1 + 1 = 2

After a number of hours James led his mother towards 'Trafalgar House'. On their walk he had been able to draw from his mother the problems she had faced with his father. Tom Parker had subjected his mother to extreme worry, and it was going to end now!

"Mama! You know he will not change, and you now need to think about your own health. You will return to London to live with me and finally visit your grandchildren." Firmly spoke James.

"What about your father?"

"He has servants, but my main concern is you" James spoke and suggested his mother start going through her belongings to determine what she wished to be transported to London. Mary's whole demeanour changed knowing James would protect her from his husband's pressures.

"Tell me about this Steward Montrose? Had he visited Sanditon?" James gently asked his mother. In their early conversation she had mentioned about this man writing to his father. Steward Montrose had indicated he was interested in investing and James knew his father would bend over backwards for money.

James contemplating how they could use this to finally catch Steward Montrose.

"Mama… he is a dangerous man, and you have to be careful" was all he told her before suggesting she begin looking through her belongings. He decided staying for dinner which pleased Mary and she happily left him in the study. James pouring himself a drink and waited for his father to appear. If wasn't long and Tom rushed in like a hurricane carrying papers and unopened mail.

"Ahh James! I have some plans I need to discuss with you. I am also needing some money as we are a little short this month and I really think you need to consider marriage. Anne is a good girl, and she loves Sanditon" Tom gushed as he threw the paperwork on the already disorganised desk and went to pour himself a drink.

Tom seemed to live in a constant state of agitation and James understood why his mother had developed a severe case of the nerves. James lighting a cigarette and thought about the situation… he needed to keep his father onside to help Sidney M with the Steward Montrose problem.

"Mama was telling me that you might have a potential investor?" he asked and smiled as his father took the bait. Tom Parker never stopped trying to sell Sanditon and it was his favourite topic.

"Yes! He is a Mr Steward Montrose! I wonder if he is related to the Earl of Montrose?" Tom going to pull out the letters he had received from the man. James taking them and read their contents. While he distracted his father with the Sanditon model James slipped the letters into his coat pocket. He got up and looked at his father's desk. He started organising the space and came across a letter that was from Steward Montrose.

'Mr Parker,

I was involved in a carriage accident between London and Sanditon. I am currently recovering from my injuries but hope to visit Sanditon soon.

Steward Montrose'

James understanding why the man had not shown his face in town. There was no postscript, and the location of Steward Montrose remained a mystery. His father was still fixated on his model and James also slipped this message into his pocket. Sidney M would be very interested in reading their correspondence.

'Now James! Are you able to spot me some money? Judging by your clothing you have done well for yourself… how about 3000 pounds?" Tom asking without batting an eye. James's holding a calm demeanour asked his father why he was not living within his means. Tom instantly getting agitated and confessed he had bought material to start the second terrace building in anticipation of the investment. James understanding how his Uncle Sidney felt and why the brothers no longer communicated with each other. Tom was expecting to use his second son as an open bank account. James had earned his fortune through wise business projects and investments. He was not going to lose it on his father's foolish dream.

"I am sorry Papa… my money is tied up in my business and investments. I have to plan for my own future and ensure I can maintain a family" he firmly spoke giving his father the signal that there was no room for any arguments. Tom giving him a displeased looked spoke without thinking.

"If you marry for money then you will not have to work as hard… also you could spend your money now! Anne would be a good choice… you know her dowery is $50 000. Imagine what we could do with that… we could build the town hall…" Tom drifting over to his model and lovingly touched the various buildings he always wanted to build.

James knowing he was on the edge of loosing his temper decided he would take his mother for dinner at the Babbington's. He left the room without his father noticing and arranged for the carriage to be ready in an hour. He also sent a message to the Babbington's requesting a room for his mother.

He went upstairs finding his mother already looking through her belongings and a luggage case with items already packed.

"Mama we are going to have dinner at the Babbington's and I have asked if you could stay the night" he smiled as she clapped her hands together and called her maid to help her pack.

They left within the hour and as they were heading up the main drive of the Babbington estate they passed a couple walking arm in arm. James knocking on the roof and the carriage stopped. He helped his mother out and Mary's face beamed as she recognised Sidney and Charlotte walking towards the carriage.

"Mary! It is so good to see you" cried Charlotte. James and Sidney watching on as two old friends were reunited.

"I have missed you and pleased for you both" the grief of the years flowing for Mary

"Mary! As I keep telling Sidney we must focus on what we have and not what we have lost. It is so good to see you again old friend but now I can call you sister!" smiled Charlotte as she placed her arm through Mary's and the women walked together towards the house with the Parker men following behind. They reached the main house being welcomed by Charles who informed Mary that a room had been prepare for her to stay. Mary feeling welcomed and was introduced to Charlotte's family who were in attendance.

"My youngest Elizabeth was married the other day, but you will meet them in a week's time as we have two weddings to celebrate" spoke Charlotte as she rocked to sleep her grandson, Matthew. Mary noticing Charlotte spoke with a soft Scottish accent and thankful Charlotte had had a happy first marriage. Mary congratulating Joy and Anne on their engagements smiling when she realised it was Charlotte's son who was marrying Joy.

Mary from time to time observed the Earl and her brother-in-law Sidney who happened to be speaking with each other. Babbington walked into the room and without thought called out his friend's name "Sidney" and the two Sidney's turned instantly.

Like when a child realised 1+ 1 = 2 Mary discovered …. Charlotte + Sidney = Sidney Montrose