money, and it will help Sanditon"